American Idol Season 20: Noah Thompson crowned as the champion

Source: Variety

A father and a construction worker from Kentucky, Thompson won millions of hearts with Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire” along with his original, “One Day Tonight”. But how can we forget his favorite cover of the season, RiRi’s “Stay”. During the star-filled episode, Thompson got the ceremonial home visit. I'm sure it was his dream to play a hometown concert with thousands singing along with him. 

But Noah Thompson’s Journey to American Idol champion was not easy. He faced hard competition from the Tennessee country singer Hunter Wolkowski, famously known as HunterGirl. HunterGirl took the stage with Rascal Flatt’s “Riot”, Bruce’s “Dancing in the Dark” and her original “Red Bird”. Leah Marlene, who secured the second runner-up position in the 20th season of American Idol, played Springsteen’s “Cover Me” and her original “Flowers”.

And like every year there was no shortage of guests to celebrate with the top 3 in their epic journey. Jay Copeland jammed with Earth, Wind & Fire on a medley of “September” “Shining Star” and “Let’s Groove”. The top 10 hit the stage with Flo Rida on his track “Good Feeling”. Deana Carter took on her hit “Strawberry Wine” with Mike Parker. Lady K and Ben Platt took the American Idol stage with Elton John’s “Take Me to the Pilot”. How can judge Lionel Richie stay behind? He went through him “You Are” on the grand stage with the top 10.

Fellow judges Luke Bryan and Katy Perry also got a piece of the action. Luke teamed up with HunterGirl and took on Randy Travis’s “I Told You So” and Katy Perry singing “Where We Started” with Thomas Rhett. But that was not all, Katy Perry swung back into action with Marlene to sing her hit “Firework”. Many other guests who also popped by included former American Idol Gabby Barrett, James Arthur, Sara Bareilles, Melissa Etheridge, Tai Verdes, and Michael Bublé.

The road to the top was a rocky one for Noah Thompson, who along with his fellow finalist Fritz Hager tested positive for COVID-19 a couple of weeks ago. Noah was forced to perform from his hotel room while battling COVID-19. Noah also mentioned to the reporters that it felt like the worst sore throat of his entire life. But it was a sight to see when American Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced Noah’s name as the winner. 

Noah’s road to victory in American Idol season 20 was a dramatic one. From contracting COVID-19 to receiving immense negative feedback from the fans on social media. Noah overcame many hurdles before being crowned as the American Idol season 20 winner.

Who was your favorite in the 20th season of American Idol, comment down below!