The 24th season of American Idol has commenced, which means we get a whole lineup of new contestants with new stories. One of these contestants is Bryant Thomas, who was able to impress the judges without even fully showing his face.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Thomas, who boasts over 80,000 followers on his TikTok @bryant.thomas.band, has created a reputation for himself as the "shower singer." In many of his previous TikTok videos, Thomas sings covers of Chris Stapleton and Taylor Swift while his girlfriend gets ready in the mirror. The catch? You never get to see the face behind the voice.
At least, until now.
During his audition, Bryant emerged from behind a pillar during the second chorus of Phil Collins' "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)". The TikToker sang "Take a good look at me now", and emerged from his hiding place with gusto, and only a pair of sunglasses covering his face.
Once he took them off, here's what the judges had to say.
"Your voice is outrageous," Carrie Underwood said, enamored. "It's incredible, it really is. Even over there behind the pillar, you can feel just so much emotion and life in your voice."
"You've got star power vocals, man," Lionel told the Mobile, Alabama native. "And that little rasp you have is just on fire."
Bryant was able to secure a golden ticket to Hollywood Week, but after that, this contestant had one last surprise in store for the judges.
A Golden Ticket and A Diamond Ring
While Bryant Thomas received a coveted Hollywood Week spot, the singer welcomed his family and his girlfriend into the audition space. Thomas' girlfriend, Alyona Palhof, is the one who helps him with his videos, reacting as he sings in the background.
"I'm so excited to be on this journey with him," she shared in the confessional. "This is such a big deal."
Not knowing what was about to go down, Luke started singing his praises to Bryant's family. "Well, he's going through to Hollywood week, and he's a great singer. I appreciate y'all bringing him to us -" then Thomas interrupted. "I have one thing to say if that's alright," he began. Then, bending down on one knee, Thomas took out a little box and popped the question to Alyona.
"I told you when we started this whole journey that you were the one for me," he told her. "To be honest, whether I got a golden ticket or not, I was gonna do this. I just want you to know that, my journey started with you and it's gonna end with you. And I promise you that."
After a hearty 'yes' from his girlfriend, Bryant Thomas went home with a future to look forward to, in more ways than one.
Fans can watch more stories like this one unfold when American Idol comes to ABC on Monday, Feburary 2, at 8 pm.
