Thunderstorm Artis is a much different man on American Idol than he was on The Voice. In 2020, he competed on season 18 of the NBC singing reality competition show. There, he finished third as a member of coach John Legend’s team. Five years later, he’s now a married father of two young sons—but he’s got that same fire. Joining John Foster, Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts in the Top 5, Artis made his case for the finale.
Videos by American Songwriter
Thunderstorm Artis Performs Cinderella Track on ‘American Idol’
For the second of American Idol’s Disney-themed nights, Thunderstorm Artis performed “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from the 1950 film Cinderella.
Thunderstorm- First goosebumps of the night. So sweet to listen to. #AmericanIdol
— Franky (@RKOBlackSwan) May 13, 2025
Initially recorded by Ilene Woods, who played Cinderella, many artists have since put their own spin on “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” That includes Demi Lovato and Michael Bublé.
I think Thunderstorm just booked his spot in the final w/ this performance alone,” one viewer wrote on X/Twitter.
I think Thunderstorm just booked his spot in the final w/ this performance alone #AmericanIdol
— Josh Kennon (@skatefan78) May 13, 2025
Securing his place in the Top 5, Artis, 29, delivered a stellar rendition of “Colors of the Wind” from the movie Pocahontas. He dedicated his second Mother’s Day-themed performance of the night, an original called “Out of the Blue,” to wife Faith. The pair recently celebrated their fifth anniversary.
“I’ve never been more depressed to be single,” Idol host Ryan Seacrest joked after Artis’ second performance Sunday (May 11.)
Ahead of Monday’s (May 12) performance, the Hawaiian native took some time to celebrate how far he’s come on Idol.
“Top 5 I can’t believe it. I am filled with just so much gratitude y’all! Thanks for believing in mem: Artis wrote. “Let’s shoot for Top 3 tonight I believe we can do it.”
Thunderstorm Artis Addresses “Nasty Messages” Ahead of Top 5 Performance
Reaching the Top 5 on American Idol is “a dream come true” for Thunderstorm Artis. However, the Hawaiian singer-songwriter recently hopped on social media to address negative comments he received after Sunday’s (May 11) performances.
“Last night was just such a highlight moment for me. But it’s been crazy, because I’ve received a lot of really crazy and nasty messages,” Artis said in a video posted to Instagram. “But it kind of reminded me of when I stepped into this season of American Idol. I just felt like God had prepared me for this because He wanted me to be confident in the identity that he has placed inside of me. And that has allowed me to be able to look past all the negativity… and more see the positive impact that I might be making, or God is making through me on this show.”
Featured image by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.