'American Idol' winner Noah Thompson to perform at Kentucky State Fair
For the first time in the 20-year history of "American Idol," we have a winner from Kentucky, and this month he'll perform live at the Kentucky State Fair.
Noah Thompson, 20, from Louisa, Kentucky has joined the lineup of the free Texas Roadhouse Concert Series. He will perform Wednesday, Aug. 24 opening for fellow Kentuckians John Michael Montgomery and Walker Montgomery. The free concert series at the Kentucky State Fair is a big audience draw and the lineup, which leans heavily country in 2022, also includes Trace Adkins, Lee Greenwood and others.
It's no surprise Thompson has made time in his schedule for his home state's fair. He told the Courier Journal there is no place he'd rather spend time than in the Bluegrass State.
"This is the best state on earth," Thomspon previously said. "There is no place like home. I just love all of Kentucky."
Thompson is the first Kentuckian to win "American Idol" in the show's 20-year history. His free concert (with the price of admission to the State Fair ) is your chance to see an up-and-coming star in the making. "American Idol" propelled previously unknown performers like Kelly Clarkson (Season One) and Carrie Underwood (Season Four) onto superstardom.
Thompson joins a host of celebrity talent scheduled for the music stage during the popular Texas Roadhouse Concert Series, which is held Aug. 18-28 at the Kentucky Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane. Among those artists is another "American Idol" alum. Country singer Alex Miller, who hails from Lancaster, Kentucky, was a contestant on "American Idol" for a few episodes in 2021. He's performing at the Kentucky State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 27.
Thanks to its wide variety of genres, including country, hip hop, retro-pop, Christian, heavy metal, oldies and R&B, Texas Roadhouse Vice President of Communications Travis Doster said the 11-day Kentucky State Fair's music series feels like "Kentucky's largest jukebox. "
Concerts are held in Lot L adjacent to Kentucky Kingdom and Broadbent Arena and are free with the price of admission. Gates open for the concerts at 6:30 p.m and concerts begin at 8 p.m each day except on the final day of the Kentucky State Fair. On Sunday, Aug. 28, gates for the Lee Greenwood concert open at 2:30 p.m and the concert begins at 4 p.m.
Free concerts at the 2022 Kentucky State Fair:
Thursday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m.: Russell Dickerson with special guest Tyler Booth
Friday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.: Con Funk Shun with special guest Midnight Star
Saturday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m.: Black Stone Cherry with special guest Ayron Jones
Sunday, Aug. 21, 8 p.m.: Oak Ridge Boys with special guest Lorrie Morgan
Monday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.: We The Kingdom with special guest Ann Wilson
Tuesday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m.: Happy Together Tour
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m.: John Michael Montgomery and Walker Montgomery with special guest "American Idol" winner Noah Thompson
Thursday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m.: Night Ranger with special guest Noah Guthrie
Friday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m.: Trace Adkins with special guest Brassfield
Saturday, Aug. 27, 8 p.m.: Niko Moon with special guest Alex Miller
Sunday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m.: Lee Greenwood with special guest Darryl Worley
You'll find additional music at the Kentucky State Fair in The BIG Tent, a new outdoor family entertainment space located in Lot A adjacent to the South Wing. The BIG Tent is where you'll find unique food, drinks and entertainment including The Dennis Lee Band, hip hop and R&B sensation Kazual and various community acts that are sure to entertain the entire family.
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How much are tickets to the Kentucky State Fair?
Fairgoers can save more than 50% by purchasing admission tickets in advance. Early bird tickets are available through Friday, Aug. 5 and are $8 per person including parking.
Admission at the gate is $10 per person and $10 parking per standard vehicle. You'll save $5 by purchasing Midway Unlimited Ride Wristbands online before the fair begins. Kentucky State Fair admission and ride wristbands are available online via Ticketmaster and at participating Kroger locations. Visit kystatefair.org/tickets for details.
Reach Features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky State Fair: 'American Idol' winner Noah Thompson to perform
