I don’t even know how to explain how obsessed I am with “Cute and Deadly.” Amanda Barise is literally everything I needed in my playlist right now. Like… how is this her first post-Idolrelease and it already sounds like it should be in a Marvel trailer or the opening credits of a really expensive drama about powerful women who lie for a living? It’s giving dark femme energy. It’s giving boss era. It’s giving main character.
The beat is perfect. It’s got this laid-back vibe but still makes you want to strut. Not dance — strut. Like, slow-mo hallway walk, sunglasses on, enemies behind you. You feel that energy in the chorus: “I’m feminine, I’m cute and deadly.” She’s not playing. She’s reminding everyone that you can slay in heels and still break hearts (or bank accounts).
And her VOICE. Amanda has this way of sounding sweet and savage at the same time. When she sings “I make this sh*t look easy,” I actually believe her. She does make it look easy. But she’s also telling you it wasn’t. And that’s real. It’s so rare to hear a song that actually feels like it was written by the person singing it — not some random ghostwriter. You can tell she’s lived every lyric.
Also: this is the confidence anthem for literally anyone who’s ever been doubted. I’ve played this song getting ready to go out. I’ve played it walking home after ghosting someone who didn’t deserve me. I even played it before a final exam, not gonna lie. It’s that versatile.
The production is clean but edgy. The little scat at the beginning? ICONIC. She went to jazz school so you know she’s not just out here mumbling. She’s got skills. But she’s not showing off. It’s like she’s saying, “Yeah, I’m trained… but I’m also chill.” Love that balance.
And the way she claps back at haters in verse two — “they thought I wouldn’t make it / but now I really am the one” — oof. You feel it. Like, you KNOW she remembers everyone who doubted her. And now she’s glowing up in real time.
This is the start of Amanda’s villain origin story in the best way. But like, the lovable villain. The femme fatale with a heart. The girl who used to cry but now just sings bangers and books gigs. I’m ready for the EP. I’m ready for the tour. I’m ready for the merch. I want the “Cute & Deadly” hoodie and a phone case and maybe a tattoo if my mom lets me.
Amanda Barise is here and she’s not begging for approval — she’s commanding it. And I? Am fully, unapologetically here for it.
Mindy McCall