January 29th, 2026
A dazzling marquise-cut diamond engagement ring stole a share of the spotlight during the Season 24 premiere of American Idol, when TikTok’s famously unseen “Secret Shower Singer” turned his breakout audition into an unforgettable proposal.
Contestant Bryant Thomas, a 26-year-old from Mobile, AL, made his national television debut on the January 26 premiere — though millions already recognized his voice. Thomas has built a following of roughly 110,000 fans through viral TikTok clips in which he sings from the shower while his girlfriend, Alyona Palhof, appears on camera doing her hair and makeup. The twist? Viewers could hear him, but no one had ever seen his face.
That changed in dramatic fashion on Idol. Leaning into the mystery, Thomas began his audition hidden behind a giant pillar as he performed Phil Collins’ emotional 1984 ballad, “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now).”
“Well, this is the first time we’ve ever allowed one of these to go this way,” judge Luke Bryan remarked as the singer stayed out of sight.
Even from behind the pillar, the judges were captivated. Carrie Underwood praised his raw delivery, telling him, “Your voice is outrageous… Even over there, behind a pillar, you can feel just so much emotion and life in your voice.”
Lionel Richie was equally impressed, declaring, “I think we got ourselves a hit record here. You’ve got star power vocals here, man.”
Midway through the performance, Thomas emerged — his face still partially hidden behind reflective sunglasses — before finally revealing himself fully. The audition earned him three enthusiastic “yes” votes and the coveted golden ticket to Hollywood Week.
But Thomas wasn’t finished surprising the room.
After inviting Palhof and his family onto the stage, he delivered an even more personal moment. Dropping to one knee, he told her, “My journey started with you and is gonna end with you,” adding that the proposal would have happened regardless of the judges’ decision.
His tearful girlfriend responded with multiple “yeses,” marveling at the ring as she exclaimed, “Oh my God, this is beautiful.”
The engagement ring appeared to feature a marquise-shaped center diamond, set on a delicate yellow gold band accented with stations of petite round diamonds — a romantic, modern style that feels both timeless and uniquely personal.
Thomas later reflected on Instagram: “I walked in hoping for one yes… and walked out with four. Three from the judges. One from her.” He punctuated his comment with a diamond ring emoji.
You can check out the video of the audition and proposal at this link…
Credits: Couple image via Instagram / bryant.thomas.band. Proposal screen capture via Youtube / American Idol.
Contestant Bryant Thomas, a 26-year-old from Mobile, AL, made his national television debut on the January 26 premiere — though millions already recognized his voice. Thomas has built a following of roughly 110,000 fans through viral TikTok clips in which he sings from the shower while his girlfriend, Alyona Palhof, appears on camera doing her hair and makeup. The twist? Viewers could hear him, but no one had ever seen his face.
That changed in dramatic fashion on Idol. Leaning into the mystery, Thomas began his audition hidden behind a giant pillar as he performed Phil Collins’ emotional 1984 ballad, “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now).”
“Well, this is the first time we’ve ever allowed one of these to go this way,” judge Luke Bryan remarked as the singer stayed out of sight.
Even from behind the pillar, the judges were captivated. Carrie Underwood praised his raw delivery, telling him, “Your voice is outrageous… Even over there, behind a pillar, you can feel just so much emotion and life in your voice.”
Lionel Richie was equally impressed, declaring, “I think we got ourselves a hit record here. You’ve got star power vocals here, man.”
Midway through the performance, Thomas emerged — his face still partially hidden behind reflective sunglasses — before finally revealing himself fully. The audition earned him three enthusiastic “yes” votes and the coveted golden ticket to Hollywood Week.
But Thomas wasn’t finished surprising the room.
After inviting Palhof and his family onto the stage, he delivered an even more personal moment. Dropping to one knee, he told her, “My journey started with you and is gonna end with you,” adding that the proposal would have happened regardless of the judges’ decision.
His tearful girlfriend responded with multiple “yeses,” marveling at the ring as she exclaimed, “Oh my God, this is beautiful.”
The engagement ring appeared to feature a marquise-shaped center diamond, set on a delicate yellow gold band accented with stations of petite round diamonds — a romantic, modern style that feels both timeless and uniquely personal.
Thomas later reflected on Instagram: “I walked in hoping for one yes… and walked out with four. Three from the judges. One from her.” He punctuated his comment with a diamond ring emoji.
You can check out the video of the audition and proposal at this link…
Credits: Couple image via Instagram / bryant.thomas.band. Proposal screen capture via Youtube / American Idol.
