Country breakout singer and American Idol Season 20 winner Noah Thompson returned to the American Idol stage last night with a major surprise in store. In a heartfelt moment, country superstar Carrie Underwood revealed that Thompson will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on May 31 — a dream come true for the Kentucky native.
The emotional announcement capped off a special night for Thompson, who also celebrated the release of his brand-new EP, Kids Like Me, that was released on Friday.
“Getting to come back to Idol, where it all started for me, and then to find out I’m playing the Opry — I don’t even have the words,” said Thompson. “This is cool. See y’all on the 31st.”
Watch the surprise here.
Featuring six deeply personal tracks, Kids Like Me showcases Thompson’s signature raspy vocals and honest storytelling. From the reflective title track “Kids Like Me” to fan-favorite “American Dream,” the EP paints a picture of small-town struggles, grit, and resilience — all anchored in Thompson’s unmistakable authenticity.
Since winning American Idol in 2022, Thompson has steadily built a passionate fanbase with his raw performances and relatable songwriting. Kids Like Me marks a new chapter in his artistic journey, one that fans and critics alike have been eagerly awaiting. s
