Singer and songwriter Haven Madison got her start on Season 21 of American Idol, where her songwriting ability and original songs got her into the top 8. Haven has since moved to Nashville, signed with a recording company, graduated high school, and released her debut EP “Turn Off All the Lights.” We got to chat with Haven to learn more about her time on American Idol, her debut EP and the inspiration behind it, and what she hopes people take away from listening to her music.
Haven was just 16 years old when she auditioned on American Idol and performed an original song “15” with her dad Jason accompanying her on guitar. She blew away Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, the Idol judges. During her time on the show, she sang in front of guest judges Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morissette and sang a duet with Katy that went viral on social media. After the show, Haven moved to Nashville to pursue music full time and her debut EP “Turn Off All the Lights” includes songs like “Monster” and “Kiss the Ground.”
Haven said she would describe “Turn Off All the Lights” as an EP with some hard-hitting pop songs and emotional ballads. She was influenced and inspired by stars like Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry.
“The more hard hitting songs are going to be empowering, they are going to be fun, you’re going to want to dance and roll your windows down. And the ballads definitely will make you want to lay on the floor and cry.”
We also asked Haven about her initial audition and time on American Idol, and she said she was at first nervous to audition in front of the judges, but put her trust in her talent and songwriting ability. Haven said when she first walked through those audition doors, she was starstruck seeing the Idol judges in person for the first time.
“I think what gave me the confidence was knowing that my songwriting is what sets me apart and the fact that [American] Idol was so supportive of me singing my songs.”
“Truthfully the first time I stood in front of them [the American Idol judges], I was a bit shocked, I was starstruck.”
Haven also gave us insight into her duet with Katy, where they sang a duet of Katy’s song “By The Grace of God” and Haven’s original song “Still Need You.” Haven said she and Katy rehearsed just once together, but it was an incredibly special moment to perform it live with one of her inspirations.
“It was really special [to sing with Katy Perry], it felt like we were both so confident in each other that we weren’t concerned.”
When you listen to songs from “Turn Off All the Lights”, Haven said she hopes audiences can feel any type of emotion they want and not feel bad about it. She wants to create a safe space where all people, young girls especially, can be themselves.
“I have always believed that if I make music that invokes any emotion then that would be enough for me.”
Thank you, Haven, for chatting with Young Entertainment! Be sure to follow her on her Instagram at @havenmadisonsings. Be sure to watch the rest of the interview where we ask her more about auditioning for American Idol with an original song, her favorite songs to cover, the first lyrics she ever wrote, and the artists that inspired her to follow her dreams.
Consider this:
- Trust your talents and your ability. Don’t be afraid to take risks.
- Be honest and vulnerable about where you are at. You can make a song out of anything, so use your interests and your own experiences in your music.
- If you are an aspiring singer, find your voice and find what you like about your voice. Every singer is different so play to your strengths and what you love.
- Use social media to your advantage. Don’t be afraid to post what you care about and your own songs/art/etc.
