'I have no words': Kentucky singer Noah Thompson advances to 'American Idol' finale

First, his best friend had to coerce him to try out for "American Idol," then he had to battle nerves and COVID-19. But now Eastern Kentucky native Noah Thompson has proven he's a survivor — and a naturally gifted singer who has made it into the Top 3 on this season of ABC's "American Idol."

"Came into this competition scared out of my mind, it’s all so surreal," Thompson posted on Twitter Sunday after advancing to the finale of "American Idol." "I have no words man. Cannot believe this right now."

The 20-year-old construction worker from Louisa, Kentucky never planned to try out for the long-running television show. Thompson's best friend, Arthur Johnson, submitted the recording that landed him an audition in front of "American Idol" judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

"My family believes in me, the guys I work with believe in me, I just never believed in myself," Thompson said during his initial live audition, which aired Feb. 27. 

Between that first episode and Sunday's semi-finals, Thompson's confidence has grown and so has his talent as a performer — even his hair is longer and more stylish.

"You look like a star," judge Bryan told Thompson.

Background:Noah Thompson powers through to Top 5 on 'American Idol' despite having COVID-19

On Sunday's semi-finals episode, "American Idol" winner of Season Four, Carrie Underwood, returned to mentor the remaining five competitors. After speaking with Thompson, the multi-Grammy Award winner teared up saying she could relate to what it is like for Thompson to grow up in a small rural town with dreams but not sure how to pursue them. 

"I feel like this show was created for people like me and for people like Noah, who didn’t know how to dream that big but knew that they wanted to do something. So, it’s a beautiful thing,” Underwood said. “I look back and think that’s the decision that changed my entire life. I have no idea where I would be, and to see contestants get every opportunity they have ever wanted is just magical.”

Contestants in Sunday's semi-finals sang two songs before the final three grand finale competitors were announced.

Thompson performed a rendition of Underwood’s "So Small," a song he dedicated to his baby boy and his longtime girlfriend, Angel Nicole.

“You have the ability to tell stories. You can tell stories. You’re believable," said Richie. "But more importantly, I want you to understand something. There’s a point in your life, and it happens to all of us, we sit there and we go, ‘Wow. Is this really happening to me?' Noah, this is really happening to you.”

For his second song during the semi-finals, Thompson sang "Working Man" by Larry Fleet.

“You on guitar with a stool, it was enough to hold any room in any world that you’re in,” Bryan said at the end of Thompson's semi-finale stealing performance. 

Thompson will be competing against two other finalists, Leah Marlene and HunterGirl, for the "American Idol" title Sunday, May 21 starting at 8 p.m.

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Each of the three finalists will be honored in their hometowns this week. On Tuesday, Thomspon will be honored with a parade at 7 p.m. in Louisa, Kentucky and afterward, he'll headline a free concert at the football field at his alma mater, Lawrence County High School.

You can watch and vote for Thompson on "American Idol" on Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC. 

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville.