We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cortez Shaw. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cortez below.

Alright, Cortez thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I was about four years old back home in Dallas, TX when I first saw Michael Jackson perform on TV—or at least, the first time I can remember. It wasn’t just music; it was magic. The way he moved, sang, and commanded the stage felt larger than life, like he was speaking a universal language that didn’t need words. Around the same time, I heard Whitney Houston’s voice for the first time—pure, powerful, and emotionally raw. That was the moment it all clicked. I knew, deep down, that I wanted to be a singer. Not just to perform, but to move people the way they moved me. Music has this incredible ability to reach into someone’s soul, to tell a story that feels like their own. That’s what drives me—to create moments that resonate, that heal, that ignites passion or that simply makes someone feel seen. Because in the end, that connection is what makes it all worth it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Cortez Shaw, and you might know me from American Idol. My journey into music started in church, like many kids born and raised in the ’90s—whether we had a choice or not! That’s where I fell in love with music. Our worship leader, Lisa Glen, was a genius at crafting songs, even taking secular hits and turning them into gospel anthems. Looking back, I think that’s where I developed my niche for reworking music.

As I got older and gained confidence, I performed everywhere—school plays, pep rallies, sports games, talent shows—you name it. But the real game-changer was YouTube. Millions of views later, I was discovered at 15 by a major record executive and manager, leading to the creation of my first album, Day Dreams of a School Kid. The sound? Think early Justin Bieber meets Mario—bubblegum pop with a little more soul. That era taught me the true grind of being an artist: late-night studio sessions, early mornings at school, intense vocal training, PR coaching, and full-out boot camp conditioning.

I also spent countless nights studying artists like Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Eminem, Pink, Brandy and Chris Brown to name a few. I’ve always believed that while I’m a singer, I’m also a listener first. Music has a science, a natural progression, and by understanding it, I knew I could create something worth listening to—something that could inspire others.

Eventually, I was thrown into a whole new world of wealth and luxury, which was exciting, but bad business contracts forced me to make a hard decision—to walk away. I refocused on my education, got accepted into all five colleges I applied to, and after graduating high school, I auditioned for American Idol. And the rest? Well, that’s history in the making.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After the success of my single ‘Burn’ in 2017, life seemed almost perfect for a while. I was performing everywhere, finally able to pursue music the way I’d always dreamed. But what people don’t often talk about with reality TV shows is the extensive contracts that follow, which can prevent you from taking on major work or signing with other labels immediately. Some of these contracts can last for years, and while I understand they exist to protect the interests of the show, it was still a challenge.

In 2018, I moved to Atlanta to finalize my album, hoping to release it later that year. But this chapter of my journey turned out to be one of the darkest times in my career. There were a lot of business dealings within my team that I wasn’t made aware of, and it left me feeling vulnerable. I was in a new state, with no family or friends, and it felt like I was stuck in quicksand. I had to make the incredibly hard decision to walk away from entertainment altogether. At that moment, I honestly couldn’t handle any more heartbreak.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that stepping away would be one of the best decisions for me in the long run. Eventually, I fell in love with Atlanta—it became a place that opened me up to incredible people and music, and I realized I needed that period of struggle to grow. It shaped the music I’m about to release and allowed me to tell a story that I think a lot of people can relate to. That heartbreak was painful, but it was necessary for the artist and person I’ve become.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the ability to create something that connects deeply with others. Music, in particular, has this unparalleled power to reach into people’s hearts, to make them feel seen, understood, and less alone in their experiences. When I write a song or perform, I’m not just creating art—I’m telling stories that others can relate to, that offer comfort, healing, or even joy. Knowing that my work has the ability to impact someone’s life in such a meaningful way is what makes it all worth it.

Acting allows me to connect in a different, but equally profound, way. It’s an opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes, to take on new characters and explore the complexity of their stories. Each role lets me tap into a different perspective, allowing me to communicate emotions that resonate with audiences. Acting, just like music, is a form of storytelling, and it’s this shared experience that I’m so passionate about. Whether it’s through a song or a character, the goal is always the same: to tell a story that others can connect to, and in turn, help them find their own voice.

And then there’s my podcast Talks with Tez, where I get real and raw about life and everything in it. It’s a space where I can be fully myself, and in turn, connect with my supporters on a deeper level. Whether I’m talking about my own journey or inviting others to share their experiences, I believe these conversations are a powerful way to build meaningful connections. At the end of the day, for me, being a creative is all about connection. It’s not just about the art—it’s about creating a space where people can find understanding, inspiration, and solidarity, no matter the channel.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cortezshawofficial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortezshaw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecortezshaw
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheCortezShaw
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cortezshaw
• Other: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talks-with-tez/id1719059354
  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4EZuTdGeZ6krkCe7vxUO75
  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cortez-shaw/1232474423