Fan-Favorite "American Idol" Alum Thunderstorm Artis Is Making His Opry Debut

Thunderstorm Artis, who advanced to the Top 5 on Season 23 of "American Idol," will make his Grand Ole Opry debut in October. (Photo Credits: Grand Ole Opry & Disney / Christopher Willard / Getty Images)

Thunderstorm Artis Made It Into The Top 5 On Season 23 Of American Idol

Thunderstorm Artis is stepping off the American Idol stage and into the Opry Circle.

Artis won the hearts of millions after he auditioned for the 23rd season of Idol earlier this year (2025). He impressed the judges with his moving original song, “Don’t Let Me Let You Go,” which he wrote about his wife.

Fans of other competition shows recognized Artis from The Voice. He competed on the show’s 18th season in 2020.

While Artis auditioned for The Voice in person, the show had to switch to a remote format mid-season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Artis, who joined Nick Jonas’ team, came in third place.

Artis hoped for a second chance on Idol, and he got it! He quickly established himself as a fan-favorite contestant.

Artis advanced into the Top 5 before he was eliminated from the competition. But he returned for the finale on May 18 for a dream-come-true collaboration with The War and Treaty.

Thunderstorm Artis sings with Tanya Trotter of the War and Treaty during the American Idol finale — Thunderstorm Artis sang with The War and Treaty during the “American Idol” finale on May 18, 2025. Here, he’s pictured with the duo’s Tanya Trotter. (Photo Credit: Disney / Christopher Willard / Getty Images)

The Grand Ole Opry Invited Thunderstorm Artis To Make His Debut On October 12

29-year-old Artis will soon realize another dream…he’s going to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on October 12!

Artis shared the happy news with his followers on Friday (September 12). He wrote:

“I CAN’T BELIEVE I’M WRITING THIS…I’m making my @opry debut Oct 12th…It’s been a dream of mine for so long…I can’t wait to stand on the stage where many amazing artists have stood before and make my mark. God is good.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by THUNDERSTORM ARTIS (@thunderstormartis)

Tickets to Artis’ show at the Opry are available on the Opry’s official website. Other artists performing at the Opry House that night include Charley Crockett, Angie K, and Brennan Leigh.

Artis is the latest Idol alum invited to make an Opry debut. John Foster and Breanna Nix have both performed at the Opry since the Season 23 finale (they came in second and third place, respectively).

Maybe the two of them will have some stories to share with Artis before he makes his Opry debut on October 12. Congratulations to him!