By: Sammi Turano
Photo By Kerrigan Barry
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I like to play with my sound due to the fact that I have a large number of influences in different genres and styles. However, I would describe my sound as mostly country
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) My influences range from Carrie Underwood and Chris Young to Def Leppard and Foreigner to ABBA and everything in between. Music is such a universal language, no matter what the genre or style is, because as long as someone connects to it, that’s all that matters. With all that being said, I sing whatever music I love.
Q) “You Lied” is your latest single. What is the inspiration behind the song and lyrics as a whole?
A) I remember going into the writing room with the co-writer for this song, Bridget Marie. We were originally going to write a ballad that day about a long lost love, but since we couldn’t come up with anything satisfactory for that song, we decided to switch gears and start a new song that was a little more up-tempo that was about getting cheated on, which became “You Lied.”
Q) “You Lied” has some incredible, relatable lyrics that many people in bad relationships can relate to. In what ways do you hope people connect with the song?
A) Our goal for this song wasn’t to make a sad one in the grand scheme of things. We wanted to make a song that people could easily sing along to. Getting cheated on can be a very rough experience for someone to go through and they can bring a lot of heavy emotions. We wanted to try to put a positive spin on the situation. We wanted to make a song about someone finding their true self after what they went through.
Q) “You Lied” also has the message of independence from a bad relationship/situation. Why do you think it is important to share this message and in what ways do you think it can help others?
A) Females can connect with this song, but anyone can. Nobody deserves to be treated as trash or mistreated in any way. I think it’s important to share the message of independence because we deserve to be assertive about what we like and don’t like about a person, and if someone mistreats us, it can be beneficial to make an example out of them and warn other people about them.
Q) “You Lied” also has a powerful message of a woman regaining her power. How do you hope this inspires your female fans?
A) I hope that this song inspires my female fans to find their inner voice and the strength to move on from whatever they went through. You are stronger within than what is in your way.
Q) Are there plans to make a music video for “You Lied?” If so, what kind of concept do you want it to have?
A) There are no plans to make a music video for “you lied.” However, there is a lyric video for the song that is featured on my YouTube channel and other social media platforms. You can find the lyric video on my YouTube channel @SarahHardwigmusic.
Q) You write your own music. What are some things that inspire your songs/lyrics?
A) A lot of things can inspire me when it comes to writing a song, but overall, I write about things that happen in my life in hopes that people can connect with it. I believe that everybody has a story to tell, regardless of whether they think they have musical gifts or not. I believe we all have the ability to create, even if we don’t recognize it within ourselves or see it as something not worth focusing on. I will tell my story so that people may feel like they can apply something that I have created into their lives and because music is what I love to do and I will always love making music, even when times are rough.
Q) With You Lied out now, is this a prelude to a full album or EP?
A) While I would love to make a full album at some point, my current goal is to release an EP during the first quarter of 2027. I’m currently in the process of completing it and I can’t wait for it to be released next year.
Q) Who are some people you would like to collaborate with in the future?
A) Again, since I have a large number of influences in different genres and styles, I have a long list of people I’d wanna collaborate with. If I could pick one artist from that list, I have always had a dream of singing a couple songs on stage with Def Leppard. That would be such an epic experience if that ever happened.
Q) Fans got to know you on “America’s Got Talent.” Tell us about that experience.
A) Seeing my story come to life on the “America’s Got Talent” stage was an awesome experience. I got to show the world that you can do anything that you set your mind to, regardless of whether you have a disability or not. I believe that our biggest enemy is ourselves because we are truly the only people that can get in the way of our dreams and talents. With that being said, I also have gotten some opportunities from “AGT” that I don’t believe I would’ve gotten if I didn’t audition for the show. My audience has grown quite a bit as well and I am so happy that a lot of people found a way to connect with my story and journey.
Q) Would you consider collaborating with any of your fellow “AGT” singers on a future project?
A) There was one group called The Sound who also auditioned for the show. They’re a family trio who also does country music. I believe they actually got signed to a record label recently and I’m super proud of them, because they deserve it. I would absolutely love to collaborate with them on a project at some point. I believe our voices could blend very well.
Q) You are a member of social media. How does it feel to be able to connect to your fans in this way?
A) Social media is a great way to connect with my fans and tell my story to as many people as possible. The fans and the connections that I’ve made throughout Nashville is one of the reasons why I’m still doing this. If it weren’t for the fans, I’m not sure if I would have the courage to take as many steps as I have when it comes to releasing new music, auditioning for shows like “AGT,” etc.
Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters and supporters of you and your music?
A) Since 2026 is rapidly coming to a close, I would like to say thank you to my fans and supporters for an excellent year. I look forward to the opportunities and adventures. I will be experiencing next year and I can’t wait for everyone to go on this journey with me.