Louis Knight made the top 7 on this season of “American Idol.” Now, post-show, Knight has released an emotional video of a soon to be released song, “Maybe That” and the heartthrob is only just beginning.
Knight was a favorite from the beginning. When he first auditioned he moved the judges to tears with his original song, “Change,” which was about losing a friend to suicide. Luke Bryan told Knight he might be the biggest star this show has ever had.
After making it into the top 20, Knight performed from his house in Narberth every week, due to the Corona Virus pandemic, a first for this show.
We talked to him last year before his Idol journey started about his debut single, “Just Kiss Me,” a great song for the Summer. It is amazing to follow his journey from then until now.
He hopes to record the studio version of “Maybe That” soon for fans to have. Knight set up mirror walls in anticipation of his finale performance, but in lieu of that, he decided to record “Maybe That” instead.
How did you feel about putting out such an emotional song for your fans to hear?
I think everyone that listens to my music is used to that, emotional stuff. *laughs* This is one of my proudest songs that I’ve written. Kind of reflecting on a year after a relationship has ended and you see that one person has moved on and it takes the other a bit longer and, in that case, it was me. *laughs* It was really great to see so many of my supporters connect with it, especially my new ones from Idol. It was the first thing I’ve put out coming off of Idol. So, I was a bit nervous about what the response would be, but it’s been lovely so far.
Can fans expect the same theme (of heartbreak) from your upcoming music?
I think definitely a mixture. There’s always going to be heartbreak/love in there. There’s going to be some upbeat love songs too. *laughs* I think I’m always going to try to keep writing about prevalent issues in the world, as I did with “Change,” like suicide prevention and mental health awareness. I’m definitely going to write songs about that kind of stuff, like the crazy conditions that everyone is going through right now.
How did you adapt to having to perform at home? What was that like for you?
It was very interesting. We were all out in LA for a week and a half/two weeks, living in an apartment together. We were becoming such good friends, which was really nice and then we all got sent home. Every day the pandemic was just worsening and worsening. They told us they were sending us home and there was about a week and a half where we were waiting to find out if the show was being canceled or what was going to happen. It felt like the longest week and a half of my life. They basically told us we were doing it from home and sent us boxes and boxes of equipment. Some of the contestants were quite upset about not being in LA on the big stage, but I wasn’t too upset by it. I’m a firm believer in you also have to find the silver lining. Either way, it was going to be a new opportunity and experience and we had to make the best of it. We had to connect with everyone watching through iPhones, which was definitely a challenge, but pretty amazing.
Speaking of making good friends, would you and Francisco (Martin) ever collab?
I think we may definitely in the future. We also joked about but were also pretty serious about doing a tour together once quarantine was over, which would be pretty incredible. Once he starts putting some of the amazing songs he’s trying to record, that would be amazing. I definitely think that we will be collaborating.
Was there anything you felt like you missed out on because the shows were filmed from home?
I think the biggest thing everyone kind of said all of the make-up and wardrobe. And then just the energy of being in front of a live crowd. That would have been amazing. I was just so grateful that the production was absolutely incredible throughout the entire process. I was just happy they gave us the chance to continue our journey.
How did “American Idol” change you as an artist and as a person?
I think, I grew so much throughout the few months. Everything was so jam-packed, and I got so many new experiences so quickly. The standout moment for me, the day that will live with me forever, was the end of Hollywood Week. My roommate had been sent home. I had only gotten a few hours of sleep in the course of three days. I basically had like a sleep-deprived panic attack, which I’ve never really experienced before. I started freaking out. I locked myself in my hotel room and started packing my suitcase. I said I couldn’t handle it and wanted do go home. My production team, manager, who is one of my best friends, and my family helped to calm me down and get me to the venue. I ended up going out and performing “Call Me While You Wait” by Lewis Capaldi. It ended up being one of my most raw performances. That day has taught me about perseverance and that you never know what you’re capable of. No one knows how to survive through a hurricane until you do it.
What songs have been getting you through the quarantine?
That’s a good question. I’ve started listening to Lionel Richie (ironically) again. I listened to him when I was younger too. He’s so good. I would listen to a lot of Lauv and Lewis Capaldi and Coldplay. I also say they are my favorite artists, but I think that’s what music is there for at a time like this. It makes you feel good.
If you could open for any artist, who would it be?
Hands down, Lewis Capaldi. Hands down!
How has the support been from Philly/Lower Merion and surrounding areas?
Honestly, I never imagined the amount of support from our local city, Lower Merion, and Narberth. It’s been unbelievable. It really has been. Everyone on the community networks was saying, ‘Vote for Louis’ and tons of people reaching out. I’ve had neighbors dropping by to say hi (socially distancing of course). There were people driving by myself to wish me good luck. It’s been so lovely.
What’s next for you?
I haven’t finished recording the actual song yet for “Maybe That,” which I’m really excited to do so, but that is coming. I have my next single coming out called “Twisted Conversations,” which is going to be coming out, I believe July 6th or early July. It’s kind of a love song but way happier and more upbeat. I hope people like it. I’m trying to release a new song about every other month. I’ve got so many songs that I’ve been waiting until it’s safe to go back to the studio in Jersey. Hopefully, fingers crossed, after I record the songs, I’ll sign a record deal.
We can’t wait to see where this journey takes you, Louis! We are so proud. Thank you so much for chatting with us. Make sure to watch the video for “Maybe That” and be sure to stream his EP, Small Victories.
To stay up to date on what Knight releases next, be sure to follow him on social media.
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