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There’s a certain magic that happens when two artists collide at just the right time in their careers—a spark that ignites something new and unexpected, a melding of styles that feels not just intentional but inevitable. This is the case with “Don’t Ya,” the soulful pop anthem by American Idol season 22 alums Jordan Anthony and Mackenzie Sol. As J+M, they’ve crafted a collaboration that shimmers with chemistry, drawing from their shared experiences as rising stars but fusing their distinct artistic backgrounds into something entirely fresh.
“Don’t Ya” is not just a song; it’s a statement. Mackenzie Sol, with his Northern England roots and polished stagecraft from London’s West End, meets the raw, heartfelt lyricism of Jordan Anthony, who cut his teeth as the youngest finalist on The Voice Australia and went on to represent his country at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. They’ve taken their diverse paths—from Sol’s years at the Royal Ballet School to Anthony’s poetic reflections on bullying and loss—and channeled them into this pulsing track that feels as much like a celebration of friendship as it does a declaration of artistic purpose.
For Mackenzie Sol, this collaboration wasn’t something he expected, but he quickly recognized its potential. “Collaborating with Jordan was a dream I never knew I had,” he admits. A solo artist by nature, Sol was used to holding the reins of his own career, something he’d been doing since his first appearance on X Factor UK at the age of 4. But when the opportunity to team up with Anthony arose, Sol dove in headfirst. “When we heard the song, we knew it had the potential to be a hit,” he says. And he wasn’t wrong. From the first note, “Don’t Ya” is infused with a catchy, infectious energy that feels destined for the charts.
For Jordan Anthony, the decision to collaborate came just as naturally. “It just made sense for me,” he says, describing his first time working on a project like this. Anthony, a Perth native with a passion for songwriting, has built a career on vulnerability and storytelling. At 14, he was the youngest finalist in the history of The Voice Australia, a distinction that set the stage for his trajectory as a young artist unafraid to tackle big emotions. Whether exploring heartbreak or the pain of being bullied, Anthony’s songs have always carried a sense of raw honesty. So, when the chance came to work with Sol, Anthony saw the opportunity to do something bigger, something more expansive.
That expansiveness is palpable in “Don’t Ya,” a song that manages to be both intimate and anthemic. Blending their voices, Sol and Anthony create a texture that feels new but familiar—each verse wrapped in smooth, velvety harmonies that soar with emotion. There’s a soulful undercurrent here, a pulse that runs through the track and binds their contrasting styles together in perfect balance. Sol’s vocal runs are pure pop, effortless and sharp, while Anthony’s voice has an emotional depth, a weight that grounds the song and gives it gravity. It’s not hard to imagine their collective experiences—Sol sharing the stage with Jennifer Hudson and Josh Groban, Anthony performing at MusExpo LA—infusing every note with purpose.
But what makes “Don’t Ya” so compelling isn’t just the vocal chemistry or the polished production; it’s the narrative behind it. This isn’t just a song about love or loss, but a collaboration that speaks to the power of artistic partnership. It’s about two young musicians—one from the rainy streets of Northern England, the other from the sun-soaked beaches of Western Australia—coming together to create something greater than themselves. In a way, the song mirrors their journey as artists, each carving their own paths but finding a kind of harmony in the unexpected.
Sol’s journey from child performer to social media star has been a whirlwind. With over 12 million TikTok followers and 1.3 million on Instagram, he’s spent years navigating the digital age’s fast-paced, ever-changing landscape. Yet, despite his online fame, Sol’s roots in classic performance are never far from the surface. At just 13, he stood on stage alongside Babyface and Josh Groban, singing under the direction of David Foster—a moment that solidified his belief in the power of live performance. Now, with “Don’t Ya,” Sol is showcasing not only his vocal abilities but also his growth as a songwriter, bringing a touch of theatricality to the track that elevates it beyond standard pop fare.
Anthony, too, has grown into his own. At 19, he’s already achieved more than many artists twice his age, but there’s a humbleness to him, a commitment to honesty that shines through in every song he writes. His experience as a Top 14 finalist on American Idol season 22, combined with his time representing Australia on the world stage, has honed his ability to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level. “I hope everyone loves it,” he says simply, a reminder that at the heart of it all, Anthony is still the same kid who started singing to make sense of the world around him.
And that’s the beauty of “Don’t Ya.” It’s a song that feels personal, yet universal. Whether it’s the soulful melody that draws you in or the story of two artists discovering the magic of collaboration, there’s something undeniably captivating about this single. It’s a moment of convergence for Jordan Anthony and Mackenzie Sol, a point where their individual talents merge to create something that feels not just timely, but timeless.
As J+M, they’re embarking on a new chapter, one that promises more than just hit songs and catchy hooks. It’s a creative partnership that reminds us why collaboration matters—that the best music often comes from the unexpected, from the coming together of different voices, experiences, and dreams. In a world that often rewards the solo artist, “Don’t Ya” is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, two really is better than one.
Jennifer Munoz
