At a Glance
- Bryant Thomas wowed judges with an “outrageous” vocal performance.
- He surprised the audience by proposing to girlfriend Alyona on the audition stage.
- Season 24 of American Idol will feature new rounds like Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover and an Ohana Round.
Why it matters: The moment highlights how personal stories can capture viewers’ hearts and shape the competition’s narrative.
The Audition Moment
During the season 24 premiere, which aired on Jan. 26, Bryant Thomas opened with Phil Collins’ 1984 ballad “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” behind a pillar. The performance was described by the judges as “outrageous” and “full of emotion.” Thomas, who has roughly 110,000 fans on social media, had already gone viral after his girlfriend posted videos of him singing in the shower.
Judge Reactions
All three judges gave a unanimous “yes” to Thomas. Their comments were captured in a table below.
| Judge | Comment |
|---|---|
| Carrie Underwood | “Your voice is outrageous. It really is, even over there, behind a pillar.” |
| Lionel Richie | “I think we got ourselves a hit record here. You’ve got star power vocals here, man.” |
| Luke Bryan | “Well, this is the first time we’ve ever allowed one of these to go this way.” |
The Surprise Proposal
Near the end of the track, Thomas emerged from behind the pillar and, with the judges watching, invited Alyona and his family onto the stage. He then got down on one knee and proposed. “My journey started with you and is gonna end with you,” he said, adding that the proposal would happen regardless of his progression in the competition. Alyona replied with a joyous “yes” multiple times, exclaiming, “Oh my God, this is beautiful.”
Season 24 Overview
Season 24 will feature both recurring episode formats and new twists. Auditions will take place remotely and at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. The iconic Hollywood Week will be held in Nashville under the banner of Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover. A new Ohana Round will see the remaining 30 singers perform before a panel of industry tastemakers, as announced by ABC.
Key Takeaways
- Bryant Thomas’ audition combined vocal prowess with a heartfelt personal moment.
- The judges’ unanimous support set the stage for a dramatic proposal.
- Season 24 introduces fresh formats that may change how contestants advance.
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