At the age of ten, Amanda Mammana developed a stutter. Once an outgoing and social kid, she became quiet and reserved, always hesitant to speak for fear of rejection, misunderstanding, or mockery. During this time, she found music and it became her solace, a place of escape where notes and a melody could do the talking.
While music eased the challenge of speaking, it didn't erase it and Amanda continued to battle with feelings of doubt and insecurity. After a difficult summer, she turned to songwriting and there found the freedom to share her heart and her story, with the hopes of encouraging others in their own journey.
In 2022, Amanda appeared on Season 17 of America's Got Talent, making it all the way to the semi-finals. She touched the hearts of millions with her powerful original, "Back to Life," a song of gratitude for the challenges that have made her who she is today.
As her stutter remains, Amanda amplifies her voice in music and hopes that everyone who listens to her songs feels seen, heard, and known. Her main goal is to inspire and bring hope to the world, empowering every person to not let challenges keep them from chasing their dreams and instilling in everyone a belief that they can overcome, no matter what they face. Her debut album Back to Life is out now.
For those who don't know you yet, please introduce yourself.
My name is Amanda Mammana. I'm a 21-year-old singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Connecticut. I write and produce music about the human condition, tapping into the incredible power of faith, hope, and perseverance.
My music is impacted most by my faith in Jesus Christ. I am a person who stutters, but I found music as a safe place for me to express myself, as words did not always come easy to me. I hope that my music can make people feel seen and heard.
Some of our readers might recognize you from America's Got Talent. Can you tell us about your experience on that show? Why did you decide to audition?
In 2022, I auditioned for Season 17 of America's Got Talent. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I'm so thankful God opened that door for me.
After a challenging season in 2021, I began to lose hope and contemplated quitting music. One day, when I felt that all hope was lost, I stumbled upon the AGT auditions sign-up portal. A lot of questions and emotions flooded my mind. I thought, "Maybe I could do this?" And, "No, I can't do this... but what if it actually works out?" And, "I've always wanted to do this." My final thought was that I couldn't keep hiding my voice, and I needed to take this leap--so I did. I signed up, and eventually, that led me to the semi-finals. God allowed me to struggle to bring me exactly where he wanted me. AGT taught me why God allowed me to have a stutter and that is to encourage people and shine the light of Christ.
Can you tell us about the first single, "Not Over," from your new album Back to Life, and what it means to you?
I wrote "Not Over" in Nashville a couple of years ago. It talks about how we all go through seasons where we might feel underground, struggling to find the light. Just like a seed must be planted in the dirt to grow, we too have to go through difficult seasons to make it to spring. All you have to do is hold on because the darkness of winter won't last forever.
What was your inspiration behind the album and what did you learn about God as you completed this new project?
I've been writing these songs for a couple of years now and they all have to do with seasons of life and how growth is difficult but always rewarding in the end. These twelve songs are about experiences that I have gone through over the past couple of years, both challenging and celebratory.
Being on the other side of this album, I've learned that God always had a plan for my life even though I couldn't see it. He was there next to me every step of the way even when I couldn't feel it, and he used every moment to shape me into who I am today. I have hope now that whatever comes my way, the Lord who holds the stars is holding me too.
What do you want listeners to take away from your new collection of songs?
I hope that whoever listens to my album is touched by the Holy Spirit. I hope they feel loved, heard, and seen in their circumstances. I hope they feel comfort that they are not alone in any of their trials. I hope they learn to love the uncomfortable feeling of growth because, without growth, you remain stagnant. Whatever is thrown your way, count it all joy because God has an ultimate plan that exceeds our expectations. He is a loving God who has a loving plan for your life.
If you were to give a piece of advice to those going through trials in their life, what would it be?
As someone who has struggled to believe what God says about me, I say this to you: you are chosen, loved, and beautifully created. Take time to read those comforting words about who God says you are. Flood your mind with truth instead of the lies from the world. We were never promised an easy life but take heart because God has already overcome the world. Rejoice that he has given us life and life abundantly. Count it all joy and use your struggles and scars to lead others to the Kingdom of God.
How can we be praying for you?
As I write this, I'm moving to Nashville in a couple of weeks to further my music career. It's sad to leave Connecticut, which has been my home for my whole life, but I'm excited to see what God has in store for me and my family in Nashville.
I have some fun performances coming up like Soul Fest in Massachusetts and the annual American Institute for Stuttering Gala in New York City. I would love prayer for my family and me for peace as we make this big move to Tennessee. I would also love prayer to continue to trust God and the plan he has for my life.
Katie is considered by many to be Christian Music's biggest fan. She started listening to Christian Music in 2000 and her love for it eventually became her absolute passion. You can find her at a live Christian show pretty much every weekend, averaging about 75 shows a year. In 2020 (yup, that 2020) with all live music being cancelled she decided to host her own festival with five artists gracing the back porch of a friend with a big yard.
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