Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Thunderstorm Artis of Haleiwa, Hawaii, during his blind audition on The Voice Season 18 (NBC Photo)

That’s a feat just five artist accomplished through the first three blind audition episodes of the season.

Thunderstorm, 24, of Haleiwa, Hawaii, accomplished it with a stirring acoustic version of “Blackbird” by The Beatles.

He had three coaches facing in his direction in a heartbeat; Blake Shelton eventually turned as well.

John Legend called the performance “magical.” And Thunderstorm opted to join Team Legend.

Here’s what the singer-songwriter told Voice Views about his blind audition experience.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for The Voice Season 18 and what prompted you to do it?

Thunderstorm: For years friends and family were asking me to audition, but to be honest, I didn’t think I was good enough. Last year something shifted in me and, finally, one of my amazing friends, movie director Jon Chu, took it into his own hands to reach out to the show and told them about me. Weeks later, I got an email asking me to come out for an audition in the middle of my music tour. I never thought that that moment would change my life.

Voice Views: Why did you choose “Blackbird” for your audition song? What’s your performance history with that song (for instance, is it one you’ve played often)?

Thunderstorm: Blackbird is such an amazing song written by an amazing band. I chose this song because I felt like it was such a powerful song with an amazing message. To be honest, before the casting process I had never played it, but throughout my music tour I played it every night trying to perfect it to make it as special as possible and to make it sound like me.

Voice Views: Did you have a coaching preference heading into the blind audition? Why did you decide to go with John Legend as your coach?

Thunderstorm: When I heard John Legend was a coach on The Voice I just knew I had to work with him or even just meet him. His music has been such an inspiration in my life, but never in 1 million years did I think he would turn for me and definitely not in the first 10 seconds.

Voice Views: What was it like performing and watching the coaches turn so quickly for you? You had three chairs facing you in a heartbeat. What was that blind audition experience like?

Thunderstorm: Man, it meant so much when I saw the coaches turn so quickly. I never thought something like this would happen for someone like me, but it validated all the hard work I’ve put in over the years, and I was just baffled and amazed at all the cool things they had to say. It really left me speechless

Voice Views: How would you describe your original music and what are you hoping to accomplish during your time on The Voice?

Thunderstorm: I would describe my original music as a cross between Passenger and John Legend. I try and write heartfelt music that really connects with me allowing others to feel what I feel.

For more on Thunderstorm Artis, including info on the music he’s already released and social media links, head here.