Thompson makes ‘Idol’ top 24

Louisa resident Noah Thompson performed on “American Idol” and will continue his journey after making the top 24 on the ABC-TV program.

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

LOUISA — Hollywood Week is over on “American Idol,” and local talent Noah Thompson made it through the duet stage and then went on to become one of the top 24 with his rendition of “Stay” by Rihanna.

The contestants will all be heading to Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii for the next round.

Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were impressed that Thompson was taking on the song during the showstopper round, since he is a country music singer and it was before a live audience.

The top 24 will be narrowed down to the final 14, who will be heading to the live shows, where America will decide the winner.

Thompson previously sang “Burning House” by Cam during the onset of Hollywood Week, with country music star Lauren Alaina as his mentor.

Thompson told Alaina that he had recently become a father and that he was the reason he wanted to do all of this to give him the opportunity to have an “entire new life, a better life.”

When Thompson auditioned for “American Idol,” he sang “Giving You Up” by Kameron Marlow. At that time, he told the judges that it was his friend and co-worker, Arthur Johnson, who signed him up for the show. He told him that he was going to do it while they were hanging sheetrock.

Following the announcement that he had made the top 24, Thompson said on his Facebook page, “I have met so many amazing friends and artists on this journey and I can’t believe it’s not over yet! Keep watching @AmericanIdol to see how far I go!”

Audience members will be able to vote beginning on Sunday night’s show. They can vote online at Americanidol.com/vote, in the “American Idol” app or via text. Thompson’s number will be displayed when he performs on the program, and audience members can text it to 21523.