After delivering what he called “the greatest rock n’ roll audition” in American Idol history, Noah Orion returned to the show to prove he has what it takes with a rocking ZZ Top cover before his fate on the popular singing competition show was revealed.
Wearing a leather sports coat, black pants, a black cowboy hat with rock embellishments and sunglasses, Noah Orion dominated the stage with an energy-filled cover of “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top in front of the Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.
Underwood was seen rockin’ out to his rendition of the iconic ZZ Top hit, while Richie and Bryan did not seem impressed by the 24-year-old from Spokane, Washington.
“Gold watch, diamond ring/ I ain’t missin’ not a single thing/ Cufflinks, stick pin/ When I step out, I’m gonna do you in/ They come runnin’ just as fast as they can/ ‘Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man (uh huh),” Orion sang on the track’s chorus, allowing his unique gritty vocals to shine. Throughout his performance, Orion also danced, moonwalked and made his way around the stage for an electrifying performance.
Following his brief performance, which didn’t show his full cover of the ZZ Top song, Underwood gushed that while she doesn’t often go to Lower Broadway in Nashville, she’d make a night out to see him perform at a bar in Music City.
“You’re just a good time, Noah. I don’t come down to the Broadway bars, but I would come if you were playing,” Underwood said with a smile.
Luke Bryan then poked fun at Underwood as they reviewed a board of Idol hopefuls to decide who is advancing to the next round and who isn’t.
“Rock can do no wrong in Carrie’s eyes,” Bryan said, before Underwood replied, “That’s not true for me. I mean, he did the moonwalk in boots people.”
Orion’s fate was revealed thereafter, and unfortunately he didn’t earn a spot to advance to the next round of American Idol.
“They canned me,” Orion said, reacting to his fate on the show.
“I think I’m going to follow him on Instagram after this,” Underwood said before admitting, “I’m losing my rockers, you know I’m sad.”
“Cheers, thank you, God bless America,” Noah Orion said as he exited the competition and made his way home.
Noah Orion made his first impression on the Idol judges during his audition outside Belmont University, performing atop a yellow school bus with his full rock band. Instead of a stripped-down acoustic moment, he went all out, delivering a high-energy rendition of “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead. The unconventional setup immediately captivated the judges, setting the stage for a true rock ‘n’ roll audition. Standing confidently atop the bus, Orion fully embraced his rebellious spirit.
“Judges, in front of you is the greatest rock ‘n’ roll audition you have seen in American Idol history,” Orion declared at the time. “I know you like rock ‘n’ roll, Ms. Carrie.” The unforgettable performance earned him a golden ticket to Hollywood Week, cementing his place as one of the season’s standout talents. However, his time on the show was cut short after Hollywood Week, as he was kicked out of the competition.
American Idol airs every Monday at 8/7c on ABC, and is available to stream next day on Hulu.
