American Idol 2022 winner Noah Thompson releases his rendition of Rihanna’s smash hit “Stay.” Following his heartfelt performance of the song during both the show’s “Showstopper Round” and the finale, Noah knew he had to release the song that changed his entire trajectory on the show and gave him his ultimate breakout moment.
The singer went from being a construction worker in a Kentucky town with a population of only 2,852 people who never thought a music career could be a reality to winning American Idol.
Noah’s humility and “salt-of-the-earth” personality instantly connected with fans. Putting his rough-hewn Country vocals on the iconic R&B track “Stay,” the 20-year-old’s performance of the song has garnered over 1 million views on YouTube.
“I wasn’t all about it at first”
“I feel like my performance of ‘Stay’ was one of my bigger moments on the show, and after seeing the way fans reacted, I knew I wanted to put a Country version of the song out into the world,” Noah said in a press statement.
“Nobody expected a guy in work boots and a flannel to come out and sing a song like that,” Noah shared in a recent Taste of Country interview. “That was definitely one of my big moments on the show.”
His friend Arthur, who signed him up to audition, sent his “Stay” cover to American Idol producers, and they encouraged him to perform the song during the competition. “I wasn’t all about it at first,” he confessed. “But it turned out being a good thing.”
New music is coming later this year
Having released his debut song “One Day Tonight” during the show, the catchy, romantic track immediately shot to No. 1 on iTunes All Genres and Country charts and is still garnering on-demand streams, averaging nearly 1 million per week.
Currently, Noah is preparing to release new music later this year, as he’s writing songs and working with some Nashville’s sought after songwriters, along with producer Jimmy Robbins (Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, Mickey Guyton).
“From the second you meet Noah, you’re rooting for him,” said Robbins, who has penned 10 No. 1 singles. “Not only is he incredibly talented, but he’s one of the most genuine people I’ve worked with. When he steps up to the mic in the studio, it feels like he’s been doing this for years. I can’t wait to see what’s next for him.”
“Stay” is released through 19 Recordings and BBR’s Wheelhouse imprint, which is the same label season 19 winner Chayce Beckham is signed.
Watch the “Stay” visualizer below
On Thursday July 28 and Friday July 29, Noah is playing two label showcases in Nashville alongside his fellow 19 Recordings artists, including Chayce Beckham, HunterGirl, Fritz Hagar, Allegra Miles, Grace Leer, Laci Kaye Booth, Dillon James, Francisco Martin and Casey Bishop. Check out his official website HERE.
