When Thunderstorm Artis stunned the ‘American Idol’ judges and audience with his stirring rendition of ‘Fire and Rain’—well, it felt super appropriate! With a name like his, the Oahu, Hawaii native seemed destined to deliver an incredible performance of James Taylor’s 1970 hit song! 

Thunderstorm is the name that the 29-year-old singer and guitarist was given at birth. He told Carrie Underwood, during his ‘American Idol’ audition, that his mother had expected twins and planned to name one Thunder and the other Storm. When there was only one baby, she combined the two into one very powerful name. 

Having landed in third place on ‘The Voice’ back in 2020, Thunderstorm auditioned for ‘American Idol’ when he was 28. With a cutoff age of 30, he decided to take one last chance at winning a national talent competition. Thunderstorm shared, “Now five years later, I just feel like I’m a different man and a different artist, and I’m looking forward to saying, ‘Hey, America, do you remember me?’ and just showing them who I am.”  

Thunderstorm’s voice has a nice rasp, and his version of ‘Fire and Rain’ is more dramatic, soulful, and intense than the original we all know and love. And, while it is different, Thunderstorm’s performance is striking! The judges, poker-faced, watch Thunderstorm’s performance intently, but standing ovations by Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan confirm their approval. 

Thunderstorm admits that he was “terrified” of competing on a second reality competition show, but he has now secured his spot in the top 8 of this season’s ‘American Idol.’ As he sings, Thunderstorm shares a smile like the sunny days that Mr. Taylor wrote about in his song’s chorus. It seems not to end! And, why not? The ‘American Idol’ competitor told Parade, “I have two kids now, I have a wonderful wife, and I am in a different season of life.”

Whether Thunderstorm becomes ‘American Idol’s’ next winner or not, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to bless Nashville, which is where he now lives with his family, and other far-flung places with his music!  

“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.” Psalms 29:3