Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Isaiah Grass. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Isaiah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Taking risks seems to be my specialty. As a kid, I was severely bullied, and I often felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere. I had a very hard time making friends, and I never really felt like I belonged. To reflect on where I am today, seems surreal knowing how much I’ve had to learn and overcome in life.
My first taste of risk came when I was singing in the church choir “Put A Little Love In Your Heart”, and my voice was shaky, and I felt like dozens of eyes were staring at me. That moment helped teach me something powerful, if I could be vulnerable in front of others, I could face bigger stages one day.
Bigger stages definitely approached me as I got older. Modeling agencies scouted me, and all of a sudden, I jumped into the fashion world with no clue of what I was doing. I learned quickly about the good and the bad sides of the entertainment industry, and what it’s like to chase opportunities. I was fortunate to sign with talent agencies, but it showed me how cutthroat it was to become famous. Every “yes” came with its own risks, and every “no” felt like a door slamming in my face. As much as I wanted to believe everyone had my best interest, not all did, but I still kept pushing forward.
The longer I kept on pushing myself, the more opportunities have come my way. One of the biggest tests of my courage “musically” was when I was invited to sing on television for the first time. No matter how much I rehearsed, I was still nervous, but guess what…I took the risk and I’m glad that I did!
From there, I gained the confidence and vocal stamina to perform the National Anthem in front of thousands of people in a stadium (Chicago White Sox, Monster Jam, Chicago Bulls), perform in well-known venues (Magmile Lights Festival, Hard Rock Casino, Six Flags, Palm Springs Pride), and showcase my original songs that I wrote and were featured on 20+ TV stations.
Music has always been the stepping stone of my career. Through my personal experiences and others, I’ve written songs like “Wherever you Are” about hardships in life, which was remixed by KlubJumpers an (80x Billboard Charting / 27 x Platinum) production duo known for selling 30 Million records. I’ve also wrote “I Need You” to shine light on depression, and partnered with the National Alliance of Mental Illness to help raise awareness. And every holiday season, I’m proud that my song “Christmas With You” helps support children’s hospitals, Salvation Army, and spreads love into the air. Each one of these songs have been heard on radio stations, television, and featured in media outlets worldwide.
Success hasn’t been a straight line for me at all! I’ve lost jobs, relationships, and money along the way. Each setback broke me down, but each time I rebuilt stronger. One of the hardest blows came in 2020, when my identity was stolen and my social media was hacked. Overnight, I lost a huge part of my career and livelihood. I’ll be honest, I thought about giving up. But something in me refused to quit. I screamed, I cried, and even walked a way for a bit, and then I said Ok….here we go again!
Throughout this time, I was also scouted to audition for American Idol on national television. I was very hesitant of this offer as I know what reality TV is and how people can be portrayed. After speaking with producers / legal I was assured that nothing would be “falsified” for TV ratings. So, I took a huge risk, and I trusted the process, and I agreed to be on American Idol. In Feb 2020, my American Idol audition was aired on national television, and millions of people saw Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan stand up and sing-along with me. Ironically, this was right when COVID was announced to the world, and we were all unaware of what the future held. In April 2020, I was notified that my American Idol audition was featured again on national television and it was now airing on Hulu TV. The amount of exposure I received from (1) episode on American Idol was insane! People around the world reached out to me saying they watched me on American Idol, and many offered their support/feedback. It was overwhelming to say the least, and a little bit uncertain with new restrictions COVID introduced. To say I was seen on American Idol in 2020 during the introduction of a new pandemic is crazy to say!
Now, I will be honest being on American Idol brought me a lot of attention, great opportunities, new followers, interview requests, and “clout” people would say to my name. But, please keep in mind that before I was on American Idol, I had already been on several TV shows, partnered with various brands, and I was traveling for gigs. American Idol didn’t launch my career, it just “enhanced” it, during an unprecedented time when COVID has just been introduced to the world. – A risk on its own.
Following my experience on American Idol, the U.S Army reached out to me and invited me to go skydiving with the Golden Knights! The first thing I thought was, absolutely not, that is a risk I’m not willing to take, but surprise….I did and I agreed to jump out of a plane 12,000 feet up in the air! And, I’m so glad I did, because afterwards, the U.S Army posted on their social media: Which would you be more nervous to do? Sing on American Idol, or jump out of a plane? Isaiah Grass has done both! A memory I will never forget because now, I can say I partnered with the U.S Army by taking a risk.
With every great opportunity, has also come with its setbacks, judgement, and tough lessons. Still, I believe that every risk I’ve taken has led me to where I am today, and if I would have given up after my identity was stolen in 2020, I don’t think I would’ve built the credibility I have earned now.
As of recently, I was offered my own syndicated program “The Isaiah Grass Show” which airs on Cable Tv, Roku Tv, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, FM Radio, iHeart, TuneIn, Alexa, podcasts, and more! Every week, I share “daily life questions, entertainment, trending topics, motivation, and guest interviews.” I talk with celebrities, authors, musicians, influencers, labels, producers, and talent worldwide.
Because of all the support and feedback, I’ve received from others, I decided to create my own media company – IGMP TV Network, or (IGMP TV) known for “Introducing Great Media To People.” My company provides media distribution, talent consulting, syndication, PR, and creative services to help artists / creators gain exposure and build sustainable careers. With my years of experience and contacts I’ve obtained, I’m excited to share IGMP TV Network with the world.
If I hadn’t taken risk after risk after risk in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My story is living proof that no matter how many times you get knocked down, you can and you will rebuild! Your life may not be the same, you may have scars, regrets, or even trauma, but I promise you things do get better.
With all of my risks, I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved and how it’s been used to help others.
I encourage you to checkout my website – IGMPTV.com or IsaiahGrass.com to learn more.
Isaiah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Nice to meet you! I’m Isaiah Grass, a singer-songwriter, radio / TV personality, former *American Idol* contestant, and the founder of IGMP TV Network. Phew….that was a lot to say, but at least now you know what I do, lol! With years of experience, I know what it’s like to be signed to model / talent agency, chase opportunity, and learn how to survive in a cut throat industry.
Throughout my career, I’ve steadily built a multi-faceted career as a performer, host, and media entrepreneur. I’ve performed at the (Chicago White Sox, Hard Rock Casino, Six Flags, House of Blues, Market Days), I’ve earned awards / nominations, reached #1 on ReverbNation Pop Charts, my songs played on 100+ radio stations, and I’ve been a musical guest on 20+ TV programs.
Music has always been the stepping stone of my career. Through my personal experiences and others, I’ve written songs like “Wherever you Are” about hardships in life, which was remixed by KlubJumpers an (80x Billboard Charting / 27 x Platinum) production duo whose sold 30 Million records. I’ve also wrote “I Need You” to shine light on depression, and partnered with the National Alliance of Mental Illness to help raise awareness. And every holiday season, I’m proud that my song “Christmas With You” helps support children’s hospitals, Salvation Army, and spreads love into the air. Each one of these songs have been heard on radio stations, television, and featured in media outlets worldwide.
In February of 2020, during the start of COVID I was featured on American Idol, where millions of viewers around the world saw Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan stand up and sing-along with me during my audition. Even though American Idol did give me a lot of exposure, new fans, collaborations, and opportunities, it also put me on the radar for scammers to steal my identify, which forever changed my livelihood. Success hasn’t been a straight line for me at all! I lost jobs, friendships, and money along the way. Each setback broke me down, but each time I rebuilt stronger. I’ll be honest, I thought about giving up. But something in me refused to quit. I screamed, I cried, and even walked a way for a bit, and then I said Ok….here we go again!
Luckily, I took a risk and I kept going, and I’m so glad that I did. Since then, I’ve expanded into broadcasting, and I now host my own syndicated program “The Isaiah Grass Show” which airs on (Cable, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, FM Radio, iHeart, TuneIn, Alexa, podcasts and more!) Every week, I share “daily life questions, entertainment, trending topics, motivation, and guest interviews.” I talk with celebrities, authors, musicians, influencers, labels, producers, and talent worldwide.
Because of all the support and feedback, I’ve received from others, I decided to create my own media company – IGMP TV Network, or (IGMP TV) known for “Introducing Great Media To People.” My company provides media distribution, talent consulting, syndication, PR, and creative services to help artists / creators gain exposure and build sustainable careers.
What you can expect to learn about me is straightforward: my work is grounded in resilience (I rebuilt after identity theft and other setbacks), real world industry experience (modeling and talent representation, TV and live performance), and hands-on media. I share practical advice on performing, songwriting, branding, and mental health advocacy, while I actively connect talent to opportunities through my network. If you want someone who understands both the spotlight and the business behind it, and who turns risk into opportunity, that’s who I am. You can learn more at IGMPTV.com or IsaiahGrass.com.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Over the years in my career, one of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn was blind trust. I used to believe every handshake meant loyalty, and every opportunity was worth chasing. But, the truth is, not all doors lead to where you think they will, I learned this the hard way. With every “yes” has it’s own risk, and every “no” feels like a door slamming in your face. – Trust me, I have experience this many times!
I also had to learn to listen to my gut instincts. From being scouted by agencies, to performing on television, singing the National Anthem, being a radio/ tv host, or doing what others want, I often felt pressure to say “yes” to everything. But every time I ignored that small voice inside, I paid the price. Over time, I realized my instincts weren’t meant to be silenced, but instead guide me toward a better future.
Learning to celebrate my journey has helped me to appreciate the small wins, the medium steps forward, or the big milestones.
You’ll notice that your true fans are the ones you’d least expect, it’s not your close friends/family, but its the strangers on the internet While you want to believe that your loved ones support you 100%, they sometimes don’t show it as much you’d like, so you rely on the strangers you meet online/in-person, because their words of encouragement motivate you to keep going. It’s a reminder that support can come from unexpected places, and to cherish those who believe in what you do. Through losing jobs, money, and relationships, I’ve had to learn it’s okay to pause, step back, and remember why I started creating in the first place. Taking breaks doesn’t mean failure; it means protecting the joy that makes me want to sing, host, and share my story at all.
As of recently, I was offered my own syndicated program “The Isaiah Grass Show” which airs on Cable Tv, Roku Tv, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, FM Radio, iHeart, TuneIn, Alexa, podcasts, and more! Every week, I share “daily life questions, entertainment, trending topics, motivation, and guest interviews.” I talk with celebrities, authors, musicians, influencers, labels, producers, and talent worldwide.
Because of all the support and feedback, I’ve received from others, I decided to create my own media company – IGMP TV Network, or (IGMP TV) known for “Introducing Great Media To People.” My company provides media distribution, talent consulting, syndication, PR, and creative services to help artists / creators gain exposure and build sustainable careers. With my years of experience and contacts I’ve obtained, I’m excited to share IGMP TV Network with the world.
I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished by not giving up, taking risks, and not always listening to people’s opinion of me. Again, I’m not saying its easy, sometimes lonely, and filled with uncertainty. If anything through all of this, I’ve learned who truly supports what I do, what I am capable of doing when I’m under pressure, or given the chance to prove myself!
I encourage you to checkout my website – IGMPTV.com or IsaiahGrass.com to learn more.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Through all of my struggles and triumphs, it’s my mission to use them to inspire and help others. I began as a singer, learning early on what it meant to put my heart on display, and over time that path expanded into writing songs, performing on stage, being on a reality Tv show (American Idol), and hosting my own Cable Tv / Radio show. Each chapter brings its own lessons, and the reminder that you can’t please everyone no matter how hard you try.
From years of experience working with model/talent agencies, I’ve seen firsthand how cut throat the industry can be. Although it may seem rewarding, it’s also lonely, discouraging, and filled with moments where you have to stop, regroup, and rediscover who you are. That’s why I created my media company – IGMP TV Network or (IGMP TV) also known for “Introducing Great Media To People”, to give everyone a fair chance to be seen, heard, and found.
I know how it feels to chase opportunities and wonder if anyone truly believes in you, and my goal is to be that bridge for others, offering opportunities in media, distribution, and talent consulting that might otherwise be out of reach. I want people to know that no one else should dictate their journey. With resilience, authenticity, and courage, you can create a life and career that is truly your own. Through my experiences, I hope that it will motivate others to never give up!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://igmptv.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaiahgmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsaiahGrass
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/isaiah7863
- Other: https://linktr.ee/isaiahgmusic
https://linktr.ee/isaiahgrassshow@isaiahgrass
Image Credits
Sandra Rust – Photographer
KJB – Wardrobe / Creative Stylist
IGMP TV Network – igmptv.com
KlubJumpers – KlubJumpers.com