Five years ago, Thunderstorm Artis nearly won The Voice. Finishing third behind Toneisha Harris and winner Todd Tilghman. The Hawaiian singer-songwriter has since performed with big names like Jack Johnson, Train, and the Zac Brown Band. Now seeking a do-over on American Idol, Artis is already making waves ahead of Sunday’s (March 9) season 23 premiere. Here are three quick facts about The Voice runner-up turned American Idol golden ticket holder.
Videos by American Songwriter
1. Yes, That’s His Real Name
In this season 23 preview, we see Thunderstorm Artis introduce himself to American Idol judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood. Immediately, Underwood asks, “Is that your God-given name?” Whereas Richie wants to know, “That’s on the birth certificate?”
The 29-year-old explains that yes, “Thunderstorm Artis” is on his birth certificate, passport, and driver’s license. “My parents thought they were going to have twins. They wanted to name one Thunder and one Storm,” Artis said. “But they said I was a fat baby, so they just got both in one.”
2. He Got A Shout-Out From The War and Treaty
Spoiler alert: Thunderstorm Artis is going to Hollywood on American Idol. He performed an original song, “Don’t Let Me Let You Go,” which he penned for his wife, Faith.
“This song is a little bit about how she’s my anchor and holding me down at the times that I’m weak,” he told the judges before absolutely slaying his audition. “You jumped all the way out,” exclaimed Richie.
Artis’ powerful audition caught the attention of Grammy-nominated duo The War and Treaty. “Love your light! Keep shining. Amazing gift,” the band’s official account commented on Instagram.
3. He Married His Wife Just Four Months After Meeting Her
Thunderstorm Artis “randomly” met wife Faith at a concert around the time he performed his Blind Audition on The Voice season 18. “At the time, I didn’t think that true love really existed,” he told People in 2023. “And to my surprise, she came into my life and tore down a lot of these walls.”
Marrying four months later, the couple now has two sons.
Catch Thunderstorm Artis on ‘American Idol’ Season 23
You can follow Thunderstorm Artis’ journey on season 23 of American Idol beginning Sunday, March 9, at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC.
Featured image by: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
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