When two American Idol alumni—Jordan Anthony and Mackenzie Sol—join forces, you know something big is brewing, and their new single “Don’t Ya” is proof of that. Soulful, punchy, and impossible to ignore, the track bursts with the kind of chemistry that feels both unexpected and utterly natural. Billed as J+M, the duo’s collaboration is more than just a meeting of two voices—it’s a blending of two distinct musical paths, forged from shared experiences of stardom, heartache, and the undeniable pull of pop perfection.
For Mackenzie Sol, the British-born singer with a flair for the dramatic and a backstory that reads like a Hollywood script, this collaboration feels like destiny. “Collaborating with Jordan was a dream I never knew I had,” he says, describing how the single came together almost by chance. As a solo artist who honed his skills on the stage from the age of four, Sol never imagined he’d find himself working with another artist in this capacity. After all, his rise from a child star performing on London’s West End to a viral social media sensation—12 million TikTok followers and counting—has always been a solo journey. But the moment he and Jordan heard “Don’t Ya,” something clicked.
That “something” wasn’t just about their vocal harmonies, though those are undeniably magnetic. No, what makes “Don’t Ya” soar is the way their personal stories and musical styles dovetail in surprising ways. Sol’s British roots and early training at the Royal Ballet School, mixed with his star-studded performances alongside Jennifer Hudson and Josh Groban, have given him a kind of polish that pairs intriguingly with Jordan Anthony’s raw, emotive approach to songwriting. While Sol’s musical career was launched in the UK, Anthony was making waves Down Under, becoming the youngest finalist on The Voice Australia at just 14. For both, music has always been the guiding force, even when the journey took unexpected turns.
At the heart of “Don’t Ya” is a conversation between two artists who’ve spent their lives perfecting their craft—but now, they’re finding new ways to grow by sharing the spotlight. Anthony, now 19, reflects on this with palpable excitement. “I’m so excited about this record,” he says. “Being able to collaborate with Mackenzie just made sense for me. It’s always cool to release alongside other artists, especially since this is actually the first collaboration project I’ve dropped.”
And what a debut it is. “Don’t Ya” doesn’t shy away from the pop-fueled energy that’s made both artists fan favorites. But it’s also a song that digs deeper, with lyrics that reveal the emotional complexities both have faced in their young careers. Anthony, whose experiences with bullying and heartbreak have shaped his songwriting, has long used music as a way to express the rawness of his own journey. This single is no exception. “Don’t Ya” pulses with the same vulnerability and openness that has marked much of his solo work, but this time, those emotions are magnified by Sol’s soulful delivery.
That blend of heart and soul is what elevates J+M beyond your typical pop collaboration. It’s clear the two artists are bringing out the best in each other, merging their diverse backgrounds into something greater than the sum of its parts. Sol, who’s performed on stages worldwide from Los Angeles’ Carousel of Hope Ball to intimate clubs in London, brings a sense of grandeur to the song, while Anthony’s stripped-back, introspective style grounds it in emotional reality.
The duo first connected during their time on American Idol Season 22, where they quickly became fan favorites. Sol’s polished charisma and Anthony’s quiet intensity were a study in contrasts, but their shared love of storytelling through music drew them together. It’s a partnership that feels destined to evolve, with “Don’t Ya” serving as the first glimpse of what these two artists can achieve when they combine forces. And while their solo careers continue to flourish, J+M is something new, something exciting—and something that might just be here to stay.
At its core, “Don’t Ya” is a celebration of synergy. From the smooth vocals to the catchy hook, everything about this single feels intentional and, more importantly, fun. The song itself taps into a timeless pop sensibility but with a twist, blending elements of soul, R&B, and contemporary pop. It’s the kind of track you’d expect to hear on repeat at summer festivals or blasting from car speakers as the sun sets. But it’s not just a song for the moment—it’s a song built to last.
As Mackenzie puts it, “When we heard the song, we knew it had the potential to be a hit. We dove into the studio, blending our voices to create ‘Don’t Ya.’” That confidence isn’t misplaced. With the slick production led by seasoned industry hands and the passion both artists bring to the table, J+M seems primed to make waves on the charts.
For fans who’ve followed Mackenzie from his early days on X-Factor UK or Jordan from his breakout on The Voice Australia, “Don’t Ya” feels like a natural evolution. It’s the kind of collaboration that allows each artist to showcase their strengths while experimenting with new sounds. Sol’s early training in ballet and musical theater brings a sense of drama and movement to the song, while Anthony’s knack for heartfelt lyricism adds layers of depth.
What’s next for J+M? The duo is staying tight-lipped, but hints at more to come. “We’re excited to share this song with the world and unveil the incredible content we have in store,” Sol teases. With both artists still in the early stages of what promises to be long, successful careers, “Don’t Ya” is likely just the beginning.
In a music world that can often feel manufactured, it’s refreshing to see two young artists coming together to create something authentic. “Don’t Ya” is more than just a pop single—it’s a statement, a snapshot of where J+M are now and where they’re headed. And if this track is any indication, we’ll be hearing a lot more from them in the future.
Cleopatra Patel