As he gears up to compete on American Idol's Season 23, it's clear Ian's journey is just beginning.
Ian Ward's latest single, "One Shot," is a vibrant reminder that life—and love—offer no do-overs. With a soaring blend of pop-rock energy and heartfelt lyrics, Ward delivers a powerful message about seizing the moment and following your heart.
Drawing on his theater-honed charisma and soulful voice, Ian reflects on a pivotal love story from his past. The track captures the struggle of balancing ambition and romance, ultimately encouraging listeners to live boldly.
Musically, "One Shot" is an earworm of optimism. Its buoyant rhythm and catchy melody recall early 2010s icons like Jason Mraz and Bruno Mars. Ian's earnest storytelling elevates the song beyond a simple pop anthem, creating a deeply personal yet universally relatable narrative.
The accompanying music video, directed by Simon Kienitz Kincade, immerses viewers in the dazzling landscapes of Los Angeles. From the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame to the glowing expanse of the Santa Monica Pier, the visuals mirror the song's themes of hope and renewal. LA's enduring beauty, even after devastating wildfires, becomes a metaphor for resilience and transformation.
With "One Shot," Ian Ward proves he's more than just a rising pop artist—he's a storyteller with the power to inspire. This anthem of courage and connection is his next step toward greatness.
"One Shot" speaks about taking risks and following your heart. Can you share the personal story or experience that inspired this track?
“One Shot” was inspired by a pivotal moment in my life when I was faced with a choice—to play it safe or take a leap of faith. It’s about a relationship I had in Los Angeles where both of us were at a crossroads, torn between pursuing our individual dreams and following our hearts.
That tension between love and ambition really resonated with me, and I channeled those emotions into the song. It’s a reminder that life is fleeting, and sometimes you have to take that one shot, even if it’s scary. The song is my way of celebrating the courage it takes to chase what truly matters.
The song's vibrant, uplifting energy has been compared to artists like Jason Mraz and Bruno Mars. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how do they shape your sound?
I’ve always been drawn to artists who are incredible storytellers and have a knack for blending emotion with infectious melodies. Elton John, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan are huge influences for their ability to craft timeless, heartfelt songs.
On the pop side, I love the energy and charisma of artists like Jason Mraz and Bruno Mars—their music feels so alive and uplifting. With “One Shot,” I wanted to capture that same vibrant energy while staying true to my own voice. Their influence helped shape the song’s upbeat, anthemic vibe, but the storytelling and emotional core are all mine.
The "One Shot" music video is a love letter to Los Angeles. What inspired you to feature such iconic LA landmarks, and how does the city's story resonate with your own journey?
Los Angeles has been such a huge part of my journey as an artist. It’s a city of dreamers, and I’ve always felt a deep connection to its energy and resilience. Featuring iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, and Griffith Observatory, it was a way to celebrate the city’s beauty and spirit.
Each location tells a story—whether it’s the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or the quiet hope of watching the sunset at Griffith Observatory. LA has taught me to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough, and that’s a theme that runs through “One Shot.” The city’s story of renewal and perseverance mirrors my own journey of chasing my dreams.
You've performed on some of the world's biggest stages, including Broadway and international productions. How did your background in theater influence the storytelling and emotional delivery of "One Shot"?
Theater has been my foundation as an artist. It taught me how to tell a story with every note, every word, and every gesture. With “One Shot,” I approached the song like a monologue—it’s a moment of vulnerability and clarity for the character, which, in this case, is me. My theater background helped me tap into the emotional core of the song and deliver it with authenticity. It’s not just about singing the right notes; it’s about making the audience feel something. That’s what I’ve carried with me from the stage to the studio.
As you prepare to compete on American Idol's Season 23, how does "One Shot" reflect where you are in your artistic journey, and what message do you hope your fans take away from the song?
“One Shot” feels like the perfect representation of where I am in my journey right now. It’s about embracing the unknown, taking risks, and trusting yourself—something I’ve had to do as I step onto the American Idol stage. This song is my way of saying, “This is me, and I’m ready to share my story with the world.” I hope it inspires my fans to take their own leaps of faith, whether it’s in love, career, or life in general. Life is too short to wait for the perfect moment—sometimes, you just have to go for it.