'American Idol’: Country singer Noah Thompson surprises with Rihanna song, bags Top 24 spot

Noah Thompson performed the R&B song in front of the judges and live audience during episode nine of the singing reality show
Noah Thompson on 'American Idol' season 20 (Photo by ABC)
Noah Thompson on 'American Idol' season 20 (Photo by ABC)

Noah Thompson, a 19-year-old country singer for Kentucky, surprised the judges of ‘American Idol’ season 20 after he decided to perform his rendition of ‘Stay' — a hit R&B single by Rihanna. Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie liked the idea of how the teen country singer stepped out of his comfort zone by opting for a different genre.
 
Noah Thompson performed the song in front of the trio and live audience in episode nine called ‘Showstopper’. The latest episode aired on Monday, April 4, 2022, saw the young crooner trying to grab a seat in the Top 24 which he later successfully did. Noah serenaded the judges as he seamlessly toyed with the notes but unfortunately could not impress the Internet. Many on Twitter felt Noah did not deserve a place in the top 24.
 
RELATED ARTICLES
'American Idol’: Betty Maxwell fails to crack Top 24, fans say judges ‘got it so wrong’

'American Idol': Jay Copeland pranked before Top 24 entry, fans say 'stop pigeonholing'



 

Social media users were quick to login into Twitter and speak about Noah’s latest performance. “Yay! So happy for Noah. Definitely one of my Faves this year. Winner material. Loved his song choice for Showstoppers. I'm sure his family is so proud of him. Love his humility and his son is so adorable,” said one user as another posted, “I”ll predict Noah Thompson’s got this.” One individual asserted, “Noah’s voice reminds me of Aaron Lewis. Anyone else?” The next one tweeted, “Idk if I would have put Noah in the top 24… I like him & I like the song choice, but he just isn’t doing it for me 100%.”
 
Meanwhile, one shared, “I haven't been impressed with Noah. His duet round and showstopper round has been weak. He sits in front of the judges expecting to be sent home after a lackluster performance. And Luke keeps pushing him through.” Another posted, “Why did they keep Noah he's not a good singer at all what the f**k WE NEED SIMON BACK.”  Another mentioned, “Noah Thompson singing Rihanna? and it’s a win from the top. Love how he threw away some of the notes and really laid into the lyrics and played with the smooth vs gruff. This was a revelation!” And, one concluded, “I'll cut Noah for being sell out #americanidol .. trying get those ri ri fans.”



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

‘American Idol' Season 20 airs every Sunday at 8/7c on ABC.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Season 2 saw Matty reconcile with her desire for revenge and realize that Olympia wasn't her enemy, and now Kathy Bates has opened up about Season 3.
2 hours ago
Season 1 of Taylor Sheridan's espionage thriller dealt with terrorist financiers, while Season 2 focused on illegal human trafficking.
2 hours ago
Season 5 of 'Sweet Magnolias' saw one couple walking down the aisle, while another was devastated by a house fire and eventually split up.
4 hours ago
The upcoming season of 'Slow Horses' is adapted from the novels 'Joe Country' and 'Slough House' written by Mick Herron.
5 hours ago
'Law & Order' fandom became emotional as a tribute in Madison Square Garden led to two fan favorites embracing courtside.
6 hours ago
'Every Year After' is based on Carley Fortune's best-selling novel, 'Every Summer After;' however, episode 8 ended with a major cliffhanger.
7 hours ago
The actress played the head paramedic, Gabriela Dawson, for six seasons of ‘Chicago Fire,’ from 2012 to 2018.
9 hours ago
‘NCIS: New York’ gets a major marketing push with its latest promo connecting it to the Knicks.
11 hours ago
An interrogation takes an explosive turn when a mysterious new suspect clashes with JJ in ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution'
13 hours ago
The latest episode finds Tom, Patricia, and Wyck searching to identify the founder Richard Warren’s living descendants.
13 hours ago