If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok lately, chances are you’ve heard Alex Sampson’s latest single, “Used To You.” The track, a vibrant and heartfelt anthem, has been making waves across social media and streaming platforms, solidifying Sampson as one of pop’s most exciting new voices.
Fresh off a national tour with Jamie Miller and still riding the momentum from his time on “America’s Got Talent (AGT),” the singer-songwriter sat down with ECHO to talk about his whirlwind year, the inspiration behind “Used To You,” and what’s next for his rapidly growing career.
What inspired the your new song “Used To You”? Is this your first release of 2025?
It is! I’m really excited. “Used To You” was actually one of the first songs, if not the first, that I wrote after coming back from “AGT.”. I was occupied with that from June through the end of September, so I didn’t really have time to write. Then I went home for Thanksgiving, and by the time I came back, this was the first song I worked on. We were aiming for a really upbeat, fun vibe, and this is what we came up with.
I keep a long list of song ideas in my notes—I could probably scroll for an hour—so I was looking through them, and I pitched “Used To You” to the team. They liked it, so we ran with it, and the song just came together.
What about “Used To You” stood out to you?
It’s a love song, but the concept is about not getting used to somebody, or even something. When we were writing it, I wanted to make it lyrically unique so that people could interpret it in different ways. It could be about a relationship, but it could also be about an experience.
Originally, it started with me thinking, I’ll never get used to my life right now, and I don’t want it to stop. From there, it evolved into a love song, but at its core, it’s about never wanting to take something or someone for granted.
We love a good love song. The fact that you were the top artist for over 2,000 listeners on Spotify—what did that feel like?
That’s nuts. It’s been growing every year, and every time I see my Spotify Wrapped, I’m blown away by how many more people have me as their top artist.
I mean, I only have two EPs—I don’t even have a full album yet! If you don’t count the sped-up and acoustic versions, I think I have maybe 15 songs. So for me to be anyone’s top artist, let alone for 2,000 people, is just insane. I love it, though. No complaints!
What’s been your favorite memory on tour so far?
Honestly? Dallas. Almost every single person in the crowd knew the lyrics to my songs. I got off stage, and Jamie was like, Dude, they all knew your songs.
I have my in-ears in, so it’s hard to hear sometimes. I wasn’t sure if anyone was singing along, but they told me to watch the videos back, and when I did, I was like, holy crap.
Also, this is one of my favorite moments—check this out! [stands up to show hand painted denim jacket] Someone made this for me.
That’s so sweet!
Right? I’m wearing it tonight. It’s going to be great.
Last year was huge for you—you were on “America’s Got Talent.” What was that experience like?
It was amazing in every way. I watch videos back, and sometimes I don’t even believe it’s me. The whole thing was just surreal.
The crew, the cast, the judges—everyone was so sweet. And I got to perform three of my original songs on national television, and they even charted! So, sure, I didn’t win, but I won in other ways. I’d go back in a heartbeat if they ever wanted me to guest perform—or even be a judge. That’d be fun.
What made you decide to perform original songs on “AGT” instead of covers?
For me, there was no other option. I’m an artist, and I wanted to get my name and my music out there. The best way to do that was to perform my own songs.
It was definitely a risk. Plenty of contestants have performed originals, and the judges haven’t always liked them. But I was willing to take that risk because even if the judges didn’t love it, someone watching might have. I wanted to show that I wasn’t just a singer, I was a songwriter too.
If someone were hearing “Used To You” for the first time, what would be the perfect setting for them to listen to it in?
Honestly, I’ve been playing it on the road before its release, so I’d say smack dab in the middle of the crowd at one of my shows. It’s so fun to perform live, and it’s wild how many people already know the words. At least the chorus—the part I’ve been posting online.
There’s just something about hearing a song for the first time at a concert. The energy is different.
You should do a live album!
I want to! That’d be sick.
We’re called “ECHO,” so here’s a little question for you, what’s one quote or piece of advice that you want to ECHO out to your fans?
That’s a great question.
Growing up, I always wanted to be a musician. A lot of kids dream about being an astronaut or a singer, and people just go, Yeah, okay, kid. But if you really want to do something, don’t let anyone bring you down.
I was lucky to have a super supportive family and friends, but there were still people who doubted me. I just kept going. That’s what I’d tell anyone—stick to what you believe in. If you work hard enough, you’ll get there.
I’ve spent the last six years working nonstop, and now I’m at a place where I’m really happy with where I am. It takes time, dedication, and the ability to get back up when you fall. That’s the key.
With “AGT,” did you always plan to go as far as possible?
For me, it was never about winning the show—it was about getting my songs out there. Even if I had been eliminated in the audition, I still would’ve had the opportunity to perform an original on national television, and that’s all I wanted.
But when I made it to the semifinals, I had a moment of, wait, maybe I could win this. Still, my main goal was just to be on the show for as long as possible.
Even when we weren’t filming BTS content, I’d still be hanging around backstage, making sure I was in the background of as many shots as possible. I wanted to be there every second. And if you look at the episodes leading up to mine, I made sure you could spot me somewhere in season 19.
Mission accomplished!
Exactly. It worked!
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
