Heather Russell's American Idol Audition: A Journey to Redemption

It's been years since we've seen anyone like Heather Russell on American Idol, and we're obsessed! But before she took the stage, let's take a step back and learn more about this talented artist. Shelby Tweten, now 21, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in March, which makes her an excellent candidate for an extended hometown edit.

Heather's music career began when she started posting original songs on YouTube at just eight years old. Her talent didn't go unnoticed, as one of her videos caught the attention of Simon Cowell, who invited her to London and signed her on the spot. She released her first EP Phases under new management after leaving Syco Entertainment, where she felt forced into a Disney-esque box by the adults around her.

Fast-forward to 2018, Russell released her first full-length album My Metropolis with Gladiator Records, a label that gave her complete artistic control. Her music has since evolved to be more edgy and raw, leaning towards R&B and pop sounds reminiscent of Ariana Grande or Alicia Keys.

After moving to Los Angeles, Heather released multiple records and continued to grow as an artist. She worked with Lady Gaga's mentor Rob Fusari, who helped her gain nearly 1.3 million views on her viral video for 'Every Step of The Way.' With Gladiator Records, she gained 100% artistic say, which is evident in the huge difference between her earlier releases and later work.

Heather Russell's American Idol audition is highly anticipated ahead of March 7. Will she be able to redeem herself after feeling stifled by her early record deal? We can't wait to find out!

Heather russell american idol audition