‘American Idol’s Noah Thompson, Fritz Hager Share What It Was Like Singing with Covid-19
ABC/Raymond Liu Reading Time: 2 minutes
During Sunday night’s new episode of American Idol, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that Top 7 contestants Noah Thompson and Fritz Hager had tested positive for Covid-19. Both Noah and Fritz made it through to the Top 5, and they recently shared what it was like performing while sick.
‘American Idol’s Noah Thompson, Fritz Hager Sing with Covid-19
Neither of the contestants could appear live on stage, so Noah performed his two songs from his hotel room, while the show aired Fritz’s rehearsal footage from Saturday. They both appeared on video from their hotel rooms for judging and to learn the final verdict.
Fritz told People that his throat was already feeling “kind of weird” during rehearsal, before he got his positive test result. He said singing for a crowd “elevates performances,” adding that “it’s so daunting to have my fate sealed for me yesterday, and then just waiting to see how it plays out.”
Noah said he woke up with the worst sore throat he’s ever had, explaining, “I was just trying to push through it. I honestly can’t believe I made it through because it was hurting that bad. I was having such problems with it. I’m just glad it worked out.”
Noah was the first contestant to find out he was safe on Sunday night, but Fritz was the last. They joined Nicolina, Leah Marlene, and HunterGirl in the Top 5.
SEE ALSO: CARRIE UNDERWOOD SET TO RETURN TO ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ AS TOP 5 MENTOR
Lionel Richie Praises Them for Pushing Through
Judge Lionel Richie told People that the contestants will have to deal with feeling sick or tired throughout their entire career. He praised them for pushing through, pointing out how the show makes singers strong enough to handle these kinds of situations.
“We’re not building just singers with this,” Richie said. “This is special forces. I mean, if you can survive this, you can make it. I’m telling you, you can drop them out of a plane and say ‘Guys, can you do this? [And] go no problem.’ This is special forces.”
The Top 5 is supposed to be heading to Las Vegas for next week’s show to be mentored by Carrie Underwood. It’s unclear at the moment how exactly Noah and Fritz will participate if they’re still positive for Covid-19. We’ll have to wait and see how it all plays out.
