Jourdan Blue: Inside the Journey From Reality TV and Boybands to Redefining Musical Connection

As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Jourdan Blue.

Jourdan Blue is a professional singer/musician from New Orleans, Louisiana. Jourdan has been blessing the world with his talents for only 3 years now, after having appeared on American Idol season 20. His goal in life is to use his platform to positively influence the population and help make the world a better place one song at a time. He’s a huge advocate for mental health and suicide awareness, and he plans to one day start a music festival dedicated to helping people with similar problems he has faced in his own life.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

Growing up, I was constantly getting into trouble. I was too smart for my own good and enjoyed being rebellious. I got expelled from school in 10th grade, and went to a military school where I graduated as Valedictorian and then went on to start college at 16 on track to be a lawyer. After a couple years of college, I decided that I no longer wanted to be a lawyer, but wanted to pursue singing, so I dropped out of college and started chasing my dreams of changing the world one song at a time.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?

I had an epiphany one night while at a friend’s house. We were just talking about life and where we saw ourself in the future, and I came to the realization that I could genuinely do anything I wanted to; anything I set my mind to. I started calling friends to tell them about this epiphany I had, and one of them signed me up for American Idol. I got a call one night from the friend telling me that a TV producer saw a video of me and wanted me to audition for a singing show. After stressing the entire night, I finally picked the song I would then audition with the following day, landing myself a spot on Season 20 of American Idol.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

So far, I’d have to say the most interesting story that’s happened since I began my career would be making the decision to join a boyband and move to Germany with them for a few months. After American Idol ended, I was looking for a new experience to try and I got the opportunity to work with an incredibly talented group of guys who I now consider my brothers. Today, we are known as ‘Bout Last Night.

It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Back in Eighth grade, I participated in the school talent show. It was my first time ever singing in front of anybody, and I was really nervous. I ended up changing my song selection three times, the last time, being the night before the show. When it was time for me to go on stage, I felt really nervous and didn’t want to do it anymore. I ended up forgetting the lyrics halfway through the song and running offstage.

The judges still said that I did very well, and some of them didn’t even realize I didn’t finish the song. I learned two very important lessons from this experience:

1… I am my own worst critic. I thought everyone was going to think I was terrible, but if it weren’t for me telling them, they never would’ve known that I messed up!

And 2… MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE LYRICS!

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I’m currently on a tour, performing across the US and having the time of my life. I also recently joined a boyband called ‘Bout Last Night. We have been all across the world writing a ton of original music I can’t wait for you all to hear. You can find us on all social media platforms @boutlastnightofficial so make sure to check us out!

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

Diversity in entertainment is kind of like the different instruments in a band. Each one brings its own unique sound, and when they come together, they create a melody more rich and beautiful than any one instrument could on its own. It’s the same with diverse voices and stories. They introduce us to new perspectives, emotions, and experiences that we might never encounter in our own lives. By celebrating diversity, we’re not just enriching our culture; we’re broadening our understanding and reminding everyone that they have a place in this life. It’s more than entertainment; it’s about shaping a world where everyone feels seen and heard.

As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?

Staying motivated can be hard for everyone at times. We all have ups and downs in our lives, and sometimes when you’re down, you just don’t feel like doing anything. I’ve noticed these are the times when the most progress can be made, on those days you don’t feel like getting into the studio, or going to the gym, going to work, but you do anyway. On days when I’m feeling unmotivated, I will simply watch motivational videos and then count down from 5….4…3…2… GO!

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

1. “You’re going to help so many people through your music”.

2. “You create your own reality. Make it what you want”.

3. “Never wait around for an opportunity to present itself, go and make it happen”.

4. “Start reaching out to anyone you can for advice/inspiration, the worst that can happen is no response”.

5. “Check your surroundings and make sure it aligns with your goals. If you plan on changing your life, start now. There’s no time to waste”.

Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?

There’s no right or wrong way to write a song. I’ve written songs in a number of different ways, but typically I start with a “top-line” which is where you freestyle a melody over the beat. After the top line, I keep what I like and replace what I don’t, until I have a rough draft of a verse or chorus. From there, I keep the beat playing and let the music guide me until the song is complete! I also love collaborating with other artists of all genres. Ping-ponging ideas off of each other is a great way to expand your music writing abilities.

Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?

I think what sets my music apart from others is not only the diversity of genres and tones, but also the feeling in your soul when you listen. For me, music is a lot more than pretty sounds that are pleasant to hear… It’s how I communicate and share my story. I have a lot to say and so many emotions to share, and when I start singing for an audience, it’s a transfer of energy between everyone. It’s such a beautiful feeling to share with anyone, and the fact that most of the time it’s between strangers is something you can’t put a price on. That’s why I love singing for the world.

How do you connect with your audience?

When I sing for an audience, whether performing in person, or live-streaming on tiktok, I can feel everyone’s energy and vice-versa. Music is an exchange of energies between the listener and the artist, making it my favorite way to connect with someone. And when I’m not performing, I stay connected with everyone through my discord!! I love talking to my supporters regularly and asking how their day is going! From time to time, I’ll even send them gifts :)

With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?

Self-care is extremely important to me, as it should be for everyone. Having a nutritious diet and getting adequate sleep are two ways you can practice self-care without even realizing it! I got into Hot Yoga about half a year ago and it absolutely changed my life. Let me tell you, I never thought I would like yoga, much less yoga inside of a sauna, but I immediately became addicted to it after my first class. It helps me mentally, physically, AND spiritually. It detoxifies the body from the sweating, removes dead skin and keeps you looking young, burns fat, builds muscle, and SO much more. I meditate throughout my vinyasa classes which I notice also helps me in the outside world to keep my composure and easily work through stressful situations. Keeping a routine full of beneficial things like this keeps me reaching new boundaries every single day.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I’m very passionate about mental health and suicide prevention, so if I were to create a movement, it would be centered around these topics. I plan to one day own a 501C3 (non-profit) and then hopefully start a mental health themed music festival and donate all profits to the charity. I would publicly tell my testimony and struggles that I’ve overcome, along with other artists/ musicians, while also having therapists on stand-by to talk with anyone who needs.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

If I could have a private lunch with anyone in the world, I would probably choose either Teddy Swims or Ariana Grande. Teddy Swims because he seems like such a genuinely kind soul and I think we could write a BANGER together. And Ariana because well.. she’s Ariana Grande.

How can our readers continue to follow your work online?

TikTok, instagram, YouTube , BLN

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

Thank you so much for having me!

About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.