Recent Reviews
Press
“Immediately captivating the audience… Casey illuminated The Palladium and commanded the stage, throwing endless passion into each moment of her set. As she emerged with the radiant energy of a firecracker, she screamed instant confidence… just enough to hold the grandeur of the venue in the palm of her hand… Throughout, Casey balanced an effortless presence with instantly recognizable vocals that echoed seamlessly through the room. Her energetic style was complemented by chatty, humorous on-stage banter and matched by candid songwriting, making the performance as deeply likeable as it was entertaining… If this shimmering performance is any indication, Casey McQuillen is set to keep on charming venues worldwide: a true natural and deserving star on a rising ascent.”
“Tasked with opening proceedings is New York songstress Casey McQuillen, who proves to be an ebullient and effusive force of nature, quickly rising to the challenge of playing such an historic venue and winning over the notoriously partisan Belfast crowd with her charm and wit, coupled with her collection of blue-collar redbrick tenement-infused songs of defiance in the face of adversity and heartbreak, coupled with the optimism of fulfilling dreams.”
“Better Than This” doesn’t try to prove too much. It’s a sharp, polished track from an artist who knows exactly what she wants to say and how to say it. McQuillen is stepping into a new chapter, and if this single is anything to go by, she’s doing it on her own terms.
Fans can expect to hear an anthem that is both empowering and effortlessly catchy, solidifying Casey McQuillen as one of pop’s most exciting new voices.
With its breezy rhythms, shimmering melodies, and an unapologetic message of self-worth, Casey’s track wants you to have a strong foundation where you can rest assured of your decisions.
“Her appreciation for her grandfather’s sacrifice is reflected in her new music. Her new single “Better Than This” is out this Friday, which talks about her own pursuit of a better life, similar to what her grandfather did. “It’s a song about pursuing my dreams, but very much with the weight as like, that’s in my blood,” she said. “It’s in my blood to do this, and it’s been amazing to perform it every night.”
“It’s pop music, certainly, groomed and gleaming, yet beneath the surface bubbles a fierce kind of self-possession that’s less about demanding attention and more about curating who gets past the velvet rope of your own contentment … There’s a clarity to McQuillen’s soft vocals that cuts through the polished production. It’s not aggressive, this insistence on quality, but it’s utterly unyielding. The track doesn’t wallow or plead; it simply lays out the terms with unnerving calm. It leaves you feeling… tidier, somehow. Cleared of relational clutter. A reminder that needing less often means you deserve more.”
“We’re getting huge modern Mariah Carey vibes on this track, with the track sounding like it could have come right from the “Caution” album of a few years ago. It’s incredibly catchy, bumping along at a steady midtempo in an Ariana Grande kind of way, with sultry vocals that range from a whisper in the ear to a confident belt.”
“Casey McQuillen tells stories. Stories about life, love, romance, and everything in between. Her track is a delightful stylistic mix of Charlie XCX’s Boys era, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter. There is an intimacy to all her soundscapes, that instantly draws the listener in and connects them to the theme.”
The track exudes flirty charm and fearless energy, serving as the perfect anthem for anyone reclaiming their power.
Singer- songwriter Casey McQuillen spoke to David Hennessy about her forthcoming tours with Anastacia and Eurovision- winning Loreen, her anti- bullying work in schools and her latest single about being happily single rather than settling with someone that isn’t right.
Galentine’s Day has just taken place, and with International Women’s Day en route for March 7th, Casey Mcquillen’s new single ‘Better’ is the feminine anthem we should all tune into. Inspired by the relevant concept of self-love and the vitality of confidence, this fun and infectious offering is not only a memorable pop song; but a message to all women to prioritise themselves.
“From the moment she stepped onto the stage, Casey’s stage presence was undeniable. With a confidence that radiated throughout the venue, she effortlessly commanded the attention of the diverse crowd… Casey McQuillen’s headline performance was a testament to … her ability to captivate audiences with her music and stage presence. With each song, she brought a new level of energy and passion, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating her next move in what promises to be a remarkable journey.”
“Undeniable Stage Presence Borders on Magnetic”
“Casey McQuillen deliver(ed) an intimate performance that will be etched into the memories of all who bore witness… a collective sense of exhilaration lingered in the air, a testament to the enduring legacy of Casey McQuillen’s artistry. Her performance was a masterclass in storytelling. With her unwarvering talent & boundless passion, she stands poised to conquer new heights”
“Casey’s music has a broad appeal, a classy level of production and a poignancy in the lyrics which is balenced against her upbeat, cheerful, energetic delivery… you can’t help but be won over by the twinkle in her eye.. there is much more yet to come.”
“To Hear Her is to Love Her”
“Casey McQuillen is a force of nature; her mere presence lights up the room… Her stage presence and the ability to tell a story between songs is as good as you will see anywhere in the music business… (and) her song ‘Skinny’ is a modern classic.”
“Indie Sensation’s Performance at Utilita Arena Leaves Audience Spellbound”
“(Casey’s) artistry transcends the ordinary… Her stage presence exuded authenticity… soul-stirring performances that resonated deeply with the crowd… her lyrics served as windows into the human experience. Her performance was a testament to the power of genuine storytelling and raw talent… In a music scene often dominated by superficiality and spectacle, McQuillen’s authenticity shines like a beacon.”
“Marking a significant milestone in Casey McQuillen's career, ‘Talk In My Head’ celebrates her transition from indie darling to arena sensation in under two years.”
“With emotive vocals paired with an infectious melody, it’s a captivating listening experience that delves into the universal experience of grappling with a failing relationship, capturing the raw emotions of an unravelling love, all throughout her debut album, ‘Skinny,’”
“Capturing more of that warm and riveting alt-pop aesthetic she is known for, 'Talk In My Head' makes for a wonderfully bright and immersive listen. With her rich and soaring vocal performance layered across a glittering production from start to finish, she is returning to the fold with one of her most alluring offerings to date.”
While Casey certainly leads the charge with her immensely impressive vocals, so much of the heart of this album comes from its vivid and imagery-filled lyricism… From a sonic perspective, it’s also such a fantastic blend of style and genre from start to finish… With a voice, cadence, and emanating positivity that she exudes, Casey McQuillen is undoubtedly an artist to keep your eyes on in the coming years. Enjoy!
Casey is currently on tour with UK singer James Morrison and says that she has been getting positive feedback from audiences who connect with her message from the song.
CHARLOTTE, NC — Former American Idol season 13 contestant, Casey McQuillen, stops by Rising to talk about her new anti-bullying and self-empowerment tour bringing two shows to schools in the Charlotte area.
“With power woman Casey McQuillen and the unique voice of James Morrison, even Mondays are easier”
(Translated from German) “… With her beautiful voice, accompanied by her guitar sounds, you can easily get lost in the song and just focus on the sound, her performance and her lyrics … As if her lyrics had been ripped out of her diary, she sings this honest song with great emotion. As the audience claps and shouts… tears almost well up in her eyes. This concert was a great start to this Sunday evening…. I would like to add that I really admire her performance, how a woman with so much energy and talent stands on stage and tells us a personal story with her songs, without covering up the unpleasant aspects.”
Casey chats with Pix 11 Entertainment Reporter, Oji Obekwie, on May 18th morning newscast
Casey performs Dying during Today in Nashville airing weekdays at 11am on WSMV-TV
Meagan McNeal from "The Voice" and Casey McQuillen from "American Idol" share how they used their voices to better their local communities.
The video for “American Idol” alum Casey’s new single “Beautiful” just dropped, and ExtraTV.com has your first look!