American Idol’s Gabby Samone Releases Debut Single ‘Complicated’
Accompanied by The Premiere of the “Complicated” Visual.
American Idol Season 23 finalist, viral sensation, and rising R&B/Pop artist Gabby Samone has released her debut single “Complicated,” via BMG.
The single release is accompanied by the premiere of the “Complicated” music video.
After a breakout year defined by growing momentum and mounting anticipation for original music, “Complicated” marks a pivotal moment in Samone’s journey – from standout vocalist to fully realized recording artist.
Following a fan favorite run on American Idol and headlining tour (Gabby Samone: Live at City Winery) among other recent milestones, Samone officially steps into her next era with a song that introduces her stunning vocals and artistry on her own terms.
Co-written by Gabby Samone alongside YXSH, Jonathan Ball, and Cornell Showell, and produced by YXSH and Mike “gaddii” Saunders, “Complicated” explores the relatable push-and-pull of revisiting a love that once caused heartbreak.
“Questions, Tell me will we make it this time
Tell me is it worth the rewind
Is it even worth it to try
Cause baby we both know the truth
I’m probably better o? with you
But I got everything to lose”
UB spoke to the rising star last year and asked her then, what could fans expect from her upcoming music? “My music is a mixture of R&B, and you know I come from Church. So it definitely has a little bit of my gospel roots in it. But it’s just about what I’ve gone through in my life. Relationships, break-ups, love, it’s all of that. The struggles, it’s just extremely relatable. That’s what I’m about. I want to be relatable and just be there for people, to let them know they’re not alone.”
The single captures Gabby’s vulnerability and honesty, underscoring why she is establishing herself as one of R&B’s most compelling new artists.
The “Complicated” music video was directed by Kristen Taylor White.
Emerging as one of the most compelling new vocalists of her generation, Gabby Samone first gained widespread attention as a viral sensation through her refined reinterpretations of R&B classics by her musical idols.
Her rendition of Aaliyah’s “I Care 4 U,” shared during They Have The Range’s #TheMissyChallenge, earned significant acclaim. She later reached a broader global audience with her viral performance of Mariah Carey’s “My All.”
Her performances and covers have earned praise from music legends including Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia Barrino, J. Cole, Jhené Aiko, Missy Elliott, Brandy, SWV, XSCAPE, and more.
Raised in a musically gifted household in Baltimore, MD, Samone discovered her love for music in the gospel harmonies of her church choir, which laid the foundation for her powerful vocal range and emotional delivery.
Blending her gospel roots with classic soul and modern R&B, her sound will resonate with both longtime R&B lovers while connecting with an entirely new generation of listeners.
Kicking off with “Complicated,” Gabby Samone is carving out her place as a new breakout voice in R&B, with a steady stream of new music planned for release throughout 2026.
Gabby delivered her first-ever national television performance of “Complicated” on The Kelly Clarkson Show Wednesday, January 14th.
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