‘The roots of these hollers’: Eastern Kentucky’s own Noah Thompson advances to American Idol Finale

LOUISA, Ky. (WYMT) - Lawrence County native, Noah Thompson, advanced to the American Idol Finale on Sunday night.

Folks across the region gathered at the Garden Theater in Louisa at 8:00 p.m. for a watch party to cheer on the hometown idol.

“We’re proud of all of our talent here and I mean, it just keeps rolling through,” said Lawrence County Tourism Commission Chairman Wes Kingsmore. “We try to highlight all of the talent here in our area. From the local high school bands to the major celebrities that we have.”

During the semifinal round, Thompson sang two songs, the first being ‘So Small’ by Carrie Underwood and then ‘Working Man’ by Larry Fleet.

Local fans said Thompson’s story and small-town roots will have a lasting impact on the entire region.

“It’s really not only about Louisa,” said local fan Monica Hickey. “It’s Lawrence County, it’s Eastern Kentucky, it’s our whole culture and our heritage of music that comes from the heart and comes from the roots of these hollers.”

Officials said Thompson has gained support not just from his hometown, but across the country, and he just needs one more push in the season finale.

“Don’t slow down, don’t sit back, make sure that you vote next week again and that you have your friends, and your neighbors vote next week again,” said Hickey. “Don’t slow down until he’s all the way.”

Next, Thompson will return to Eastern Kentucky for a homecoming parade and concert.

The free concert will take place at the Lawrence County High School football field, his alma mater.

The homecoming is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17

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