There are artists who wait for the world to notice them — and then there are artists like Lisa Ramey, who burn too brightly to ignore.
The New York-based R&B powerhouse is officially in the running to win the America’s Next Top Hitmaker Competition, a nationwide search for the breakout artist who will take the stage at the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, grace the pages of Rolling Stone, and pocket $50,000. The first cut happens Thursday, June 5 at 7 PM PDT, and voting is already open. If you’ve heard Lisa’s voice even once, you know exactly what to do: cast your vote for Lisa Ramey now.
If her name rings a bell, it’s because Ramey has already made a habit of stealing the show. She first commanded national attention as a finalist on NBC’s The Voice, turning heads and chairs as a member of Team Legend. But reality TV was just the launch pad. Earlier this year, she joined pop juggernaut Zayn Malik on tour as one of two vocalists in his all-female, seven-woman band — a history-making statement of feminine force on stage.
And she’s no stranger to sharing a bill with legends. Ramey has performed alongside Ms. Lauryn Hill and appeared on lineups with John Legend, Camila Cabello, and Common during the 2020 Global Citizen: Together At Home concert series — proving she’s as at home on global stages as she is in intimate venues. It’s no wonder she’s a frontrunner in the competition: her résumé is a roll call of impressive milestones, but it’s her voice and presence — fiery, full of grit, and impossible to forget — that make her a star.
Her discography is equally worth shouting about. Last year’s EP, Foretaste, gave fans the irresistible Vagabond, a smoldering soul-rock anthem showcasing Ramey’s raw artistry. That release followed her debut album, Surrender (2020), which cracked Good Morning America’s Top 50 Albums of the Year and has since amassed over 600,000 streams on Spotify.
Born and raised in the blues-soaked streets of St. Louis, Missouri, Ramey grew up surrounded by the sounds of Motown, gospel, and musicals. That foundation built a voice that’s impossible to pin down — a soulful fusion of pop, R&B, rock grit, and pure, unfiltered feeling. It’s a sound that isn’t just heard; it’s felt.
The next step in her story could be her biggest yet — but she can’t do it without her fans. If you’re ready to see an authentic, genre-defying artist take her rightful place on the world’s stage, you know what to do.
From The Voice to Global Citizen to Zayn Malik’s all-woman band—what’s the wildest, most “wait, is this my life?” moment you’ve had on this ride so far?
Oh my gosh, what a fun question! For sure getting the Zayn call was absolutely a “what is my life” moment. I am still shocked. Walking out on stage in Mexico City at an arena with Zayn was a new incredible feeling. I had no idea I could still feel new feels at this point in my career. Singing with John Legend at Madison Square Garden was absolutely insane as well. I walked out and probably didn’t know my name lol
Your sound slides between soulful R&B, pop drama, and straight-up rock ‘n’ roll. When you’re in the booth, how do you decide which version of Lisa Ramey shows up?
Ha! The music usually guides me. If its rock, ima scream. If its pop, I’ll hold back and mix my vocals to match the vibe. If there’s drama, I just picture the last guy I dated and run with it
“Vagabond” off your Foretaste EP hits with this raw wanderlust-meets-heartbreak energy. Who—or what—were you running toward (or away from) when you wrote it?
I was sprinting away from the sexy man-zombies of the world. Those dangerously charming guys who suck the life out of women, then shuffle off to their next victim. I’m not even sure they know they’re doing it! They probably think they’re just out here casually dating. You now the type: you give your all in the relationship (money, keys to your apt, love….), only for your partner to suddenly be dating your sister or your bestie. Like…. WHAT just happened?!!?
You’ve shared the stage with literal legends—Lauryn Hill, John Legend, Common. Did any of them drop life advice that still echoes in your head when you’re backstage?
Absolutely. John Legend gave me the best advice I have ever received. He said “you don’t need to do all that” after I sang one line of a song. He interrupted me and saved my career. I thought I needed to sound a certain way to sing a genre of music. He said “just sing it” and it blew my mind. It always comes back to be yourself. It’s too hard to be someone else or sing like someone else. I just do me now
You’re currently a finalist in America’s Next Top Hitmaker. If you win, you perform at Global Citizen and appear in Rolling Stone. So we gotta ask—what does your dream Rolling Stone cover photo look like?
A female Lenny Kravitz. So hawt
Growing up in St. Louis, surrounded by gospel and Motown, how do those roots still show up in your music—even when you’re pushing genre boundaries?
I can’t help it! No matter what I write or how I sing, my voice always come through with every ounce of soul. It’s how you know it’s me singing. I couldn’t get rid of it if I tried
“Surrender” made GMA’s Top 50 Albums list in 2020—major. How did that kind of spotlight shape your next creative chapter? Did it push you to go bigger, weirder, or just more you?
Haha I am weird-so yes! When your name ends up in print like that, I ran with it. I took that GMA shoutout as a sign to push even harder and see what else I could make happen. I was proud -right in the thick of 2020, I was dropping albums and performing with A-list celebrities from my living room. That was my “strike-while-the-iron’s-hot” era… and honestly, I’m still riding the wave.
Zayn Malik put together a 7-woman band and you were one of the chosen few. What was it like bringing that kind of feminine force to such a massive stage?
It was iconic—we felt like icons! Zayn’s fans are incredible and fully embraced and supported his choice to bring us on stage. His energy is MEGA, and his talent?! Unreal. Being part of an all-female band—something so many girls dream of—and doing it on his first comeback tour?! It was powerful, it was historic, and it was pure magic. Total pinch me moment
If someone’s hearing your music for the very first time, what song should they start with—and what mood should they be in when they press play?
What artist knows how to answer this question?? This may take a while….”City Called Heaven” off my album ‘Broken Smile’ will show you how far I’m willing to go musically and vocally. Listen when you want to feel inspired. “Hopeless” off my EP ‘Foretaste’ is great to listen to when you feel alone in a toxic relationship… so sexy. So bad for you! “You Ain’t My Friend” on my album ‘Surrender’ should be listened to when you wanna laugh through my pain lolol I love a good story
Whether it’s winning Hitmaker or dropping your next record, what does 2025 look like for Lisa Ramey? What’s on your mood board—sonically, spiritually, aesthetically?
I love these questions! Writing and releasing new music while pushing what’s already out. The work never ends! I’m making plans to tour! Lots of healthy choices! I’m taking 3 months off drinking. I’m beyond excited to feel what that’s like! I’m not excited to start lol The future is promising. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve been cookin up. Stay tuned 😉
