You are a showman. I love your vibe [and] your style,” Underwood gushed of Thomas.
Bryant Thomas; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC
Bryant Thomas, known as the viral secret shower singer, returned to the spotlight during a high-stakes Hollywood Week in Nashville on American Idol and proved he’s more than just an internet sensation with a bold performance.
The 26-year-old Alabama native had to prove he has what it takes to become the next American Idol during Hollywood Week, which is being held in Music City for the first time ever and will feature the biggest cut in the show’s history. Before taking to the The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts stage in front of his fellow Idol hopefuls and the judges, Bryant Thomas recalled his memorable audition.
“My audition was pretty cool. No one had really seen my face before my audition, so it was great to finally be able to step down into the spotlight. Everything after that just felt like magical,” Thomas said, reflecting on his impressive American Idol audition, where he delivered a standout cover of a Phil Collins hit and revealed his identity after going viral for singing in the shower while his girlfriend got ready, all without ever showing his face. After scoring a golden ticket, he also got down on one knee and proposed to his longtime girlfriend and now soon-to-be wife, Alyona, in front of the Idol judges.
Bryant Thomas then welcomed viewers to his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, in a video package that showcased his life before American Idol. In the clip, he explained that he’s used to performing on stage, just not with a massive band like the one Idol provided, or in a venue as stunning as The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville.
Wearing a camoflague shirt with cutoff sleeves, aviator sunglasses and jean shorts, Bryant Thomas then went on to deliver a unique rendition of Taylor Swift‘s “Champagne Problems,” a track that appears on Swift’s ninth studio album, evermore.
“Because I dropped your hand while dancing/ Left you out there standing/ Crestfallen on the landing/ Champagne problems/ Your mom’s ring in your pocket/ My picture in your wallet/ Your heart was glass, I dropped it/ Champagne problems,” Thomas sang on the track’s chorus in front of Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. With this performance, Thomas didn’t only allow his stunning vocals to be put on full display, but he also highlighted his ability to entertain as a performer as well.
His stunning performance of the Swift track was met with a thunderous applause from the crowd and Idol judges. Underwood and Bryan were the only judges to comment on his make-or-break performance.
“You are a showman. I love your vibe [and] your style, I love that you picked that song because… I feel like you’re going to keep us on our toes and I love that. And you’ve got a great voice on top of it. It’s so soulful,” Underwood gushed. Luke Bryan called his performance “passionate.”
Bryant Thomas was then forced to wait as the Idol judges reviewed a few more performances from Idol hopefuls before revealing his fate on the popular singing competition show.
“At this stage of the competition, we have to cut from 127 down to 30. This is not your everyday easy task,” Lionel Richie told a group of Idol hopefuls, including Bryant Thomas before Underwood asked certain hopefuls to step forward to learn of their fate.
“You are going to the golden room. Your journey with us continues,” Underwood stated, giving Thomas a chance to compete for a spot in the Top 30.
After securing a spot in the golden room for a chance to be part of the Top 30, Bryant Thomas talked with Idol producers. “I’ve always dreamed of being in a position like this… Made it through to the golden room. I have no idea what’s going to happen next, but I cannot wait!” Thomas said with a smile.
American Idol airs every Monday at 8/7c on ABC, and is available to stream next day on Hulu.