‘American Idol’ Alum Thunderstorm Artis Performs Special Show for Inmates

Thunderstorm Artis gave a special performance for inmates at the Hālawa Correctional Facility on June 30. Artis, who made it to the top 5 on season 23 of “American Idol” and was a finalist on “The Voice” season 18, called performing at the facility “an honor.” 

“I think music is such a healing thing and for me the message I try to bring to my music is so important,” the soulful singer said, per Maui Now. Artis also expressed wanting to send a message of hope to those who are incarcerated.

“Sometimes we enter dark seasons and we make a lot of bad decisions,” the Oahu native shared. “So I just want to let these guys know that there are better days ahead.”

Artis Prioritized the Performance

Artis originally planned to leave Hawaii on Sunday night, but changed his flight once the opportunity to perform at the facility arose. It was his friend Pastor Alan Leigh who asked him to play for the inmates, as he had done once before back in 2017.

“… when he heard I was coming back to town, he’s like ‘dude, would you love to come back here and play for the gentlemen here?’ And I was like dude, I would be honored to,” Artis said of Leigh, who conducts Bible study and counseling sessions at Hālawa Correctional Facility.

Artis added, “Years before I was even on American Idol or The Voice, I used to come through to Hālawa Heights and sing worship with Pastor Al.” Leigh called Artis’ special visit a “blessing” for the facility. 

Artis Received Praise From Fellow Musicians

Artis took to Instagram to share a post which included photos and video clips of the performance. The caption read in part, “I was humbled to hear that the music I was making was reaching these guys going through the toughest season of their lives.” 

He continued, “I’m praying over them that this is just a season and that God has better things for them in their future.” 

Several of Artis’ musician friends commented on the post, including singer and “American Idol” Artist in Residence Jelly Roll who wrote, “The gospel in action … you was encouraging the broken and spreading the love of Christ. Faith with WORKS! Amen.” 

Other musicians chimed in as well, showing their love and and appreciation for Artis, including Saxon Weiss, Max Ribner, and Hawaiian musician Garrett Alden who commented, “Amazing,” along with the raising hands emoji.