OSU student reflects on ‘American Idol’ appearance after top half finish

Monday, April 14, 2025

Media Contact: Jordan Bishop | Editor, Department of Brand Management | 405-744-7193 | jordan.bishop@okstate.edu

When Skylie Marie Thompson walked into the “American Idol” audition room, she was determined not to leave with another rejection. 

Thompson, a marketing junior at Oklahoma State University from Cyril, Oklahoma, recently advanced to Hollywood Week in the competition, fulfilling a childhood dream that started with American Idol-themed birthday parties.

“There's home videos of me playing American Idol and going to Hollywood,” Thompson said. “I had an American Idol birthday party when I was 4 It's been a dream of mine since I was a baby.”

Thompson's path to the stage was not straightforward. At 17, she auditioned in Austin, Texas, but was rejected, which was later showcased on television.

“The audition room at American Idol was terrifying,” Thompson said. “I got told no, and that was really heartbreaking.”

After three years of encouragement from her mother and younger siblings, Thompson decided to try again. However, one factor ultimately influenced her decision.

“The final straw was Carrie Underwood being the new judge,” Thompson said. “Katy Perry didn't really like me before, so I was scared to see her again. But Carrie Underwood (a Checotah native) is an Oklahomie, so I felt better about her being a judge.”

Thompson's second audition in New York City was successful. She performed “Oklahoma City” by Zach Bryan and adapted “Tennessee Orange” by Megan Moroney to an Oklahoma version. Thompson even said “Go Pokes” in the audition room. Performing “Oklahoma City” was a full-circle moment for her because it was one of the songs she sang during her first audition for American Idol. 

Despite the judges’ concerns about her emotional connection to the songs, all three voted to send her to Hollywood. 

“At that moment, I literally jumped up and down,” Thompson said. “It was a dream come true.”

In Hollywood, Thompson survived what she described as the biggest cut in American Idol history, advancing past the initial round that eliminated more than half of the contestants. She eventually performed “Heads Carolina, Tails California” during the Showstopper Round before being eliminated.

Thompson attributes some of her growth as an independent performer to the support from OSU.

“Growing up from my small town, I've always had to rely on my parents for things,” Thompson said. “Moving here, I had to learn how to start doing things on my own. I played my first solo shows here.”

One significant influence was an acting class she took during her second semester with professor J “Bryson” Baker, who invited her to perform at his restaurant in Stillwater.

“It was my first show in Stillwater,” Thompson said. “It was just a me thing, and it helped me realize, ‘Hey, I can do this.’”

The American Idol experience has reinforced Thompson's determination to pursue a music career.

“I'm currently in the studio writing a ton of music,” Thompson said. “I just got done recording one song that will be my next single.”

Thompson's music is available on streaming platforms under the name Skylie Thompson. Releases include “Gas Station Flowers,” “Move On” and “Mars.”

For fellow OSU students chasing their creative dreams, Thompson provides simple and direct advice.

“Art is subjective,” Thompson said. “If you're doing something wholeheartedly that you can say you're proud of and that you love, that's what it's all about. Just go after it. What do you have to lose?”

Story By: Mak Vandruff | makenzie.vandruff@okstate.edu