Madison Watkins on Her New EP, Letting Go of Expectations, and Blending Genres: ‘I Just Want to Make Good Music’

Madison Watkins is taking the world by storm through her debut EP, Letting Go.

The singer-songwriter officially released her long-awaited EP—and fans and new listeners alike are taking notice. Known for her powerhouse vocals, honest storytelling, and genre-defying style, the American Idol alum opened up about her new music, mental health journey, and dreams of collaborating with artists like Carrie Underwood and Bruno Mars.

Madison Watkins’ New EP Is a Long Time Coming

“It’s honestly surreal,” Madison says about finally releasing her new EP. “I’ve been waiting for this day for over a year. You get so deep into the process—writing, recording, producing—you almost forget people are going to actually hear it.”

The five-track EP features personal, reflective songs that highlight her vocal range and songwriting depth. While some tracks didn’t make the final cut, Madison hints they may find a home on a future full-length album.

‘Spin’ Evolved From a Simple Demo to an Atmospheric Escape

One standout on the EP is Spin, which started as an acoustic track before transforming into a dreamy, immersive listening experience.

“It was just me and a guitar at first,” she recalls. “But then we layered in atmosphere, and it became this almost cinematic feeling. I wrote it after a boat trip in Italy where I felt like a kid again—just looking at the world and wishing we could all see life through that lens.”

Music as Therapy: “It Helps Me Breathe Again”

Madison has been candid about living with anxiety—and music plays a key role in how she copes.

“I’ve struggled with anxiety for years, and sometimes I just have to turn on a song and let it out,” she says. “Recently, ‘Die with a Smile’ by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars has been my go-to for driving and screaming. But when I need to calm down, I put on ‘Nothing Else’ by Bethel Music—it just centers me.”

That same therapeutic effect is something fans often find in her music. She says one lyric from her song Letting Go—“They say carry every single load, build a palace, do it on your own”—continues to resonate.

“As women especially, we feel so much pressure to do everything perfectly—and alone. That line was for me, but it’s for all of us. At a recent fan event, someone came up and said, ‘That lyric is exactly what I needed right now.’ That’s why I do this.”

Madison Watkins Honors Her Mom With a Viral Song

One of the most emotional moments in Madison’s recent journey came from a song she wrote solo for her mom—a tribute that quickly went viral.

“She had no idea I was writing it,” Madison says. “I just sat at the piano and cried while writing it. My mom is the most selfless person I know, and I wanted to create something that would honor her not just now but when she’s gone, too. Something that celebrates all moms.”

A Christian Pop Artist Who Doesn’t Believe in Genre Limits

Although often labeled a Christian pop artist, Madison Watkins says that label doesn’t fully capture who she is.

“I never wanted to be boxed in,” she explains. “Yes, I’m a Christian. But I also make pop, soul, gospel, R&B—I want to make music that connects with people, period.”

Watkins says that she embraces listeners from all backgrounds: “Not all of my fans believe what I believe, and that’s totally okay. We respect each other. That’s how the world gets better.”

She dreams of a future where music isn’t divided by genre but guided by feeling. “If the song is good, it’s good. It doesn’t matter if it’s pop, country, or Christian.”

Could a Carrie Underwood Collab Be Next?

Living in Nashville, Madison says she’s definitely open to stepping into country music one day.

“I’d love to do a song with Carrie Underwood,” she says. “We both have big voices, and I think we could crush something together.”

She also named Tori Kelly as another dream collaborator—and someone who’s been a mentor over the years. But if there’s one artist she holds at the top, it’s Bruno Mars: “His voice, his songwriting, his style—he’s the best.”

From ‘American Idol’ to the Big Screen

Fans may know Madison from her time on American Idol and America’s Got Talent, but she’s also stepping into another spotlight: acting.

“I’m working on a movie this year,” she reveals. “The main character’s name is Mia, and the story is eerily close to my own—about mental health and trying to make it in the music industry. Playing her feels natural because I’ve lived it.”

Though she didn’t set out to be an actress, she’s embracing this new creative outlet. “I think the roles I’ll love the most are the ones where I truly know what the character is feeling—because I’ve been there.”

Madison Watkins Is Just Getting Started

With a growing fan base, a new EP, and a future full of possibilities, Madison Watkins is carving her own path—without genre labels.

“I just want to make good music. That’s it,” she says. “Music that makes people feel seen and less alone.”