Amanda Barise owned every second of her run on American Idol Season 23, leaving a trail of stunned faces and “how did she not win?” comments in her wake. As a finalist with a voice powerful enough to break boundaries and silence doubters, she made it clear she wasn’t there to play it safe. Superstar judge Carrie Underwood didn’t call her “perfection” for nothing.
Now, just weeks after turning heads on national TV, Amanda is charging forward with her next chapter: a three-track punch of soul, sass, and self-reclamation titled “Cute and Deadly.” Written by Amanda and co-produced with Grammy-winning engineer Max Faigen, “Cute and Deadly” is exactly what it sounds like: charming with bite. It’s the kind of release that doesn’t ask you to like it—it dares you not to.
The title track is a cheeky yet confident anthem with jazzy, upbeat energy that’s made to strut to. Amanda’s vocals glide, punch, and flex, switching between sultry and unstoppable. There’s a reason people are already comparing her to Adele, but let’s be real, Amanda’s carving out her own lane. The video? Think lo-fi but loaded with attitude. Set during a photoshoot, it’s Amanda doing what she does best: commanding attention without needing fireworks or filters.
Then comes “26,” a slow, soulful gut-check that hits deeper than expected. It’s Amanda peeling back the layers, talking about real growth, real fear, and real confidence found in the chaos. It’s the kind of track that could easily soundtrack a late-night train ride or a solo cry-sesh that turns into a pep talk.
And finally, “Girl Like Me” drops the tempo and shifts the color palette to 90s R&B. It’s smooth, nostalgic, and laced with the kind of strength that comes from getting knocked down and getting back up anyway. This is Amanda in full bloom—vulnerable, wise, and in complete control.
“They said I wouldn’t make it singing the kinds of songs I sang. ‘Cute and Deadly’ is me saying I’m a badass bitch, and I will make it happen no matter what. There are so many things you can call me, half of which are cute and half are deadly, but at the end of the day, I get it done!” Amanda says.
Whether you’re here for the vocals, the vibe, or the sheer audacity of a girl who defies all expectations, Amanda Barise is here to stay!
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