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Is your fave playlist full of bedroom-pop bops and breakup ballads (think: Gracie Abrams, Olivia Rodrigo and Tate McRae)? Then it's about time we introduce you to Lauren Spencer Smith. The singer-songwriter went viral on TikTok with the tear-jerking track "Fingers Crossed"—and she's ready to take the music world by storm with her soulful voice and meaningful lyrics. Here's everything you need to know about this rising pop star.

Born in Portsmouth, England, Lauren moved to Canada with her parents and brother when she was only 3 years old and discovered her passion for music not long afterward. Lauren first performed in front of her school at age 6, but she says that she has been singing "since she could talk."

"Fingers Crossed" wasn't Lauren's first experience with social media fame. She first went viral on YouTube in 2019 after covering Lady Gaga's song "Always Remember Us This Way." She later recorded the song again for her album Unplugged, Vol. 1, which was nominated for a Juno Award.

Lauren then went on to compete on season 18 of American Idol in 2020. She made it to the Top 20 and was the first-ever semifinalist from a country other than the United States—talk about some amaze accomplishments! During her time on American Idol, she put her own spin on hits like "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele, "Respect" by Aretha Franklin and, ofc, "Always Remember Us This Way." After the competition ended for her, Lauren knew that she was ready to move on and continue to grow her music career.

Enter "Fingers Crossed," the iconic song about coping with a breakup that has now been streamed hundreds of millions of times on Spotify. Before its release, Lauren released a snippet of the track on TikTok, where it quickly grew in views and popularity, even becoming the soundtrack to *tons* of social media trends. Since then, she's dropped other hits, like "Flowers," a track about reflecting on an ended relationship and realizing that you deserve better. 

Lauren's ultimate goal is to create music that *so* many people can relate to. She says that she often uses social media as a way to see what themes and ideas resonate with listeners. Lauren also wants to let fans know that they aren't alone in how they feel. "Whatever you're crying over, I'll validate it,"  she told the crowd at one of her sold-out concerts. OK, let's embrace alll those emotions!

So what's next for Lauren? She recently released her new song "Single on the 25th," which will give you all the festive feels. She's also signed a joint record deal with two huge labels, Island and Republic, and is hoping to release her debut studio album next year. In it, she plans to keep telling stories of dealing with heartbreak—and finding love and happiness again. We couldn't be more excited to see what's in store for this stellar singer-songwriter!

Need more music recommendations? Look no further:

🎤 Everything you need to know about singer-songwriter Laufey
🎤 RenForShort is the alt-pop queen you *need* to know
🎤 Everything you need to know about Lizzy McAlpine
🎤 Meet Lexi Jayde, the popstar you *need* to know

What's your fave Lauren Spencer Smith song? Tell us on Twitter @girlslifemag!

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Slider image: @laurenspencersmith

by Samara Smukler | 12/14/2022