Hometown Singer Shines on ‘American Idol’ Stage During Emotional Performance

HAWAII — Newly minted contestant of ‘American Idol‘ Artis took to the stage at Aulani Disney Resort in Hawaii, showcasing his musical talents and emotional journey during this season’s competition. The 29-year-old singer-songwriter, originally from Oahu’s North Shore, previously survived a series of intense eliminations, including one round where more than half the contestants were cut.

Performing Bob Marley’s classic, Artis drew an audience filled with family and friends, including his wife Faith and their infant son, adding emotional weight to the performance. ‘This has been a dream of mine for so long, to be able to come back home and do something of this magnitude,’ Artis told the Deseret News. Overcoming the emotional impact of performing in front of a hometown crowd amidst accomplished judges like Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan proved to be a surreal experience for him.

As a child of a large musical family, Artis reminisced about his musical roots and the significance of this moment in his career. His father, Ron Artis, was a session musician, while his mother, Victoria, toured as a backup vocalist. ‘The beautiful thing about our parents was that they encouraged us to dream, regardless of our financial limitations,’ Artis recalled.

Despite his upbringing steeped in music, Artis faced a pivotal moment around age 18 when he needed to step back from music to support his family. ‘I just felt like there was a hole in my heart and soul, and I realized that music was part of who I was,’ he said, reinforcing his commitment to sharing his artistry.

Following an impressive run on ‘The Voice,’ where he placed third in Season 18, Artis focused on building his brand and growing his musical reach. His song ‘Stronger’ gained recognition when it was featured on ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ while he shared the stage with artists like Train and the Zac Brown Band, expanding his audience across various venues.

Unexpectedly, Artis was approached multiple times by ‘American Idol’ producers, and with encouragement from his wife, he decided to audition. ‘If God opens the door, this is something that I just have to step through,’ he said, hoping for greater exposure to further his music career.

‘Idol’ has also allowed Artis to showcase new facets of his life and artistry. Having celebrated his fifth wedding anniversary just days before the competition, and now a father of two, he conveyed how his experiences on ‘Idol’ feature more of his family narrative compared to his previous show. ‘I feel like I’m a completely different human being than I was on ‘The Voice,” he stated.

Artis noted the camaraderie formed among contestants, emphasizing a supportive environment even amid an intense competition. A recent unscripted moment during Hollywood Week saw contestants unite in song, underscoring a shared message of faith and support.

‘Whether I win or lose, I want to help everyone put their best foot forward,’ Artis expressed regarding his approach to competition. ‘It’s putting good out there in the world — that’s what I want to do,’ he affirmed, as he navigates his path in the music industry.