Ep 5. Julia Michaels

Julia Michaels is a popular singer-songwriter who has written hit songs for some of the biggest names in music, including Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato. In this episode of Songland, four up-and-coming songwriters will get the chance to pitch their original songs to Michaels in the hopes of having their track selected for her to record.

The episode starts with Michaels introducing herself and sharing a little bit about what she's looking for in a song. She tells the songwriters that she's looking for something that is both personal and relatable, but also catchy and memorable. She also mentions that she's interested in exploring different genres and sounds, and is open to hearing a variety of styles.

The first songwriter to pitch their song is a young woman named Asher, who performs a stripped-down version of her original track. Michaels listens intently, nodding along as Asher sings. She compliments Asher's unique voice and the heartfelt lyrics of the song, but ultimately decides that it's not the right fit for her at this time.

Next up is songwriter Aaron, who shares a more upbeat track with Michaels. The two bond over their shared love of classic pop songs and Michaels praises Aaron's ability to write a catchy hook. However, Michaels ultimately feels that the song isn't quite right for her and passes on recording it.

The third songwriter, Grady, performs a soulful ballad that showcases his powerful vocal range. Michaels is impressed by his raw talent and the emotional depth of the song. She offers some thoughtful feedback on ways to tweak the lyrics and melody to make the song even stronger, but ultimately decides to pass.

Finally, songwriter Natalie takes the stage with a poppy, upbeat track that immediately gets Michaels tapping her foot along. The song is infectious and Michaels can tell that it's a hit from the first few bars. She offers Natalie some constructive criticism on the bridge of the song, but ultimately selects it as the winning track, with plans to record it for her upcoming album.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at Michaels' creative process as she works with each songwriter to give them feedback and offer suggestions on how to make their songs better. Michaels is warm and approachable, and clearly cares deeply about the craft of songwriting.

In addition to showcasing some promising new songwriters, this episode of Songland provides a fascinating look at the art of songwriting and what goes into crafting a hit track. Michaels' keen ear and discerning taste offer valuable insights for aspiring songwriters, while her warm personality and infectious energy make for an engaging and entertaining hour of television. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Michaels' music or simply have a love for great pop songs, this episode of Songland is sure to be a satisfying watch.