Thompson makes ‘American Idol’ top 10, earns praise from judges
Former “American Idol” contestant and now country music star Gabby Barrett, who was mentoring Lawrence County’s Idol Noah Thompson, took a selfie of them during one of their sessions.
By Lilly Adkins
BSN Associate Editor
LOUISA — Lawrence County’s idol, Noah Thompson, continues to move up in the ranks on the 20th season of “American Idol” and is now in the top 10.
On Monday, Thompson sang “Heartbreak Warfare,” a song he said he had not heard before. Voting was closed near the end of the show, and results were given. Thompson was the first one to learn that he would be moving on and made it into the top 10.
Thompson sent word back to his supporters via Mitch Castle that he is “so thankful” for everyone on #TeamNoah, and said his journey continues because of “all of your votes and he want’s y’all to know” he will keep working hard to “make you proud.”
On Sunday night’s show, Thompson initially planned to sing Chris Stapleton’s “Nobody to Blame,” but mentor Gabby Barrett said she could tell he wasn’t feeling it and recommended that he change his song.
“I’m the only one that has to change their song at the last minute,” Thompson said.
When Thompson hit the stage, he performed “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King, giving it a country flare.
“You know, Noah, Gabby gave you a gift by changing that song, because you actually felt that song,” “Anerican Idol” judge Lionel Richie said. “You were in it. I know you were trying to figure out your navigation, but your voice fit that song perfectly.”
“No matter if you’re signing a Rihanna song or “Stand by Me,” it’s always that Kentucky kid, authentic sound to your voice,” judge Katie Perry said. “So, I can always tell that it’s you, which is fantastic. You are staying true to yourself, but you are also branching out a little bit.”
Perry added that she had spent some time in Kentucky lately and that even her housekeeper was voting for him.
“Let me relieve you of a little anxiety for the rest of your life,” judge Luke Bryan said. “The deal is, man, your voice is so real and unique to you. No matter what you go with as a song, for the rest of your life, your delivery is going to be real. It’s going to be authentic. It’s going to be all of the stuff that you were born and raised with coming through you, and you’re going to be sounding that way. And get up there and sing because it’s always going to work out for you.”
As usual, a watch party for Thompson was held at the Garden Theater in Louisa on Sunday with the doors opening at 7:30 p.m.
On Monday, Thompson posted a picture of himself and Gabby Barrett and said he wanted to make an appreciation post to Gabby Barrett for mentoring him and all the contestants, adding, “thank you so much, so awesome I got to meet you.”