‘American Idol’ Alum Lauren Spencer Smith Shares the Inspiration for Her New Album

“American Idol” season 18 contestant Lauren Spencer Smith is opening up about what inspired her new album “The Art of Being a Mess.” 

Spencer Smith revealed that the album is as personal as ever during an interview with “Good Morning America.” “…in my songwriting process I’m just…whatever is happening that day,” the singer explained. “Whatever I’m upset about, angry about, whatever feelings I’m feeling…” 

The singer also spoke about how her new album differs from 2023’s “Mirror,” which included her hit singles “Fingers Crossed” and “Flowers.” “Honestly, I feel like my story is reflected even more because I didn’t try to come up with a crazy concept…” Spencer Smith said. “…the story is up and down and it’s sad and it’s confusing, and I think that’s the most relatable part of it.”

“The Art of Being a Mess” drops on June 27 and contains the single “Pray” which showcases the stunning vocals that Spencer Smith is known for. 

Spencer Smith’s Rise to Fame

Lauren Spencer Smith grew up on Vancouver Island in Canada. She’d been singing since she was a child and in 2019 she went viral covering Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way,” which she recorded while riding in her dad’s truck. 

Spencer Smith went on to record the song for her album “Unplugged, Vol.1” which was nominated for a Juno Award. At age 16, in 2020, she tried out for season 18 of “American Idol” and made it to the top 20 before being eliminated. 

Getting cut from “American Idol” did not deter Spencer Smith, and in fact it only spurred her on to write new music. “Fingers Crossed” was released in January of 2022, and became a runaway hit, eventually garnering over half a billion streams, which Spencer Smith celebrated in an Instagram post in May of 2025. 

She has since been nominated for multiple awards including a VMA, a Kid’s Choice Award, and several iHeart Radio Music Awards. She returned to the “Idol” stage in 2024 to perform “Fingers Crossed. 

Spencer Smith is Using Her Fame for a Good Cause

During her interview with “Good Morning America,” Lauren Spencer Smith revealed that she had partnered with PLUS1, an organization that raises funds for young people facing difficult situations. $1 per ticket to each of Spencer Smith’s concerts will be donated to the charity.

“I just feel like this is the perfect time to be raising awareness for … homelessness, recovery, [and] addiction,” the singer shared. “I think if I could help every single issue in the world, I would.”

Spencer Smith is kicking off a European tour in the fall and will be performing across the U.S. in 2026.