Season 23 of American Idol has narrowed its contestants down to its Top 10 and each of the remaining hopefuls is worthy of becoming the next singing superstar. In fact, several of the contestants already carry themselves as seasoned entertainers as they have previously competed in other singing competition shows.

One of those contestants is 29-year-old Thunderstorm Artis, who previously competed on Season 18 of the reality TV show The Voice. The father of two made it far in The Voice competition, but in a recent interview, he shared that he’s now on a different path, one focused on sharing his own original music. American Idol provided him with the platform, though he admitted he was “terrified” to audition at first.

American Idol’s Thunderstorm Artis Revealed He Was “Terrified” To Try Out For The Show

Thunderstorm Got To Showcase His Original Music On American Idol

29-year-old Hawaii native Thunderstorm Artis (yes, that’s his real name) has quickly become a fan-favorite with his beautiful, soulful voice. He’s now part of Season 23’s Top 10 and showcasing that he certainly has what it takes to make it all the way to the end. Not only has Thunderstorm impressed the three judges — Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood — week after week, he’s done so by singing original songs.

Getting to sing songs that he wrote is a big reason why Thunderstorm decided to give reality TV another try. Five years ago, he auditioned for Season 18 of The Voice and made it far. However, Thunderstorm couldn’t showcase his true artistry and songwriting ability on The Voice.

In an interview with Parade, he opened up about taking another chance at stardom with Idol. It was a platform that could help him pursue his vision of the future.

“I felt like I was in a very different season,” he shared. “I have two kids now, I have a wonderful wife, and I am in a different season of life, so I wanted to come on here and really showcase my artistry in a way that I didn’t get to do on the last show with some original music. I really wanted to see if I had what it took. Life is all about taking chances and so I wanted to take a chance on myself with this show.”

Thunderstorm took the risk—and so far, it’s proven worthwhile. In fact, had he waited just one more year, he wouldn’t have been eligible to audition, as he would have surpassed the age limit. At 28, Thunderstorm is the oldest contestant this season and just barely made the cutoff.

As previously mentioned, Thunderstorm auditioned for Season 18 of The Voice in 2020. He nearly won, too. He ended up finishing third behind Toneisha Harris and winner Todd Tilghman.

Thunderstorm Used Music As A Way To Cope After The Death Of His Father

The Idol Contestant’s Dad Died From A Sudden Heart Attack

In his interview with Parade, Thunderstorm shared that he found himself emersed in music after the tragic passing of his father. Thunderstorm’s father was Ron Artis, who played keyboards on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Ron died from a sudden heart attack.

“I started music as a form of therapy, so my main mission is bringing therapy to others and trying to just put good music out in the world with a good message that people can listen to,” he told the outlet.

Additionally, in his interview, Thunderstorm understood that while winning Idol is a great achievement, it doesn’t always mean ultimate success. But, just being on the show has opened many doors for these singing hopefuls, no matter what place they end up in.

“It’s really up to me to really drive it home,” he shared. “I was raised to give it your best whether there’s one person listening or millions. It doesn’t matter, if someone special needs to hear what you have to offer, then you’ve got to get up there and give your best.”

Thunderstorm Auditioned For Season 23 Of American Idol With A Touching Original Song

The Three Judges Were Impressed With Thunderstorm’s Audition And Original Song

Having made the decision to audition for American Idol was certainly the right call for Thunderstorm. In front of the three judges, Thunderstorm sang, “Dont Let Me Let You Go,” an original song he wrote for his wife, who he called his “anchor.”

“It’s about mine and my wife’s journey. Just about the hardships of the relationship as well, just about the times when it feels like you’re pulling away, and it’s important for the other person to be that anchor for you,” he shared. “So, this song is just about how she’s my anchor, holding me down at the times when I’m weak.”

Along with his guitar, Thunderstorm gave an incredible performance that had all three judges getting up from their chairs and giving him a round of applause. Carrie was incredibly touched by the song’s lyrics. “Wow, I don’t want to lose you to find me. Wow. That’s a great line,” Carrie shared.

“Don’t Let Me Let You Go” Lyrics

“Spend every night/Out of my mind/Wondering why/we went wrong/Walkin’ the line/Right on the edge/One step away/From too far gone/I don’t know what we’re fighting for

I don’t wanna lose you to find me/And I know you’re tired of fighting/I wish that my words said enough but they don’t/So don’t let me let you go

All these shots in the dark/keep breaking my heart/i say I’m sorry/Way too much/Push and I pull/Playin’ the fool/Scared that we’re both/Losin’ touch/I don’t know what we’re waiting for

This is a love that’s worth saving/My flag is up and it’s waving/I’m so foolish I know/So don’t let me let you/Go”

The Season 4 Idol winner continued, “You’re voice has got a soulful thing, it’s got a really sweet thing, you got that growl at the top. You took all the genres and you just rolled them all up into a ball and then just through that ball at us. The song was good, it was beautiful. It’s relatable.”

Having now learned that the judges truly admired his writing abilities, he again sang an original song during “Hollywood Week” titled, “My Last Dying Breath,” which was written for his wife.

Thunderstorm and the remaining nine contestants are now vying for a spot in the Top 8. Even if he doesn’t go on to win the competition, there’s no doubt fans will want to hear more from him in the future.