‘American Idol’ Alum Haven Madison talks new music, radio success and tattoo-worthy lyrics

At just 19 years old, American Idol alum Haven Madison is proving her music career is only just beginning. After a breakout run on the national stage, she’s now signed her first record deal and released her debut EP, Turn Off All the Lights.

During a recent stop in Tulsa, Madison joined us to reflect on her journey, the influence of American Idol, and her growing fan base.

What did your American Idol experience teach you?

The national spotlight came early for Madison. Appearing on American Idol just a couple of years ago, she says the competition shaped her into the artist she is now.

“Oh my goodness. It taught me so much. I think you cannot be in a situation like that and not fully know who you are because people can tell,” she said. “So it just really helped me hone in on what's my sound, what's my voice capable of, who am I, and what do I want to say. And I'm just super grateful for the whole experience. I feel like it really formed who I am as an artist.”

What was it like performing with Katy Perry?

One of Madison’s most talked-about Idol moments came during the finale, when she got to share the stage with superstar judge Katy Perry.

“Yeah, that was absolutely insane. It was for the finale, and we did a mashup of one of my original songs and one of hers, which was just so special that she thought that my songwriting was worthy of her learning it, honestly,” she said. “But yeah, it was a really cool moment, and just the meaning of the two songs together was really, really special.”

Tell us about your debut EP

Since Idol, Madison has focused on developing her own voice and storytelling. Her new EP, Turn Off All the Lights, is deeply personal and completely her own.

“Yeah, I write all my songs. I love doing co-writes. I love being in rooms with people and just kind of, it's like magic. It's like a tornado and then somehow we've created a new piece of music,” she said.

“Yeah, Turn Off All The Lights was my debut project and it was kind of like experiencing every emotion. It was basically being 17 put into five songs. That's exactly what it is.”

What’s it like hearing your song on the radio?

Her single Castle is now climbing into the Top 40, and listeners across the country are taking notice.

“Yeah, I mean, it's been such a journey. I think I'm super grateful to have a team around me that just believes in going to all these radio stations and meeting everybody,” she said. “And it's been really special getting to really connect with the listeners at each station and just meet the people behind like making my dreams come true.”

“It's been super special and has definitely really helped me hone in on who do I want to be and what do I want to say.”

What’s it like knowing fans are getting your lyrics tattooed?

Madison’s growing fan base is all-in, including some who are making her words permanent.

“Yeah, which is crazy because I'm not good at drawing so they'll like ask me to draw something or write something and I'm like, are you sure you want to get this on your body? Forever?” she said.

“Yeah, I know. I mean, I've had some people get lyrics to Castle tattooed. They got it tattooed last fall, like before the song had even come out, before I knew it was gonna come out. I was like, are you guys sure?”