You may have seen her perform at local events, or represent the Central Valley on FOX’s American Idol, but 17-year-old Maddy Hudson is only just beginning to make a name for herself, impressing audiences worldwide. 
The Pleasanton native, who also spent time in the unincorporated Stockton area, always believed she was bound for stardom. “By age six I knew I was going to be a musician and performer,” says Maddy. It all began when she was cast a lead role in her school’s musical, Three Nanny Goats Gruff. On the day of the show, Maddy’s mother told her something that continues to resonate: “This is your time to shine! Hold your head up, go out there, and shine!” So she did just that.
“My mom had no idea I could sing, but when I got up on stage, I belted it out,” she says, remembering the moment vividly. “Afterwards, all these people were clapping for me… It was in that moment I realized I would be doing this for the rest of my life. It was so special to know that people were impressed by something that I loved doing.”
While most of us aren’t thinking about our futures at such a young age, Maddy knew her purpose. It wasn’t long before she zoned in on her goals and began performing at talent shows at the age of 11. She became a force to be reckoned with when she learned the guitar at 13, and began to write her own music at 15, “Which I found to be very therapeutic!” adds Maddy. “I find it so nice to be able to pour my heart into a song and share it with others who may be able to relate or take comfort.” The songs she writes are inspired by her real-life experiences, which she explains, make her the artist she is. “I find that I am a deeply emotional person, the experiences I’ve had allow me to embody the music I sing, whole-heartedly.”
With a voice as powerful and soulful as Maddy’s, it demands attention and can only be described as ‘bluesy with an edge.’ It’s no wonder Jennifer Lopez was so impressed by Maddy at her American Idol audition, that Lopez exclaimed Maddy could take the title. Though her time on the show came to a halt in mid-February, it won’t be long before we see her take the stage again. “The whole process was really wonderful and I loved every single second of it,” she adds. 
While filled with excitement and pressure, the American Idol experience helped Maddy solidify herself as an artist. “Being around different styles and genres of music was incredible, and it may sound strange, but being around so many different people made me see more clearly than ever who I was. It was scary to be challenged, but it made me so much stronger!”
For Now, Maddy plans on spreading love and acceptance through her music, which continues to touch people all around the world. “In these past few months I have been given the opportunity to connect with new people and spread love through my music, and it is truly a gift. Love is a universal language and I’m seeing that clearly now, more than ever,” she says. “It is really beautiful and heartwarming to know that people connect with something that is so close to my heart!”