HONOLULU (KHON2) — “American Idol” 2025 finalist Thunderstorm Artis gave inmates a free concert at the Hālawa Correctional Facility on June 30.
“I think music is such a healing thing and for me the message I try to bring to my music is so important. To share this with these guys, it’s an honor for me,” Artis said. “Sometimes we enter dark seasons and we make a lot of bad decisions. So I just want to let these guys know that there are better days ahead.”
At just 29 years old, Artis had placed in the Top 5 of “American Idol”. He was also a finalist in Season 18 of “The Voice.”
At the Hālawa Correctional Facility, Artis performed two sets, one for approximately 80 inmates and the other for approximately 90 inmates at the facility gym.
Years before appearing on “American Idol”, Artis would perform worship songs with Pastor Alan Leigh of Calvary Chapel Church Wahiawā.
When Leigh heard that Artis was returning to Hawai‘i to visit, Leigh asked Artis if he was available to perform and without hesitation, Artis said yes.
Artis rescheduled his flight so he could perform for inmates at the facility.
“The guys that were here and all. Not just the guys that were incarcerated, but the whole group, the administration staff. Well, all of you know that they were their souls were being touched by this music because it’s more than just singing for him. It’s really a thing of unto the Lord,” said Leigh.
Artis currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and is preparing to go on tour with the group, The War and Treaty.
“Hawaiʻi is just very close to my heart so every time I can come back and spend time here, it’s always like it’s not enough time. But I’m looking forward to coming back and hanging out here,” Artis added.