By the time Sophia Wackerman ended her American Idol 2020 run in the Top 11 after a jazzy performance of the Beach Boys “In My Room” she had changed her name to Sophia James. Judge Katy Perry suggested the singer switch to Star, her late mother’s stage name. But Sophia settled on paying tribute to her brother James, whose special needs never held him back.
Now, Sophia has released a new song, “Somebody New.” The tune harkens back to standards from the 50s and 60s. There is even the sound of a crackling needle at the end of the record. Break out your martini glasses, people!
The singer-songwriter posts on Instagram: “‘Somebody New’ is now yours for keeping! I wrote this one for all the sad souls (we’re a fun bunch). I hope it’s the perfect soundtrack for crying in your car or looking wistfully out the window on a rainy day. Produced by @davidfranciscomusi Artwork by @inhale_indigo Trumpet solo by Andrew Solares”
The native Californian who comes from a musical family is currently enrolled at UCLA in the Global Jazz Studies program.
Check out the bluesy song from Sophia James below
