If there’s one thing we love more than solo icons, it’s two artists coming together to create something unexpected, dynamic, and totally electric. Enter “Don’t Ya”, the new single from Jordan Anthony and Mackenzie Sol, two of American Idol Season 22’s standout stars. Teaming up as J+M, this soulful pop collaboration feels like the sonic equivalent of two supernovas colliding—bright, bold, and brimming with emotion.
It’s the pairing we didn’t know we needed. Jordan, the Perth native with a voice that drips with raw emotion, and Mackenzie, the Northern England export with a lifetime of stage performances under his belt. They come from opposite sides of the globe, but their synergy in “Don’t Ya” makes it feel like they’ve been destined to sing together all along. Mackenzie admits, “Collaborating with Jordan was a dream I never knew I had.” For someone who’s always flown solo—literally dancing across stages since his childhood stints at London’s West End—he never imagined sharing the spotlight. But when this opportunity came knocking, he couldn’t resist. “When we heard the song, we knew it had the potential to be a hit.”
And a hit it will be. “Don’t Ya” has all the hallmarks of a pop anthem: catchy hooks, lush harmonies, and lyrics that speak to the universality of love and longing. But what sets it apart is the unique blend of their voices. Jordan brings his signature depth—fans of The Voice Australia will remember him as the youngest finalist ever, the 14-year-old phenom who made it to the Top 4. His years of songwriting and performing have lent him an emotional maturity that comes through in every note. Mackenzie, on the other hand, delivers with a kind of showman charisma honed from years of performing with some of the biggest names in the industry—Jennifer Hudson, Josh Groban, and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds among them.
But let’s not forget where they really began to shine: American Idol. Both Jordan and Mackenzie made waves on the 22nd season of the iconic show, capturing the attention of judges and viewers alike with their distinct styles and undeniable charm. Jordan’s performances were drenched in vulnerability, often drawing from his experiences with bullying, heartbreak, and loss. His ability to turn pain into something beautiful has always made him stand out. Mackenzie, with his soulful voice and million-watt smile, brought a different kind of energy—one that was equally magnetic.
Fast forward to now, and “Don’t Ya” feels like the perfect culmination of their individual journeys. While both artists have built impressive solo careers (Mackenzie with over 12 million TikTok followers and 1.3 million on Instagram, and Jordan carving his niche in the indie scene with heartfelt releases), this collaboration shows a different side of them. It’s fun, flirty, and feels like a celebration of youthful exuberance, but it’s also rooted in the kind of craftsmanship that only comes from years of honing their skills. “It’s always cool to be able to release alongside other artists,” Jordan says, his excitement palpable. “This will actually be the first collaboration project I’ve dropped. So, I hope everyone loves it.”
And love it, we will. The chemistry between the two is electric, both vocally and stylistically. Mackenzie’s smooth, soulful timbre dances effortlessly over Jordan’s more textured, emotional delivery. The result is a song that feels like a perfect back-and-forth, with each artist bringing something unique to the table. It’s the kind of song that’s sure to be blasted in cars, sung along to in bedrooms, and—fingers crossed—performed live on a stage big enough to contain the star power of both J+M.
Mackenzie’s journey to this point reads like a fairytale—starting at age 4 on X Factor UK, training at the Royal Ballet School, and performing in iconic productions in London before crossing the pond to the U.S. His boy-next-door charm is infectious, but it’s his deep connection to his craft that has kept fans invested in his journey. Now, as a singer-songwriter in his own right, he’s not just capturing hearts with his music but also with the story he tells through it.
Jordan, by contrast, brings a quiet intensity. His breakout on The Voice Australia led to him representing his country at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest with his original song We Will Rise, and his music has continued to evolve ever since. Now 19, he’s stepped into his own as an independent artist, crafting songs that pull listeners in with their honesty and emotional resonance. “Don’t Ya” is no exception—it’s a love song, yes, but it’s layered with the complexities of feelings that Jordan has always been so adept at expressing.
And let’s be real—Teen Vogue readers know that collaborations are where the magic happens. From Beyoncé and Shakira to Billie Eilish and Rosalía, two artists coming together can create something that transcends their solo work. That’s exactly what “Don’t Ya” does. It’s a meeting of two worlds—Mackenzie’s high-energy, infectious pop style and Jordan’s heartfelt, introspective approach—resulting in a song that’s equal parts head and heart.
As J+M, they’re not just two former reality show alums hoping to ride the wave of nostalgia. They’re artists in their own right, stepping into a new chapter with a song that proves they’re more than capable of commanding the stage—and our playlists. And with the promise of more “incredible content” on the way, it’s safe to say “Don’t Ya” is only the beginning.
For now, we’ll just keep this track on repeat and dream of the day we get to see them perform it live—because, let’s be honest, the only thing better than hearing “Don’t Ya” on your phone speakers is experiencing the electricity of J+M in person.
Chadwick Easton