In a dramatic debut, Bryant Thomas, the TikTok sensation known for his shower singing videos where his girlfriend, Alyona Palhof, reacts live on camera, unveiled his face publicly for the first time as he auditioned for American Idol season 24. Standing before judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan, Bryant, 26, performed a heartfelt rendition of Phil Collins' "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)." Initially hidden behind a pillar, he emerged to complete the performance, wearing blue aviator sunglasses that earned him a standing ovation from the judges.
"Even from behind that pillar," Carrie remarked, "you conveyed so much emotion and life in your voice. So well done." Ultimately, Bryant secured three "yes" votes and a coveted golden ticket, at which point his family, including Alyona, entered the room. But he had a surprise in store—getting down on one knee to propose to his love.
"I told you when we started this journey that you were the one for me," he said. "Honestly, whether I got a golden ticket or not, I was going to do this." And after giving Bryant a "yes" of her own, Alyona marveled at her new engagement ring, exclaiming, "Oh my God, this is beautiful!"
This season, the long-running singing competition—which launched Carrie's career and discovered talents like Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson—is introducing a major change to its format, allowing viewers to vote for their favorite contestants on social media for the very first time.
"We have to meet the audience where they are," showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick told Deadline in an interview published on Jan. 22. "Back in 2002 when the show began, texting was the new hot thing. We also have to meet the technology where it is now. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to vote for their favorites, to weigh in from their couch with their second screen in real-time."
