AMERICAN IDOL, SEASON 13 CONTESTANT; Kaitlyn Jackson is proving she can carry her own, even at the young age of 16! Her vivacious personality, powerful voice, and great stage presence makes Kaitlyn a natural on and off stage. She's a singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, choreographer, and motivational speaker. In addition to appearing on Season 13 of American Idol (at 15), Kaitlyn also won Disney World’s American Idol Experience at Hollywood Studios when she was 14. She was also recognized by the NEW YORK STATE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME (at 13), as a promising new and emerging artist by honoring her with their HORIZON AWARD in 2011. In May of that year, Kaitlyn was named the Central NY Radio Group Junior Idol Winner and, in January 2013, she became WHWK’s Hitmaker Challenge Champion. Kaitlyn started singing at events with her father (John Jackson) at the young age of five. While they still enjoy performing together, Kaitlyn has also performed as a soloist and with a band. This past summer she put together her own band, “Kaitlyn Jackson & Hometown” & performed at a variety of shows & benefits. Kaitlyn has opened for major country artists including Kristian Bush, Cole Swindell, Daryle Singletary, Joe Nichols, Jamie O’Neal, Ty Herndon, Josh Gracin, Bryan White, Andy Griggs, Mark Wills, Jeff Bates, & Trent Willmon. Kaitlyn has also opened for Pop artists such as Melinda Doolittle and The Veronicas. In addition, Kaitlyn was privileged to sing with Kenny Rogers and Linda Davis during one of Kenny's Christmas shows. During the summer of 2014, Kaitlyn made a third trip to Nashville where she co-wrote with accomplished songwriters: Joe Sins, Scott Sanford, Corey Barker, Bill Diluigi, David Harper & CJ Watson. She recorded 8 new original songs with Producer Kent Wells for her second CD. Kaitlyn's first CD, "Crush" was written & produced in Nashville, TN when she was 12. In addition to singing, Kaitlyn has had leading roles in plays and musicals. Some of the productions she has acted in include: Damn Yankees, Tom Sawyer, 101 Dalmatians, High School Musical, The Sound of Music, Miracle on 34th Street, Annie, Dear Edwina, Oliver, Alice in Wonderland, Godspell, Oklahoma, and Mary Poppins. Some of Kaitlyn's training has been with Perkins School of Arts (dance), Orpheus Theatre (acting), and Buzzy Orange (vocal coaching). In addition to acting and singing, Kaitlyn has been dancing since she was two. During the summer of 2011 she joined the professional dance company, Phoenix Project Dance. As an apprentice with this company, she performed on Broadway and has had several shows throughout NY. In addition, Kaitlyn was a Regional Winner for her lyrical solo and modern duo at the American Dance Awards and was also a member of several award-winning groups at the national level. At 16, Kaitlyn was also named “Young Choreographer of the Year” at the Regional American Dance Awards for the Hip Hop class she instructed (students ages 10-12). Kaitlyn’s appearance on Season 13 of American Idol has opened a lot of doors. In addition to numerous radio, TV, internet, & newspaper interviews/articles, Kaitlyn was featured as the April/May cover girl for Women of Upstate NY magazine, & the September cover girl for Discussion & Discovery Magazine. WSKG TV also completed a segment on her musical career for their fall 2014 Artist Café series. Kaityn has also performed at many new events & has visited many schools around upstate NY sharing her musical journey & experience at American Idol, while encouraging students to “Dream Big,” the title of her presentation. Kaitlyn recently signed on with Award-winning public relations and marketing firm PLA Media. “We are thrilled to have such a bright young talent join our roster,” said PLA Media President Pam Lewis. “Kaitlyn has already accomplished so much for being 16 and we are excited to be a part of her journey.” We asked Kaitlyn to tell us a little bit about each of the songs on her new album. Here is what she said: 1. Break It Down I knew I wanted an upbeat, super feel-good song on my CD that any one could dance to and this song is just that. My co-writer, Bill Diluigi, and I wanted to capture the excitement and funny experiences that a group of girl friends would have during a night on the town. “Getting all dressed up to break it down,” let loose, and just have fun! 2. A Good Day To Fly My co-writer, Bill Diluigi, and I wrote this song to find an escape from all the stress and chaos that comes along with a busy life. I am always taking on new responsibilities and pushing myself to my limits and this song really helps me sit back, relax for a second, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds me. Today, people are always on the go and hopefully this song will help them slow down and really embrace today, rather than just living for tomorrow. 3. Road To A New Love This song took a little while to get started but once we wrote the hook, everything started falling into place. It was inspired by all of the overwhelming feelings that come with new love; the butterflies, the magnetism, and simply wanting to lay at each other’s sides and stare at the stars. Everyone has experienced young love so we thought a simple, honest song that really revealed that experience would be relatable to everyone. (Co-writer: Scott Sanford) 4. Let Me Change Your Mind Everyone needs someone to pick them up when they’re down and help them escape their troubles with a little fun. That’s what a good friend is for! The reggae vibe and light heartedness of this song lift up your spirits and can give your day a turn for the better in no time. (Co-writer: Corey Lee Barker) 5. All The Little Things This song didn’t take long to write at all because God has truly blessed our lives in so many ways. Not only does he bless us with big opportunities or successes and the miracle of life, but even in the little things. Simply waking up in the morning and having a cup of coffee to kick start your day while you watch the sunrise are things that we so often take for granted because we just expect them to happen. They could all suddenly stop at any moment, but God continues to bless us every day, regardless of our imperfect lives. I hope this song encourages people to stop and thank God for all the little ways he blesses us each and every day. (Co-writer: Joe Sins) 6. I’d Rather Be Me When I sat down to write this song with my co-writer, a man, ironically, we decided my CD needed a good, girl empowering, break up anthem. I was actually in the midst of a rough spot in a long-term relationship, which made the lyrics come pretty naturally (but don’t tell him that). I ended up following this song’s advice and stayed true to who I was, rather than trying to be what he wanted me to be. I hope this song will encourage anyone who has lost themselves because of a relationship find themselves once again or help those who have gone through a rough breakup remember how great they are. If a guy can’t see that, they’re not worth having around. (Co-writer: Corey Lee Barker) 7. Until This song puts a twist on the generic “breakup song,” making it a real smack in the face. In the beginning of a relationship, you think that he is the best you’ve ever had. He’s perfect… until he isn’t. This song has a totally different vibe than anything else on the CD. It is the perfect combination of wit and sass to really tell him how badly he messed up by hurting you. (Co-writer: David Harper) 8. Twisted My co-writer, Joe Sins, and I took a total 180° writing this song just after writing “All The Little Things.” This song has a driving beat that coincides with “her” thrill seeking personality. (It actually started as “I” but we thought “she” added an element of mystery… Who is “she?”) Her experiences with love have twisted desires, leaving her in search of excitement and danger rather than warmth and affection. I thought this was the perfect song to end the CD with because it gets your heartbeat racing and, hopefully, leaves you wanting more. "I'm so excited for people to hear my new music and to get their feedback! This album is very different from my last one and I think it really shows people who I am as an artist." - Kaitlyn Jackson