American Idol 2022 winner Noah Thompson parts ways with 19/Recordings/BBR Music Group
American Idol season 20 winner Noah Thompson has reportedly been dropped by 19 Recordings/BBR Music Group. The country singer signed with the label after taking the Idol crown only two short years ago in 2022.
BBR Music still has Noah listed on their website, but that’s probably just an oversite. For his part, the singer has barely posted on social media except to wish his son a happy third birthday on Instagram. Recently, he posted a photo of himself on a Harley Davidson motorcycle with the caption, “When life brings you down, you buy a Harley.”
The source of the news, Heavy, received confirmation that Noah and the label parted ways. “Noah Thompson is no longer on our roster.” the outlet confirmed. Later, a rep for Noah told Heavy via email, “Noah is currently in a transition period in his career but rest assured he is working on some of the best music of his career and will have lots of exciting announcements soon.”
The runner-up that season, HunterGirl, is still on the label’s roster and will be releasing her debut EP Tennessee Girl later this month. It’s also worth noting that Noah is missing from this year’s CMA Fest “Idol Hour” 19 Recordings showcase with season 19 winner Chayce Beckham, HunterGirl, and season 21 alum Colin Stough and season 22 runner ups Jack Blocker and Will Moseley.” Along with HunterGirl, Chayce and Colin are also actively releasing new music. Chayce released a new single to country radio after his winners single “23” hit No 1 on country airplay. Colin dropped a new song ahead of a new EP in July.
A reluctant contestant
While Noah impressed the American Idol judges with his authentic country sound, and ability to convincingly flip pop songs like Rihanna’s “Stay,” he always seemed like a reluctant contestant. A construction worker from small-town Kentucky, co-raising a young son, it was his best friend Arthur who encouraged him and sent his audition tape to Idol producers.
As the competition progressed and Noah advanced from one round to the next, he appeared like a deer in the headlights, hardly able to believe his continued success on the show. Unlike Hunter, who was pursuing her dreams in Nashville, Noah had little experience in the music industry before Idol. And also, unlike Hunter, who spent years honing her songwriting skills and performing in front of crowds, Noah had limited writing and performing experience before taking the Idol stage. Hopefully he’s got a good team to support him as he strikes out on his own as an independent artist.
Fans feared for Noah’s well-being, “man you’re not looking healthy” said one
As Noah became scarce on social media, his fans began to worry about him. He posted a photo of himself with a new haircut on March 20, his first post since January. A worried fan, noticing a weight loss, wrote in comments, “Good to see you posting. Unfortunately it’s only been two months since your last post and for you to lose that kind of weight there is either something wrong health related or drug related. I have seen it in others in my family with the drugs. I pray that whichever it is you get the help you need to get healthy again. Not just for you but for that little boy of yours too! Remember you are his role model.”
Another fan wrote, “No hate here- love you Noah but man you’re not looking healthy. Please please stay on the right path friend.” And a third wrote, “Noah stay on the right track. You’re an awesome singer. Be wise in choices and don’t be influenced by your peers. God bless you! Hair looks nice!”
After American Idol wrapped up, Noah began recording new music, including his countrified Rihanna cover “Stay,” his Idol winners single, “One Day Tonight,” and a single, “Make You Rich.” Noah and HunterGirl also embarked on a co-headlining tour. The releases culminated with his debut EP, Middle of God Knows Where which dropped in the summer of 2023.
Noah toured, including appearing at the CMA Festival in Nashville.
