In the heart of Northwestern Ontario lies Thunder Bay, a place known for its serene landscapes and tight-knit communities. This is where our story begins, with the birth of a young boy whose voice would soon resonate far beyond these quiet streets. This is the story of Alex Sampson, a young dreamer who dared to turn his passion into reality.
Born on January 20, 2004, Alex Sampson entered the world in Thunder Bay, before moving to the quaint village of Atikokan. Atikokan, with its population of just 2,800, is nestled between the bustling city of Thunder Bay and the border town of International Falls. Surrounded by forests, lakes, and natural beauty, Atikokan is a place where everyone knows each other, and life moves at a gentle pace. Growing up in such a close-knit community, Alex found solace and inspiration in his family and surroundings. His parents, Jennifer and Darren Sampson, were always supportive of his ambitions, nurturing his early interest in music. His brother Simon was not just a sibling but a friend and confidant, sharing in his dreams and aspirations.
Living in Atikokan, opportunities to perform were few and far between. However, the community rallied around Alex, offering him every chance to showcase his talents. School events, local gatherings, and community functions became his stage, each performance honing his skills and building his confidence. The first significant milestone in Alex’s musical journey came in the fifth grade. Overcoming severe stage fright, he stepped onto the stage for the school talent show, turning his back to the audience out of sheer nervousness. As he sang ‘Gold’ by Owl City, his classmates were struck by his natural talent. This moment marked the beginning of Alex’s journey as a performer.
Despite his initial fears, Alex’s confidence grew with each performance. Supported by his family and community, he began to see the potential in his own voice. Music was not just a passion; it was a calling. In late 2018, Alex’s life took a dramatic turn. Embracing the power of social media, he began posting videos on TikTok. Initially, it was just for fun—a way to share his love for music with a wider audience. Little did he know, this would become the catalyst for his rise to fame. Alex’s early TikTok videos quickly gained traction, amassing over 150,000 followers. The road to success was not without its hurdles. Alex faced a significant setback when his TikTok account was shadowbanned. However, Alex didn’t give up. He created a new account, and soon, one of his first few videos went viral, catapulting him into the limelight.
Social media became a pivotal platform for Alex, allowing him to share his music and connect with fans on a personal level.
‘I don’t know if I’d be where I am without social media,’ Alex reflects. ‘Coming from a town in the middle of nowhere with only 3,000 people, social media has been a blessing.
Through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Alex built a loyal fanbase that followed him across various channels, eagerly anticipating each new release. His relatable personality and heartfelt music resonated deeply, making him a beloved figure among his followers.
November 2019 marked a turning point in Alex’s career with the release of ‘Cold,’ a collaboration with Australian singer Indiana Massara. ‘Cold’ marked a turning point for Alex, providing him with the exposure needed to transition from a social media star to a recognized artist. With ‘Cold,’ Alex proved that he was more than just a social media sensation. He was an artist with a unique voice and a story to tell, capturing the hearts of listeners around the world.
By 2020, Alex had become a global sensation. His music, streamed over 50 million times, resonated with fans worldwide. Songs like ‘Play Pretend,’ written over Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic, and ‘BLIND,’ which captures the pain of unforgotten love, became anthems for his generation. His TikTok following soared to 3.6 million, while his Instagram boasted over 950,000 followers.
Alex’s musical journey is heavily influenced by artists like Owl City, Charlie Puth, and Justin Bieber. These inspirations are evident in his sound. Combining pop-punk rhythms with introspective lyrics, Alex has created a style that is both nostalgic and refreshingly unique.”
On January 19, 2024, Alex released his debut EP, ‘Blurry Vision.’ This six-track collection, crafted over his late teenage years, delves deep into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Each song is a chapter of his life, offering listeners a glimpse into his personal journey. The release of ‘Blurry Vision’ was met with widespread acclaim. In 2023, People Magazine recognized Alex as one of the ‘Best Emerging Artists Making Their Mark This Winter.’
Later that year, Alex took another bold step by auditioning for Season 19 of ‘America’s Got Talent. Performing his original song ‘Pretty Baby,’ Alex wowed the judges with his retro-inspired sound, reminiscent of the ’50s and ’60s. Simon Cowell praised the song’s authenticity, calling it a ‘smart’ move. “Despite his nerves, Alex’s authentic and heartfelt performance earned him a unanimous ‘yes’ from the judges, advancing him to the next round. This moment marked a new chapter in his journey, showcasing his potential to a national audience.”
As Alex continues to rise in the music world, he remains focused on his dreams. He aspires to collaborate with his idols, perform at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, and continue to create music that resonates with his fans.”
Do you think Alex Sampson has what it takes to win season 19 of America’s Got Talent? Let us know in the comments below and thanks for reading.
