With her signature ginger curls and smouldering vocals, Madison Watkins isn’t showing up to America’s talent shows anymore—she’s commandeering the piano and writing soul-stirring love letters to the Big Guy upstairs. Her five-track EP, Letting Go, is less a collection of songs and more a spiritual reset button. The lyrics might just pry open your death grip on control, and the rhythms? Let’s just say they’ll have you swaying like you caught the Holy Spirit… or at least a really good vibe.
We caught up with Madison to talk all things Letting Go, her ride-or-die parents, and how to get into Christian music—even if your idea of Sunday worship involves brunch and bottomless mimosas.
Hi Madison! Most people know you as an American Idol alum, but you actually auditioned for America’s Got Talent first, so it’s fair to say you’re basically the queen of talent shows. Beyond the obvious perks, like mentorship from top-tier artists, what did you personally gain from those experiences that you might not have if you’d taken the more modern route to fame, say, going viral on TikTok?
The biggest thing I learned was being mentored by artists in the industry who have been in it for years. They had so much insight on how I could grow as an artist and how to survive in this crazy industry!
Christian connections seem to follow you—from sharing faith with American Idol mentor Tori Kelly to now being signed with Sony/Provident, a home for faith-based music. How has finding that sense of belonging within the industry shaped your growth as an artist?
My faith is a huge aspect of my life. It is what shapes every part of my life, and for years I didn’t express my faith through my music…Now I feel so much more freedom to be the artist I truly am by expressing my faith in every aspect of my life.
Rocking a seriously stylish bandana, you called out the “CHRISTIAN MUSIC SOUNDS SO LAME 🤣” crowd with flair. With your EP Letting Go diving deep into that theme, especially the lead single, ‘Spin’—what do you think is the loudest myth about Christian music? And for those who aren’t Catholic (or religious at all), any tips on how to vibe with the message without feeling left out?
I think the myth of Christian music is that it is “cheesy” or “outdated.” There is a movement happening with Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake, Cece Winans—so many artists that are proving that it is a time for Christian music to thrive! I love that question about listeners who may not listen because they don’t feel like they “fit in.” The best part of Christian music is that it is overall uplifting and joyful. Everyone needs a little bit more joy in their life, no matter what you believe!
On ‘Goodbye,’ you suggest that it’s easier to let go of things we desperately wanted when they’re clearly not working out, because something better is coming. But in the thick of it, that kind of trust is tough. How do you personally find the strength to let go and believe in what’s ahead?
Personally, I look at my life and see how things have always worked out in the past. If you look back on your life and see what has brought you to this moment… You can see that everything has worked out for your good. I believe that it is God’s plan to make all things turn out for good.
The lighting in the ‘You Won’t’ music video is absolutely stunning—we loved the cool blues contrasted with that fiery red that mirrors your hair and the striking blue gown. Blue seems to be seeping into every corner of this era, from the video to the cover art for the EP and its singles. What does that color represent for you in this chapter?
Blue is a calm, tranquil color that represents peace to me. I love the ocean and any body of water because it brings true peace. That is the era of this music in my life. True peace.
There’s a really moving video of your parents listening to ‘You Won’t’ with you in the car. Often, conversations around such themes happen one-on-one, but here you’re sharing your feelings through your art, with both your family and the wider world. How do your parents support and encourage you through this kind of vulnerable, creative expression?
I feel like my parents have always been my biggest fans. They walked with me through a lot, and to hear this song that was expressing my heart was really impactful for them. I’m so grateful for their support.
‘Everything I Need’ takes a sharp left turn from the rest of the EP’s vibe, especially coming right after a stripped-down piano ballad. What inspired that bold shift in tone, particularly the almost robotic harmonies in the intro? Was there a specific sonic or emotional idea you were chasing?
I love Olivia Dean. She has music that has a sound of freedom. I was inspired by her song ‘Dive’ and added a lot of elements to my song that made me feel the same way her song makes me feel. I think it’s one of my favorites on the EP!
Speaking of production, we’re obsessed with the heartbeat sound in the EP’s closer, ‘Letting Go.’ What were you aiming to convey with that subtle detail, especially alongside the powerful presence of your vocals in the song?
The heartbeat in ‘Letting Go’ exemplifies the true human aspect of “letting go” of things that don’t serve you. Sometimes, when you let go, it feels like you are dying. The heartbeat shows that emotion in the song.
You’re a huge Adele fan—we’ve even caught you manifesting a collab with her! If you could workshop an extended version of any song from the EP with Adele, which one would it be, and what magic do you think she’d bring to the track?
I think she could kill ‘You Won’t’ with me. She is such an amazing singer, not only for her vocal ability, but also because of the emotion she portrays in her songs. I feel like ‘You Won’t’ would be perfect for us to duet together!
Finally, with an album on the horizon, what are three things currently inspiring you as you dive deeper into this project?
Three things inspiring me are… love, growth, and living like a child again. I am learning so much about “unlearning” adult patterns and loving and living like a kid again!
Which track from Madison’s Letting Go EP are you absolutely not letting go of? We want to hear all about it—fangirl on our socials: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Holy goosebumps welcome.
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