When offered the chance to perform Mother’s Day tributes on “American Idol,” some contestants chose to honor the mothers in their lives with songs by legends like Bob Dylan and Sam Cooke. Thunderstorm Artis, however, wanted to express his love and gratitude in his own words.
The Hawaiian singer performed an original song called “Out of The Blue” during Sunday evening‘s episode, which offered “Idol” hopefuls two chances to impress viewers: first during a round of Disney song performances, and again when the singers each shared a Mother’s Day tribute.
Artis explained that he wrote “Out of The Blue” about his wife, Faith, with whom he shares two children.
“When I met Faith, I wasn’t looking for love, she came into my life ‘out of the blue,’” he said with a grin.
“Whatever it looks like for you to chase this dream, I’m in it 100 percent, I’ll do whatever it takes,” Artis’ wife added during a pre-show interview.
The uplifting original song, which included heartfelt lines like “when it‘s dark, you’re the sunshine breaking through,” stood out to judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.
“It is clear to me, if you’re writing those lyrics and you’re writing those melodies, you have what we call ‘a career,’” Richie said.
“If you are the artist that put those two together, the sky’s the limit for you my friend,” he added.
Underwood also praised Artis’ artistry, and acknowledged the risk of performing an original song this far into the competition.
“You’ve brought some really amazing songs to us already throughout your time with us,” she said, “and there’s nothing to worry about, because of course it‘s going to be great, because you’re you.”
Much like past weeks, “Idol” fans voted during Sunday night‘s episode to determine which five contestants would advance, and which two “Idol” hopefuls would go home. The end of the episode revealed that Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone had been eliminated from the competition.
Artis will perform again Monday night in another Disney-themed round of the competition, where he and the other four contestants will perform songs by their favorite Disney heroes and villains. The following — and final — episode of Season 23 is scheduled for next Sunday, May 18.
