About this episode
From viral car covers to chart-topping hits, Lauren Spencer Smith’s rise to fame has been anything but ordinary. In this episode, Lauren joins Anthony and Jonathan to dive into the whirlwind of her career—sharing hilarious stories about cockroach-infested Airbnbs, her chaotic American Idol journey during the pandemic, and the heartfelt inspiration behind her biggest songs. She also opens up about navigating TikTok fame, family dynamics, and the evolution of her songwriting. Get ready for candid laughs, emotional reflections, and a game of "Give Them Their Flowers" where Lauren dishes on the best voices in the biz. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 - Lauren Spencer Smith is in the house! Anthony and Jonathan kick things off with stories about sinus surgeries and their first curry night with Lauren. 07:18 - From car covers to the Steve Harvey Show: Lauren shares how her viral video led to her first trip to LA—and the unexpected challenges that followed. 08:50 - Cockroaches and contracts: Lauren recalls the bug-infested Airbnb she stayed in during her first LA trip. 10:00 - American Idol chaos: Lauren talks about her last-minute audition, performing from her backyard during the pandemic, and the unexpected drama behind the scenes. 17:00 - Family, fame, and misconceptions: Lauren opens up about the backlash she faced over her family's perceived wealth and how it contrasted with her reality. 24:00 - Life after Idol: Lauren discusses how she kept her momentum going with covers and original music, leading to her breakout hit "Fingers Crossed." 32:00 - Setting the TikTok standard: Lauren reflects on how her no-makeup, authentic videos became the blueprint for viral music marketing. 38:50 - The "Fingers Crossed" backlash: Lauren addresses criticism about the song's production and how she handled the negativity. 46:00 - What’s next? Lauren teases her upcoming album, exploring family relationships, personal growth, and emotional highs and lows. 50:00 - Game time! Anthony, Jonathan, and Lauren play "Give Them Their Flowers," revealing their picks for best vocalists, riffers, and songwriters in the industry. Follow Lauren’s Journey: Stay up to date with Lauren Spencer Smith’s latest music, tour dates, and more on all socials @LaurenSpencerSmith Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content! @AnthonyGargiula @JonathanTilkin @CounterMelodiesPod CounterMelodies.com Credits: Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert