Noah Thompson’s Journey Post-American Idol
The Shift to Independence
Noah Thompson, the winner of American Idol’s 20th season, recently opened up about the challenges he faced before parting ways with his record label. In May 2024, Thompson was released from his contract with 19 Entertainment, the label he joined following his American Idol victory. However, by June 2024, he took to Instagram to share his decision to pursue a career as an independent musician.
In a candid interview with Entertainment Focus, Thompson reflected on how American Idol transformed his life in ways he never imagined possible as a “small-town kid from Kentucky.” Grateful for the platform, he credited the show for bringing him to Nashville, where he has been diligently crafting his music.
Embracing Independence
Thompson elaborated on his choice to become an independent artist, stating, “I felt like personally I just needed to become independent to really focus on myself, my craft, and what I wanted to express as an artist.” He confessed that the struggle to find his artistic voice left him feeling “almost depressed,” as he didn’t want to release music merely for the sake of it.
He emphasized his desire to create songs he genuinely loves, saying, “I wanted to write songs that I truly loved and knew represented me. Hopefully, people can relate to them. I felt like I just genuinely needed that time to hone in on myself.”
The Impact of Independence
A More Authentic Artistic Expression
Thompson’s transition to independence has allowed him to produce music that truly mirrors his identity. His release of heartfelt singles “Upbringing” and “Demons in My Whiskey” exemplifies this newfound creative freedom. Additionally, his song “Front Door Famous” was recorded by Luke Combs for the album Fathers & Sons, marking a significant milestone in Thompson’s career. This shift has brought him a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction as an artist.
The Reality of American Idol’s Influence
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In the ABC era of American Idol, winners do not receive the same level of support and promotion as those in the FOX era. This disparity may explain why recent winners haven’t achieved the superstar status of Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood. Some argue that not winning the show can be advantageous, providing contestants with exposure without the limitations of a contractual obligation. Thompson’s dissatisfaction with his label underscores the notion that American Idol may not adequately support its winners post-show.
Our Perspective on Thompson’s Independence
Pursuing Fulfillment
Thompson’s decision to become an independent artist after American Idol is understandable. Though 19 Entertainment dropped him, it appears that Thompson was equally discontented with the label. As an independent artist, he now enjoys the freedom to release music that aligns with his vision.
Embracing New Challenges
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During his time on American Idol in 2022, Thompson epitomized the show’s mission to discover untapped talent. With no prior experience in performance or songwriting, the journey was entirely new for him. Now, two years later, he is creating music that resonates with him and his audience. Despite the inherent challenges of independence, this path offers Thompson a more rewarding experience. Becoming an independent artist might prove to be the most significant decision of his career.
American Idol is available to stream on Hulu.
Source: Entertainment Focus
American Idol
- Reality
- Competition
American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international "Idol" brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a panel of judges that would determine whether or not they'd go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America's next musical idol.