‘American Idol’ Season 20: Hear the Top 7’s New Singles, Out Now
American Idol fans can now listen to newly-released singles from their favorite artists in season 20’s Top 7. On Friday, May 13, the finalists debuted songs that meant a lot to them personally and reflected their musical styles, as seen on American Idol this season. Later this month, the Top 3 will perform their singles live during the American Idol Season 20 Grand Finale. Check out the Top 7’s songs below.
Nicolina, ‘Glitter’
In an Instagram post about her song, Nicolina revealed that “Glitter” originally belonged to pop singer Patrick Droney. However, she had the chance to remake the song, which made her feel “over the moon.” According to Nicolina, “Glitter” is “about grief and how it is very real.”
“This song highlights the idea that grief never truly leaves us. It is a beautiful yet haunting depiction of grief,” she wrote in the Instagram post.
“But no one really dies if the love remains/ ‘Cause nothing that dies really goes away,” Nicolina sings in the tune.
HunterGirl, ‘Red Bird’
Like Nicolina, HunterGirl addresses grief in her single, “Red Bird.” The country singer and American Idol platinum ticket winner explained via Instagram that she based the song on something she learned from her family as a child.
“When you see a red bird, it is a sign from Heaven that a family member is looking after you,” she wrote. “Cardinals have been a big sign in my life and really important to my family.”
HunterGirl continued on to explain that she felt overwhelmed to the point of tears while writing “Red Bird.” However, she wanted to remind listeners that loved ones are always looking out for them.
“‘Cause I could use a redbird right now/ One from the other side of the clouds./ I’m feeling lost and empty/ Letting me know that you’re still with me,” the lyrics read.
Leah Marlene, ‘Flowers’
Leah Marlene wanted to reflect on her journey with anxiety and depression in “Flowers.” Taking to TikTok to promote the tune, the singer explained that she wrote it as “an encouragement” to her “past self” and any other people who may be experiencing the same feelings as she did.
“There’s always hope and there’s always a way out,” she said. The lyrics state:
“See where the pavement gives weight, to the flowers/ When you’re six feet under, it’s hard to hear the fracture./ The new life is growing in the layers you shed, oh.”
Fritz Hager, ‘Hearts Align’
Fritz Hager didn’t share much about the meaning behind his single, “Hearts Align.” However, he did reveal to Billboard that he worked alongside producer King Henry to create the song. Having released music in the past, it wasn’t Fritz’s first time in a recording studio.
“We are two people who have the same sounds in mind,” he said of the producer. “For my first EP, there was almost a language barrier because it was like working in two different mediums, so being able to work with King Henry and how our conversation flowed was really cool.”
“Hearts Align” seems to tell the story of a couple whose love has changed. Fritz sings:
“Hold me close, don’t leave me./ I’m afraid to run in the fire./ And I can’t stop these demons./ Take me back to when our hearts aligned.”
Noah Thompson, ‘One Day Tonight’
Noah Thompson, on the other hand, was completely new to recording when he stepped into the studio to create his single for the American Idol Top 7. He told Billboard how much he loved making “One Day Tonight” with producer Jimmy Robbins.
“Being in the studio working in the sound booth was one of the greatest things I’ve ever done in my life. I had so much fun because I didn’t know how any of that stuff worked, so it was all new to me,” Noah said.
Noah channels his inner country star with “One Day Tonight,” a song about a couple discussing their future together.
“Now and then after work on Friday nights/ She’ll lean into a bottle of wine./ And I just sip, watch her talk about forever, Amen./ It might be my favorite thing ever,” Noah sings.
Jay Copeland, ‘Unlonely’
Jay Copeland’s journey on American Idol ended before the Top 5. However, he still had the chance to record a new single. In an Instagram post, Jay called his song “a bop” and made a virtual toast to the summer and “new beginnings.”
“Unlonely” tells the story of someone meeting a new person at a bar and inviting them back to their home, where they stay up all night.
“You got me trying to make you mine/ I don’t wanna leave this moment/ So what’s the vibe?/ You looking like you might want me,” the lyrics read.
Christian Guardino, ‘Higher’
Christian Guardino, who was also eliminated from American Idol in the Top 7, released a single called “Higher.” On Instagram, he said he worked with producer DannyBoy Styles and recorded the track in the same studio where Marvin Gaye recorded “What’s Going On.”
In “Higher,” Christian sings about connecting with someone and protecting them from pain.
“Give me a sign that you’re mine/ When it gets hard/ And I will take the pain and burn these scars/ So won’t you hold me/ And pull me closer/ And take me higher,” the lyrics read.
American Idol Season 20’s Top 5 will perform on Sunday, April 15, at 8 p.m. on ABC. The finale airs on Sunday, May 22.
