“Idol” Finalist Colin Stough Keeps It Country & Sings Chris Stapleton’s “Either Way”
on May 22, 2023 • Updated Oct 27, 2023
Colin Stough Brings Country To American Idol
There’s no denying the fact that Colin Stough is country. The Mississippi native made an instant impression with his cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd‘s “Simple Man” during the auditions.
As the competition advanced, so did Stough. Although he didn’t always sing country songs, he somehow gave everything he sang a distinctly country style.
Stough found a supportive fan base, and they voted him through to the finale! He competed alongside Megan Danielle and Iam Tongi.
Colin Stough Covers Chris Stapleton On The American Idol Finale
Keeping it country as always, Stough opted to cover a Chris Stapleton song during the Idol finale. He performed “Either Way.”
Stapleton released “Either Way” as the lead single off of his album From a Room: Volume 1. The song was actually recorded by Lee Ann Womack first, and she released her recording in 2008.
“Either Way” reached the 17th spot on the Hot Country Songs chart and the 26th spot on the Country Airplay chart. It led Stapleton to a Grammy win in the Best Country Solo performance category.
Stough delivered a cover of “Either Way” that would make Stapleton proud. Idol viewers were clearly fans of the performance, as some of the comments on YouTube were:
“Wow when he hit that chorus!…love the sound of his voice!”
“I love this performance. His voice is so rich and soulful. When he hits the chorus it just breaks your heart… in a good way lol.”
“Dude is phenomenal.”
“I’m a big fan of Colin. No one sounds like him. He’s the real deal.”
“Son, you made Stapleton proud…What a tremendously gifted young man with the BRIGHTEST future ahead. You’ve already got millions of fans. Much love.”
Check out the video below to watch Stough sing “Either Way.” He ended up coming in third place, Danielle was the runner-up, and Tongi was the winner. Congratulations to them all!