Chandler Leighton

Chandler Leighton ( , born September 5, 1995) is an American singer-songwriter and musician based in Los Angeles, California. She auditioned for the 14th and 15th seasons of American Idol, successfully making it to the first round. In 2020 she released her debut single, "Elenor Rigby," but her big breakthrough came in 2022 with the release of her song "When You Say My Name." In 2024 Leigton released her debut album Proof You Weren't The Only One.

Early life

Chandler Rebecca Leighton was born September 5, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, to father, John Leighton and mother, Melissa Arnson. When Leighton was 7 years old her parents filed for divorce and she went to live with her mother with her two siblings in Bethel, Maine. She attended Crescent Park School from 2nd to 5th grade. When Leighton was 11, she went back to LA and lived with her father. All three judges voted to advance Leighton on to the Hollywood Round. She was not amongst those to make it beyond this round.

Leighton would audition for Idol again the following year, her audition wasn't televised though she would advance after receiving two out three votes, advancing her to the Hollywood Round once again. Just like the previous year, Leighton would not advance beyond this point.

In 2020 Leighton would release her debut single titled, “Elenor Rigby.” 2022 would also be the year that Leighton released her debut EP, A Letter To My Vices, which featured singles, “Oxytocin”, a version of “Let It Go” featuring Lo Spirit, “I Think You Turned Me”, "WTF happened last night” and "4 UR Entertainment." with guest Haiden Henderson. Leading up to the tour Leighton would release two new singles, "Freak Show" and "Touchin' Me." After the tour concluded Leighton would release one last stand alone single that year, “Pretty Girl I’ll Make You Famous.” She also went on tour with Natalie Jane for her Sick To My Stomach Tour and supported Johnnie Guilbert on his Violent Dream Tour. 2025 also marked the start of Leighton using a live band in her music. The band consists of drummer, Sage Weeber, guitarist, Constance Day, and bassist, Aubrey Harris.

In 2026 Leighton has released four singles, "Waiting For You To Heal", "Wasted Potential", "Blood ≠ Water" and 'F Off Off My MIND."

Artistry

Prior to launching her solo career, Leighton was involved in the EDM scene. She provided vocals to a number of projects including the song "Lonely" off the ILLENIUM album, ASCEND. She likes makes songs that can resonate with her audience's experiences and offer a form of escapism. Or self discovery in the song "I Think You Turned Me."

Discography + Albums Name Year Proof You Weren't The Only One 2024 + Extended Plays Name Year A Letter To My Vices 2022 Coming Up For Air 2025