[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2659-S2660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO NOAH THOMPSON

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, the Country Music Highway cuts 
through seven counties in eastern Kentucky that have produced some of 
the finest singers in American history, from Loretta Lynn, to Chris 
Stapleton, to Ricky Skaggs. Now, this formidable list of world-famous 
Kentucky country artists has a new member: Noah Thompson. Today, I ask 
my colleagues to join me in honoring Noah for becoming the first 
Kentuckian to win ``American Idol.''
  A few months ago, few people--even in Noah's hometown of Louisa--had 
ever heard America's best new vocalist perform. Noah was working as a 
construction worker at Addiction Recovery Care, had never sung 
publicly, and hadn't even been musically trained. When Noah's best 
friend Arthur signed

[[Page S2660]]

him up for ``American Idol,'' the singer worried about making it past 
auditions, never imagining he would earn the ``golden ticket'' to 
Hollywood, let alone become a finalist.
  But Arthur believed Noah had a special talent, and, after several 
arduous rounds, he emerged victorious after receiving the most votes 
out of 16 million cast by fans all across the country. In the process, 
he brought the ``American Idol'' camera crew back to Louisa to film a 
hometown video with community leaders, his family, and thousands of 
fans. He shined a light on eastern Kentucky, sharing the special 
culture and history that makes the region such a hotbed for musical 
talent.
  Throughout the contest, Noah radiated humility and warmth. Labeled 
the ``king of `aw shucks' '' by one of the judges, he entered every 
round of competition with the best of Kentucky's attitude and spirit. 
Even when Noah caught COVID-19 and had to isolate in his hotel room, he 
performed cheerfully and continued to win viewers' hearts.
  I am proud of Noah for winning this contest and jumping headfirst 
into what I can only imagine will be a successful musical career. And I 
am proud of Louisa, KY, for producing such a fine young gentleman to 
represent the Commonwealth on the national stage. On behalf of the 
Senate, I share our congratulations with Noah and wish him the best as 
he pursues his dreams as a recording artist.

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