Occasionally, a new voice rises in Christian music that stops you in your tracks. For many, that voice is emerging Christian artist Laura Williams. At only 21 years old, the Pennsylvania native is already turning heads with her powerhouse vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and unwavering dedication to pointing people toward Jesus.
From an unforgettable run on The Voice to releasing two deeply personal debut singles, Laura is a rising artist you need to know. We sat down with her to discuss her musical journey, surrendering her dreams to God, and how she’s using her story to inspire a generation hungry for authenticity.
You’ve been making waves with just two singles, but they’re already turning heads. For those who may not know you yet, can you introduce yourself?
Absolutely! My name is Laura Williams. I’m 21 years old, and I’m a Christian music artist from Pennsylvania. I’ve been pursuing music full-time since I graduated from high school two and a half years ago. God has made it so clear that this is my calling, and He’s pieced everything together for me to walk this path.
Your music is incredibly moving. I found you on Instagram through a reel featuring your first single, and I was instantly blown away. This discovery led me to learn that you were on The Voice. What was that experience like?
It was honestly the best experience of my life. The whole year of 2023 was “The Voice” season for me. The process was long, from obtaining the direct message from a talent scout (which I initially thought was a scam!) to flying out to Los Angeles. I was 19, alone, and it felt like living a dream. We stayed in a hotel with the other contestants, where we did wardrobe and rehearsals—it was terrific.
That’s wild. What was it like to stand on that stage for your blind audition?
It was surreal. I usually struggle with stage fright, but from the moment I received the invitation, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I knew this was God’s plan. You get driven to Universal Studios super early, and then you wait. I was one of the last to audition. I kept saying, “Just get the first line out.” Once I did, pop artist Gwen Stefani turned, and I was like, okay—I’m good. I didn’t even look at them until the end. It was nerve-racking but unforgettable. I thought I’d choose country artist Reba McEntire, but Gwen and pop artist Niall Horan were fighting for me, and I chose Niall.
And now, following that incredible experience, you’ve released two powerful songs—“Who Jesus Is” and “Hurts Right Now.” Share with us your journey into music and how those songs came to be.
Right after I was eliminated from The Voice, I went into a writing week and wrote both of those songs. My story includes falling away from faith during my teen years, struggling with bullying and an eating disorder, and then rediscovering Jesus at 17. I thought I’d go into science or medicine, but nothing felt right except music. I prayed and journaled, surrendering it to God, and that night, an agency reached out to manage me in the Christian music industry. That’s when I knew.
“Who Jesus Is” came from the realization that no matter what I do, I want to show people who He is. That line became the heart of my debut single. I wrote it with songwriters A.J. Pruis and Paul Duncan, and it reflects that decision to follow God’s plan over my own.
And how about “Hurts Right Now”? That one resonated.
That’s my favorite. I had just gone through a breakup before The Voice, and it was this paradox of trusting Jesus but being in pain. It’s an honest conversation with God, saying, “This hurts,” but also “I trust you.” I wrote it with songwriters Jonathan Gamble and Benji Cowart. At first, I wasn’t sure if I should release it. I worried it wasn’t the kind of song that could go #1 or fit Christian radio.
But I started teasing the demo last fall, and the response blew me away. It confirmed that God wants me to write like this—honestly, poetically, and deeply. He reminded me not to water it down, not to hold back. “Hurts Right Now” feels like a true reflection of my voice and calling.
I love that. And as someone who was experiencing a breakup when I heard your demo, I clung to it. I’ve shared it with others who have gone through hurt or church wounds, and they’ve all expressed how much it meant to them. Why is writing with such honesty important to you?
Music has always helped me express emotions I couldn’t put into words. As a kid, I’d find songs that captured how I felt. That’s what I want my music to do—be a space where people feel seen and understood. But I also want it to point people to Jesus. Music can save lives. God designed us for connection, and music is one of the strongest ways we connect. It’s important to me that people know they’re not alone—and that God is with them.
That truly shows not only in your music but also in how you speak and lead. I saw that you recently spoke at a youth conference. What was that experience like?
I love speaking just as much as singing. Even as a little girl, I’d pretend I was being interviewed or sharing my story. So, it’s always been a part of me. At that youth conference, the theme was “the journey,” and I shared my life as a series of peaks and valleys—from bullying and eating disorders to rediscovering Jesus and surrendering my future.
What I wanted to get across was this: God is not distant. He is your best friend. You don’t have to feel ashamed for struggling or for not feeling “on fire” all the time. That’s a lie from the enemy. We don’t talk about that enough in the church. Young people, especially, feel pressure in their faith walks, and I want to remind them that childlike faith is enough. He’s right there with them.
That’s such a powerful reminder. You’re living it, not just performing it. Your social media presence reflects that, too—real, faith-driven, and encouraging. So, what’s next? What can fans look forward to?
This year’s already been big. “Who Jesus Is” was added to K-LOVE’s Future Hits in January. I’m performing at SoulFest 2025 and a few other festivals I can’t quite name yet. I’m also joining the Aspire Women’s Tour in March and attending several conferences. And maybe some new music later this year. There’s more coming.
That’s great! We’ll all be watching and cheering you on. One last question we always ask—how can we pray for you?
Please pray that I keep God at the center of everything. That I remember why I’m doing this, and that I seek first the Kingdom in all of it. It’s easy to get caught up in the industry, so I want to stay grounded in Him.
We absolutely will. Laura, thank you so much for your heart, your music, and your testimony. You are such a gift to Christian music and to the people who need to hear what you have to say.
Thank you so much for having me!
Be sure to follow Laura Williams on social media and stream her music on all platforms—you’ll be moved, encouraged, and reminded of who Jesus is.
This interview was transcribed and edited with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI product developed by OpenAI.
Bradden Ford is a Christian music junkie charged with maintaining NewReleaseToday's new release database of artists and releases. He lives just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
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