For Mobile native Bryant Thomas, stepping onto the “American Idol” stage meant more than an audition.

The singer-songwriter, who built an online following while remaining unseen on camera, finally revealed himself during his Nashville audition, earning a golden ticket to Hollywood and proposing to his girlfriend moments later in a segment that quickly drew attention from Alabama viewers.

Before Thomas made his big reveal, his girlfriend Alyona introduced him to ‘Idol’ viewers and explained that in his viral videos, the camera was never on him but rather on her as she reacted while doing her hair and makeup.

Thomas explained to the judges — from behind a pillar on the stage — that he grew up singing in church and has developed a large online following, but fans have no idea what he looks like.

Like a true Alabamian, Thomas threw out a “Roll Tide” to the judges and Lionel Richie, a Tuskegee native, threw one right back.

Thomas performed Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds,” walking out from the behind the pillar during the song and finally revealing himself to the audience.

His talent drew praise from the judges. Carrie Underwood called his voice “outrageous,” while Richie said, “We got ourselves a hit record here.”

After a quick vote, the judges unanimously sent him to Hollywood Week.

Moments after receiving his golden ticket, Thomas surprised viewers and his girlfriend by proposing during the audition.

“I told you, you know, when we started this whole journey, you know, that you were the one for me,” Thomas said. “Whether I got a golden ticket or not, I was going to do that. And I just want you to know that, like, my journey started with you and it’s going to end with you.”

Alyona said yes, surrounded by family and friends, shocking the judges and the audience.

The audition quickly resonated with Alabama viewers, with social media users sharing messages of support and pride for the Mobile native and praising both his performance and the proposal moment.

For Thomas, the audition marked a public reveal, a career milestone, and a personal one — all in a matter of minutes on national television.

For viewers back home, it was a memorable moment that put Mobile in the national spotlight.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected]