Season 18 ‘American Idol’ Contestants are on Fire with Latest Music Releases
Instagram.com/JuliaGargano/FranciscoMartin Reading Time: 4 minutes
Talent show contestants disappear from the spotlight way too often. The Season 18 American Idol contestants are doing just the opposite. They have been releasing their own original music regularly since the most unconventional season of the show ever. You need to hear some of the recent music releases from this insanely talented bunch.
1. Makayla Phillips
Fans were delighted to see Makayla Phillips return for the Season 19 comeback episode of American Idol. She previously made it to the Top 11 on Season 18, which was a shock to fans of Heidi Klum’s ‘AGT’ Golden Buzzer. One thing we learned about Makayla through her time on talent shows is that she is unstoppable.
Her song “Renegade Jane (Don’t Want You)” will be released on May 7. She teased the single on Instagram in a very short video hitting a whistle-tone note that only she can. You can pre-save the song on Spotify now.
2. Jonny West
Remember when Jonny West sang his song “Makin’ Love” during his American Idol audition and knocked our socks off with his rapping skills? This Top 5 American Idol finalist is back with the same incredible sound in his single “NUMBER.” The sexy music video for this song is everything!
It totally makes sense why Jonny wasn’t a part of The Comeback on Season 19. he’s busy doing his own thing and his fans are absolutely loving it.
3. Julia Gargano
Julia Gargano set the bar for songwriting on Season 18 of American Idol. After making it to the Top 7 and being eliminated despite her strong fanbase, fans waited to see what Julia was going to do next. The New York native signed a deal with 19 Recordings after the show.
Her latest release “Strangers” is an all-too-relatable tune about the one that got away. This song will give you goosebumps and totally have you in your feels. The music video for the song will be out on May 7.
4. Sophia James
Sophia James and her infectious personality took her to the Top 11 on Season 18 of American Idol. She wrote this song in college and it is the definition of a song with a message. Sophia also just posted a cover of “I Can Change” by “Lake Street Dive” over on her Instagram with Season 19 contestant Anilee List.
5. Louis Knight
Louis Knight performed his original song “Maybe That” during The Comeback episode on Season 19. He was another unforgettable contestant that first auditioned with an original song in 2020 about the death of his friend. “Maybe That” is the kind of song that you can play on repeat and never get tired of it.
Louis was one of the contestants that stood out during the returning contestant’s performances this season. His growing fanbase also loves his song “Change” which we predict will reach 1 million streams on Spotify by the end of this year.
6. Nick Merico
Heartthrob Nick Merico has competed on American Idol three times. After withdrawing from the competition in Season 17, he used Season 18 as a chance for redemption. Nick was one of the contestants brought back in Season 19 and performed his catchy original song “City Lights.”
He described the song on Instagram as “a song about putting it all on the line to go after something you want more than anything.”
7. Francisco Martin
Season 18 fan-favorite Francisco Martin is cooking up something special for his rapidly growing fanbase. After releasing the music video for his song “Wild Girl,” Francisco announced the upcoming release of his EP Beautiful Ramblings of a Restless Mind. He posted a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes creative process of working on his music in preparation for the release.
Keeping with the theme of the Season 18 contestants, Francisco will also be releasing his EP on May 7. Basically, May 7 is going to be a day full of iconic music and we absolutely cannot wait for all of it.
8. Just Sam
If you haven’t already checked out Season 18 winner Just Sam’s original song “Africando,” then you are missing out. It highlights her incredible range and talent which is what fans first fell in love with when she competed last year. In an exclusive interview, Sam opened up about what is next for her career post-American Idol.
SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ FANS OUTRAGED AFTER ARTHUR GUNN RETURNS TO THE COMPETITION
