American Idol 2025: Thunderstorm Artis makes an Adele song his own
American Idol Season 23 Live Shows continued Sunday night with country music star Miranda Lambert mentoring a night celebrating the Iconic Women of Music. Thunderstorm Artis was among the standout Top 10 contestants who nabbed a spot in the Top 8. (Read our Recap)
The singer songwriter, who previously competed on The Voice, picked “When We Were Young” by Adele for his song choice. Thunderstorm’s singing awed Miranda from the start of rehearsal. “When I hear the lyrics, ‘when we were young’, I think about myself in that moment,” Thunderstorm shared. The piano was the first instrument that he learned from his father. Miranda urged him to connect to the audience and open his eyes. “He has his own sound and his own style, and what I love about him, he’s not afraid to take it there.”
Thunderstorm began the performance with gorgeous phrasing. His unique tone shined against a simplistic piano and strings background. He has a way of making a song his own. His rendition of an Adele classic felt like it could be his own original. His piano playing proved that he is capable of pulling off a powerful ballad. It was a smart move, as his guitar playing week after week could get stagnant at times. He hit a lovely falsetto note towards the end. Thunderstorm may not have as much range as the original or show as much vocal prowess as some of the other competitors, but he is a compelling artist, and sometimes that’s what is most important in the music business.
Thunderstorm Artis advanced to the Top 8, but not without a dramatic moment
Lionel Richie said Thunderstorm knows, “that way of taking us down to a solid viewer’s point of view, where you can shrink it down to your voice, your sound, I’m so in love with what you just did.” Carrie Underwood loved his “juxtaposed voice” on that type of “sweet” song. Luke Bryan called it his “by far” favorite performance of Thunderstorm’s. The singer made it through to the top 8, but he had to sweat it out a bit. He was the last contestant declared safe as Kolbi Jordan and Canaan James Hill were sent home.
Thunderstorm wasn’t the only one who had a big moment. Gabby Samone once again had an emotional and big vocal on Beyoncé’s “I Was Here.” Breanna Nix was also back with a vocal that swung for the fences on “Water Under The Bridge,” hitting several impressive notes. A few of the other competitors had an off night, but often with these rounds where they have to prepare two songs in a week, one night turns out better than the other, so hopefully they redeem themselves on the Judges Song Contest night on Monday (May 5).
