Bryant Thomas’ girlfriend posts videos of him singing in the shower, so you can’t see him. He decided to show his face on the ABC reality show.

Mysterious American Idol contestant proposes to girlfriend after wowing judges at his audition: ‘Your voice is outrageous’

Bryant Thomas' girlfriend posts videos of him singing in the shower, so you can't see him. He decided to show his face on the ABC reality show.

By Raechal Shewfelt

Raechal Shewfelt

Raechal Shewfelt is a writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2024. Her work has previously appeared on Yahoo and in American *Journalism Review* and *The Shreveport Times*.

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on January 26, 2026 10:29 p.m. ET

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Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan host 'American Idol'. Credit:

Disney/Eric McCandless

*American Idol'*s 24th season kicked off Monday with a big reveal — and an even bigger proposal.

The first day of auditions in front of judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood included a man whose voice is already known on social media, because his girlfriend shares videos of him singing in the shower. Her videos are focused on her reactions to his vocals.

Contestant Bryant Thomas told the judges that his fans had never seen his face. He even began his take on Phil Collins' 1984 ballad "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" behind a pillar.

But by the end, he walked in front of the panel at what they're calling *Idol* University this season, and all three judges were happy with what they'd heard and seen.

"Your voice is outrageous. It really is, even over there, behind a pillar," Underwood said. "You can feel just so much emotion and life in your voice."

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While Bryan complimented Thomas on his "really soulful voice," Richie went further.

"I think we got ourselves a hit record here," the "Stuck on You" singer told Thomas. "You've got star power vocals here, man."

So he earned three yes votes, which meant he would move on to Hollywood Week, which actually takes place this season in Nashville.

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But then things really got good.

Thomas brought out his girlfriend, Alyona, along with loved ones who'd accompanied them for the event. He bent down to propose.

"My journey started with you and is gonna end with you," he said, adding that he was planning to propose whether he won over the judges or not.

'American Idol' judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan meet Bryant Thomas.

Disney/Eric McCandless

Afterward, Thomas appeared relieved to have made those major moves in his life.

"I've been behind the scenes, and I feel like I'm made for the stage and the spotlights," he said. "So I'm ready to assume my role in the front of this boat and take us all the way home."

*American Idol* airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams on Hulu and Disney+ the next day.**

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