Family Inspires Breakout Singer-Songwriter Liahona Olayan

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By James Ciambor

Inspiration as a songwriter can come from many places, including, it turns out, living in a tent in Hawaii with your parents and eight siblings. American Idol contestant Liahona Olayan is a longtime stage performer known for her work as a producer and performer on two albums, as well as her appearance as a contestant on American Idol.

In a recent interview, Liahona stated that she always wanted to be a performer from a very young age.  She has been performing frequently for the last several years, beginning her music career by performing with her brother, Ammon. Liahona’s claim to fame was as a contestant on the 2021 season of American Idol, making it to the top 24. American Idol judge Katie Perry complimented Liahona for her songwriting abilities.

In addition to being competitive on national television programs, she is also a prolific songwriter, releasing the albums Boom and Make Me Forget It throughout 2021. 

As a performer, she cites many eclectic influences and has composed Latin-Pop, Pop, and R&B music. She cites Bruno Mars as being her biggest celebrity influencer.

Liahona Olayan’s interview for Tocsin Magazine can be found here: https://youtu.be/WvhLWvOUMjU?si=76c87ewtI3uyg1a3