Kentucky's Noah Thompson wins American Idol 2022

[{"selector":"#anim-b78a2d95-6651-447b-bd4a-6cb7c0a0d1d8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.259566212814388%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

On Sunday, 20-year-old Noah Thompson, an unassuming Construction laborer from the humble community of Louisa, Kentucky, won Season 20 of the long-running vocal rival

[{"selector":"#anim-5cfce19f-b052-4f9e-bb28-bc5ad3182bde [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.259566212814388%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Thompson, who had no past musical tranning or execution experience, was pushed to go for the show by Arthur Johnson, a colleague and companion of Thompson's from Louisa.

[{"selector":"#anim-fc88bb72-44a5-4aaa-9c5b-cc419085bee7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(27.457386226848655%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Since his first audition in front of "American Idol" Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, it's been very much an excursion.

[{"selector":"#anim-c0f5ac4c-9642-4f41-bc13-4bd6c452328f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.26217521097493%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

As he sang for the "American Idol" crown in the finale alongside individual hopefuls HunterGirl and Leah Marlene

[{"selector":"#anim-733a654e-c69b-4614-bd12-5cefff5ea863 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.242439402308886%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Thompson conquered self-doubt, outrageous anxiety and even COVID-19 while performing with his unmistakable nation style during every episode of the multi-week contest.

[{"selector":"#anim-2fdf06ec-4f7f-4624-a3e3-e0308fe7fd17 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Thompson appeared interestingly in front of an audience (and just the second time in his life) wearing a suit as he performed "Remain" by Rihanna.

[{"selector":"#anim-41e25d34-806e-475a-9a24-0cd399b966ce [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.246337776828504%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

During the three hour finale, Thompson likewise sang in a strong two part harmony with music legend Melissa Etheridge, played out his introduction single,

[{"selector":"#anim-64616076-71dc-429e-9238-eca29269f480 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.242439402308886%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

"One Day Tonight," and sang a front of "I'm on Fire," a Bruce Springsteen hit.

[{"selector":"#anim-b49898b5-85d8-44f3-a5aa-d08be490417e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.259566212814388%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

"One Day Tonight," and sang a front of "I'm on Fire," a Bruce Springsteen hit.

[{"selector":"#anim-1af7c923-ef30-416a-b2fe-4bbb0d08505e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.259566212814388%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

"American Idol" has pushed beforehand obscure entertainers onto super fame like Kelly Clarkson (Season One) and Carrie Underwood (Season Four.)

[{"selector":"#anim-91dd9ca3-1d91-42db-9959-a88c49f496fe [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.259566212814388%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]