American Idol fans aren’t shy about making their opinions known. Leading up to the show’s season 23 premiere, its social media channel posted sneak peek clips of some auditions.

One such video featured Thunderstorm Artis, who some fans may recognize from his stint on The Voice. Artis competed on season 18 of The Voice in 2020, finishing in third place behind Toneisha Harris and winner Todd Tilghman.

Given his past competition series success, some Idol viewers were less than pleased to she Artis on the show.

“HE WAS 2ND RUNNER UP ON VOICE 2 YRS AGO, HE SHOULDNT BE ON IDOL NOT FAIR TO THE OTHERS,” one person wrote, with another calling his audition “totally rigged.”

“Is this even allowed, he has a following, it’s not fair to the other artists, cause now he will end up going far cause he was already on another show..The Voice, just ridiculous,” a third commenter agreed.

Another social media user noted that “American Idol is starting to have fewer new contestants and is becoming more of a platform for those who didn’t win The Voice to grab another shot at the spotlight.”

Meanwhile, another person pointed out Artis’ lack of success in the years since The Voice, writing, “He’s already been on The Voice and went nowhere.”

Other Fans Support Thunderstorm Artis’ Journey From The Voice to American Idol

It wasn’t all negative in the comments section, though. Many people were pleased to see Artis on the screens again. Others fondly recalled his Voice blind audition performance of The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” which earned him a four-chair turn.

“Man is so talented and I’m glad he’s getting another chance to showcase us his artistry,” one person wrote, with another marveling, “Can’t believe no one signed him after The Voice.”

“I love the fact that people like him don’t give up and keep pursuing their passion. It’s very important and a good quality in life to keep trying and pushing and keep knocking on the doors until it’s happening,” one person wrote. “There is no shame in trying. I hope he will reach his dream of being signed and be famous.”

Artis took to the comments section to acknowledge the supportive comments, writing, “Seriously yall thanks so much for all of the love! Such an overwhelming sort of thing to experience, thx American Idol for giving me the space to share an official song that really means the world to me.”

The Idol judges—Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan—seemed impressed by Artis’ audition, during which he sang an original song titled “Don’t Let Me Let You Go.” All three judges stood after Artis finished his song, with Underwood praising his performance as “so good.”

“Thanks for trusting the American Idol family with your talents,” Bryan said, before all the judges announced that Artis earned his ticket to Hollywood.