He Went Viral on American Idol for 1-Word Response to Katy Perry. 7 Years Later, He Is in a ‘Very Different’ Place (Exclusive)

Noah Davis’ Life Transformed After Going Viral on ‘American Idol’ (Exclusive)

Noah Davis, a rising star, found himself thrust into the spotlight after a viral moment on ‘American Idol.’ Seven years later, his life has taken a very different trajectory.

During the 16th season of ‘American Idol,’ Davis, then 25, captured the attention of judge Katy Perry with a simple yet impactful word – “Wig.” Perry’s surprised reaction to Davis saying “Wig? Did you just say wig?” led to an unforgettable moment that quickly went viral. This moment of spontaneity changed the course of Davis’ life forever.

Reflecting on that moment, Davis recalls, “I don’t remember saying that because those days are so long. It takes forever, and you’re so tired.” He adds, “I came out of the audition, and all I knew was I made it through. I saw the video for the first time before it aired, and I thought, ‘Oh, my God, that’s so funny.'”

Despite being eliminated from the competition in Hollywood, Davis considers himself a completely different person now. “I’m very different. I don’t think I was a fully-realized Noah Davis. I was 18 and had just come from nowhere in Arkansas. I had never done anything like that, and I hadn’t realized my full potential,” he shares. Davis has since embraced his true self, expressing, “I was shy back then, and I’ve come out since then.”

Following his ‘American Idol’ journey, Davis took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles with limited resources. Determined to pursue a music career, he started creating music and documenting his experiences on TikTok, where he cultivated a dedicated following.

In 2021, Davis released his album “F–k Flowers,” followed by his EP “The A Side” in 2023. As a young gay musician who identifies as plus-sized and femme-presenting, Davis prioritises representation in his work. He aims to create music that resonates with individuals like himself who are often underrepresented in the mainstream music industry.

According to Davis, his upcoming album, slated for release this summer, will delve into themes of heartbreak and resilience. He acknowledges the importance of authenticity in his music, sharing, “We are real people. We go through real heartbreak, we experience real love and real loss.”

Embracing a new artistic direction, Davis aspires to elevate his craft and deliver a transformative listening experience for his audience. Drawing inspiration from prominent R&B artists such as Kehlani, Lucky Daye, and Usher, Davis is committed to pushing the boundaries of his creativity.

In a nod to his ‘American Idol’ roots, Davis expresses admiration for Katy Perry, whom he regards as an enduring icon in the music industry. He fondly recalls the viral moment with Perry and entertains the idea of recreating it with her someday.

As Davis continues to evolve as an artist and storyteller, his journey serves as a testament to the power of authenticity and self-expression in the competitive music landscape. Fans eagerly await the release of his upcoming album, anticipating a deeper connection to his emotive storytelling and musical talent.

So, as Noah Davis continues to make strides in his music career, his journey from an ‘American Idol’ viral sensation to a burgeoning artist showcases the transformative power of authenticity and resilience in pursuing one’s passion.