Two-and-a-half years after Fritz Hager rose to fame on season 20 of “American Idol,” rising to the Top 5 with his indie-folk sound and quirky sense of humor, the singer-songwriter says he’s starting over.
In a vulnerable Instagram post on January 1, 2025, Hager wrote that “2024 was a challenging year.” Though he was riding high after his time on “Idol” — releasing tunes like “Caroline,” moving to Nashville, and performing across the U.S. — Hager wrote that he was struggling to stay afloat by 2024 and had to get a “day job.”
“I felt stuck in a city that didn’t feel like home yet, I felt like I wasn’t working hard enough, and worst of all I felt stagnant,” Hager wrote in the first of three images he posted with white text on a black background. “In March I got a day job, which felt like a big step backward for me.”
Fans are rallying around Hager, now 25, for sharing how 2024 unfolded for him and his hopes to reboot his music career in 2025.
Fritz Hager Says He Left His Record Label in 2024 But Has Hope for the Future
In his New Year’s Day post, Hager wrote that he felt “offended, misunderstood and if I’m honest a bit angry” when someone on his talent team asked him if he actually wants to be an artist or if “you just like the idea of being one.” But after sitting with the question for a while, Hager said it helped him clarify what he does want.
“In 2024, I didn’t release any music, but I was hard at work,” he wrote. “I wrote nonstop, even when it felt like every song I wrote would immediately be sucked into a void never to be heard. Never allowed to live.”
But some people in Nashville did hear his new songs, he shared, and he said he finally felt “heard and understood.”
“I left my label and stripped everything away,” he wrote, “and that process resulted in some beautiful music that I’m desperate to share with you. It was a year of planting seeds, and I’m so grateful to have found other creative inspiring people to help me make sure they grow into something beautiful.”
Hager isn’t the only season 20 contestant to hit a rough patch in 2024. In May, EntertainmentNOW first reported that country singer Noah Thompson, who won season 20 and also moved to Nashville after the show, had parted ways with 19 Recordings amid creative differences. He has since released new music and is rebuilding his career as an independent artist and songwriter (including co-writing a tune for Luke Combs’ latest album).
Fellow ‘American Idol’ Contestants Are Among Those Supporting Fritz Hager’s Career Reboot
On the third slide of his post, Hager offered fans some hope for the future, but admitted he’s nervous about how things will pan out.
“Going into 2025, I’ll be honest I’m a little scared,” he wrote. “I don’t know what doors will open for me, or which ones I’ll have to break down myself. But still there’s so much potential, so many seeds waiting in the dirt, so much music to be made. Thank you to my friends I made last year who helped me figure out what I want.”
Fans and friends flocked to Hager’s post to offer their support, including fellow season 20 contestant Allegra Miles, who wrote, “the world needs your music and you and we’re lucky to get to experience it in any way that feels right for you. love you fritz 💙”
Other “Idol” alums who liked Hager’s post included season 20 runner-up HunterGirl, season 21 finalist Mia Matthews and season 16 winner Maddie Poppe.
Among the fans who left comments for Hager, one wrote, “Keep going. Don’t give up. You are a rare gem that just needs to be discovered and polished by the right people. Sending only the best your way. 💫”
Another shared, “Fritz, as you can see from the comments we love you and your music. It is a hard business to crack but if you love it, don’t give up. Persistence and passion for your craft is essential. Do things out of your comfort zone. Many if not most artists had to work a day job to pay the bill while pursuing their dreams. You can do it! Wishing you a magical 2025! ❤️”
In his Instagram Stories, Hager posted a photo of himself in a ballcap and coat hours after making his initial post. Over the photo, he wrote, “Currently freezing my ass off at work but wanted to say thank you all for your encouraging messages. I think this is gonna be a big year, but still I get anxious because every opportunity to succeed is an opportunity to fail. Just being honest. But knowing you guys have my back really makes me feel like I can do anything. Love you all 💙”
Hager deleted all of his past Instagram posts and left only the new one, but explained in his Instagram Stories that he left past music posts up on his TikTok account.
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‘Idol’ Fan Favorite Vulnerably Tells Fans He’s Starting Over: ‘I’m a Little Scared’