He may only be 20, but Perth-born, LA-based artist Jordan Anthony already has more experience within the music industry than many might expect. He was writing songs and playing instruments before he hit double digits, then had his first taste of fame aged 14 as a Top 4 finalist on The Voice Australia.
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest followed (he placed 8th), as did a headline festival appearance at Perth’s One Big Voice. Then in 2024, he made the Top 14 as a contestant on American Idol, and his career really began to take off.
Two years on, Jordan has released several singles that reflect not just his artistic talent, but also his personal growth. His latest, “Lost In LA,” is one of his most personal yet. The song is also the final single to be taken from his upcoming EP, and here he tells XS Noize about both releases, shares his thoughts on the power and importance of social media, and offers advice to anyone thinking of applying for a TV talent show.
Tell me about “Lost In LA.” Is there a particular idea or story behind it?
This is essentially the story of my last 18 months put into a song. Moving to LA last year from Australia was genuinely one of the most amazing experiences of my life — and still is — but this song tells the honest side of it too. The days where I don’t necessarily know if I have what it takes, when doubt sets in and things get tough. This is such an important song for me. It’s honest and a little scary, but I wrote it for myself and for anyone else trying to chase something. I hope it helps people feel less alone.
What made you feel this was the right track to kick off 2026 with?
I spent a lot of time debating which song should start the year, but I kept coming back to this one. It just feels right — like the song that needed to come out, and the story I really needed to share. I’ve always prided myself on vulnerability, honesty, and authenticity, and this feels like the purest version of that. The story is so current for me — it’s everything I’m going through in real time. I want to let people into my world, the good and the bad.
What do you hope people take from the track? How do you want it to make them feel?
I hope they feel less alone, and that sometimes not being okay is okay. It’s all part of the process of getting where you want to be. I also hope people feel more connected to me through the vulnerability and the story.
The track is taken from your upcoming EP. What, if anything, can you share about it?
This is actually the last standalone single before we begin the EP journey, which I’m so excited about. The EP is a collection of songs and stories from the last two years, following my journey in the US — pretty much the best songs from that time. I’m really excited to finally be dropping a full project.
Who or what inspires you most when it comes to songwriting? And how easy or difficult is the process for you?
I get inspired by a lot of things — love, loss, heartbreak, being away from my family, and all the new experiences that come with living away from home while pursuing my dream.
You’ve been in the spotlight since your teens, first on The Voice Australia and later American Idol. What are your fondest memories from those shows, and what did they teach you?
Honestly, a lot of my fondest memories are about the people I met. It’s unreal how shows like that bring people together — you’re tied through shared experiences. I’ve met my best friends through American Idol. From late nights writing songs together in hotel rooms to grabbing food at 2am after taping, it’s been so special to finally find my people through those shows.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about auditioning for a show like that?
Manage your expectations. I say this to everyone. A lot of people go in expecting it to change their lives overnight, but at the end of the day, it’s a platform. A massive one, yes — but what you get out of it is ultimately up to you.
What do you say to those who feel shows like American Idol and The Voice don’t carry the same reputation they once did?
I agree that the shows don’t quite have the same pull as they used to, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I still think they’re an amazing opportunity for upcoming artists.
What are your thoughts on social media, both as an artist and as an individual? Can artists succeed without it?
Sadly, no. In today’s music industry, you’re a full-time content creator just as much as a full-time artist. That’s how things are built now — creating fan bases through social media and converting that into listeners. Sometimes I wish it wasn’t so dependent on social media because of how saturated it is, but that’s just the reality.
With “Lost In LA” out now and the EP on the way, what are your plans for touring and performing?
We have a tour in the works and are looking at playing shows across the US throughout the year, so stay tuned — I’m so excited to hit the road. I’d also love to tour Europe. It just looks incredible, there are so many places I want to experience, and I’m Italian, so it feels like it makes sense.
Finally, with a new year just beginning, have you set yourself any goals or resolutions for 2026?
For me, the biggest one is touring. It’s been a dream of mine my whole life, and I really feel like now is the right time to take this music on the road.
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