“American Idol” Finalist Thunderstorm Artis Brings Hope To Inmates With Worship Set At Hawaiian Prison
Thunderstorm at Hālawa Correctional Facility. (Press release / Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)
Thunderstorm Artis Made It To The Top 5 On American Idol
American Idol finalist Thunderstorm Artis first won the judges’ hearts with his audition in Nashville, Tennessee. He currently lives in Nashville with his wife and two children and wrote a song about his relationship.
He said,
“This song is called ‘Don’t Let Me Let You Go’. It’s an original song of mine that I wrote. It’s about mine and my wife’s journey and just about the hardship of relationships as well, especially in the times where it feels like you might be pulling away at times. And it’s important for the other person to be that anchor for you. And so this song is a little bit about how she’s my anchor and holding me down in the times when I’m weak.”
The 29-year-old singer wowed the judges with his original song and earned a golden ticket to Hollywood.
He performed remarkably well in the 2025 season of American Idol.
He made it all the way to the top five before being eliminated due to audience votes when the top three were announced.
Watch his incredible audition below.
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What is Thunderstorm up to now?
In a video released by the governor of Hawaii, the artist reveals that he is currently touring with The War and Treaty.
Sharing that he could not be more grateful for what he considers a “dream come true.”
His full statement is below.
“So we’ve been touring all over. I’m going on tour with this group called The War and Treaty. Getting to work with so many amazing artists, it’s like, it’s a dream come true. And it was never something that I was seeking. And so it’s really cool that God just brought that my way. And so that’s how I do everything in life. I just step into it with gratitude.”
Artis gave a statement while visiting the Hālawa Correctional Facility on Monday, June 30.
During the visit, the artist performed a free concert for the inmates, singing some of their favorite songs and leading them in worship.
Artis’ youth pastor, who had been raised in Hawaii, invited him to come to the prison because he believed that “His music does touch people’s souls.”
Artis was initially meant to leave the island on Sunday night, but extended his trip to Monday night, June 30, so he could perform for the inmates. When asked about his time at the prison, Artis said,
“Yeah, dude, these guys have so much love in their heart, and they’re good guys, you know what I mean? Sometimes we enter dark seasons and we make a lot of bad decisions in the season, so I just want these guys to know that better days are coming.” He continued. “I am Just praying strength over these guys and God’s provision and God’s grace and God’s mercy.”
