Noah Thompson, HunterGirl, Iam Tongi, Colin Stough & More ‘American Idol’ Alum To Perform During 2023 CMA Fest

American Idol alum will reunite at the 19 Takeover and are many are set to perform during 2023 CMA Fest in Nashville.

By

Andrew Wendowski

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

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Posted on June 4, 2023

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Noah Thompson, HunterGirl, Iam Tongi, Colin Stough, Megan Danielle; Photos Courtesy of American Idol

American Idol winners Noah Thompson and Iam Tongi as well as Idol finalists HunterGirl, Megan Danielle, Colin Stough, Haven Madison, Fritz Hager and Grace Leer are set to perform in Nashville.

The event, dubbed “19 Takeover,” will take place on June 7 at The Valentine, a multi-level bar and music venue, located on Lower Broadway in the heart of Music City. Taking place at 6PM, the free concert was organized by 19 Recordings, the label that partners with Idol to sign select contestants and the show’s winners.

American Idol/19 Recordings Takeover at CMA Fest
American Idol/19 Recordings Takeover at CMA Fest

19 Takeover Takes Place One Day Before CMA Fest

“19 Takeover” comes just one day before the official kick off the of 50th Anniversary of Nashville’s famed CMA Fest, which will feature a star-studded lineup that includes Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean and many more. Click HERE to see the full CMA Fest lineup. 

Noah Thompson (Season 20), Iam Tongi (Season 21), HunterGirl (Season 20), Megan Danielle (Season 21), Colin Stough (Season 21), Haven Madison (Season 21), Fritz Hager (Season 20), Grace Leer (Season 18) are confirmed to perform at the event. 

“Can’t wait to kick off CMA fest on Wednesday at The Valentine with some of my friends! It’s a free show so come swing by y’all, it’s gonna be a fun one,” Thompson said. 

Season 21 winner, Iam Tongi, runner-up Megan Danielle, and third-place finalist, Colin Stough are fresh off the memorable American Idol finale, which took place on May 21. The finalists released their debut singles during their time on the show.

“Nashville! i’m playing a free show at @thevalentinenashville next week with some of my friends. if you’re in town make sure to stop by! 🤙🏾,” Tongi wrote on Instagram, announcing his appearance.

“So excited to be playing in Nashville next week at The Valentine!!! The show is free and starts at 6pm!! See y’all there🤍🤍,” Danielle added. 

“My first show in Nashville is next week at @TheValentine_,” Stough said. 

Tongi turned heads with the emotional “I’ll Be Seeing You,” Danielle inspired listeners with “Dream Girl,” and Stough tugged at heartstrings with “I Still Talk To Jesus.” 

Meanwhile, Thompson, who was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 20, is preparing to release his debut EP, Middle Of God Knows Where, on June 9. Season 20 runner-up, HunterGirl, is currently riding on the success of her latest release, “Lonely Outta You.”

Leer, a Top 11 contestant from Season 18, recently released her new single, “My Mind’s Made Up.”

Which American Idol Alum Are Performing At 2023 CMA Fest?

In addition to the “19 Takeover,” American Idol fans will have the chance to see many other Idol contestants during CMA Fest.

Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle, Colin Stough, Haven Madison and Wé Ani are slated to appear at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center, where they will deliver an acoustic performance. Grace Leer will perform on the Spotlight Stage on June 8.

After making their CMA Fest debut in 2022, Noah Thompson and HunterGirl will return to the festival to perform. Thompson will take to the Chevy Vibes stage on June 10, while HunterGirl will perform on June 11 on the Spotlight Stage.

Noah Thompson, Jimmie Allen; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

Other Idol alum, including Lauren Alaina (Season 10 runner-up), Chayce Beckham (Season 19 winner) and Josh Gracin (Season 2 finalist), will also perform during CMA Fest.

Luke Bryan Will Also Perform

American Idol judge Luke Bryan will close out CMA Fest with a headlining performance on Sunday, June 11, and former Idol judge Keith Urban will perform on the Nissan Stadium stage on June 8.

Luke Bryan, Colin Stough; Photo Courtesy of American Idol
Luke Bryan, Colin Stough; Photo Courtesy of American Idol

ABC recently revealed that American Idol will return for another season, however, the network has yet to confirm if Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Ryan Seacrest will come back for another season.

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Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

See more posts from Andrew Wendowski

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