Ryan Seacrest made reference to his long-term bachelor status on American Idol, joking that a romantic performance by Thunderstorm Artis made him feel “depressed” about being single.

The 50-year-old host was emotionally moved by the original song Artis, who has now made it to the final five of the show’s 23rd season, performed for his wife on Sunday, May 11.

“Well done,” said Seacrest, clutching a sheet of paper. “It is a beautiful song with beautiful lyrics. I just printed them out backstage. ‘Your green eyes are soft like the summer and your touch can put out the embers of my burning heart from that gray December.’ I’ve never been more depressed to be single than right now in this moment.”

The song, “Out of the Blue,” which Artis performed as a Mother’s Day tribute to wife Faith, with whom he shares two sons, was universally praised by the American Idol judging panel too.

“You are about to turn your thunderstorm into a tornado,” said Lionel Richie. “It is clear to me that if you’re writing those lyrics and you’re writing those melodies, you have what we call a career. … The sky’s the limit for you, my friend.”

Luke Bryan said: “We’re so comfortable with what you are as a songwriter. … You’re just checking all those boxes to where we can just sit back and enjoy the Thunderstorm show.”

Carrie Underwood was also full of compliments for the 29-year-old Hawaii resident, who previously placed third on The Voice in 2020. “You are an artist,” she said. “You’ve brought some really amazing songs to us already throughout your time with us.”