This Time

Album: single release only (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • New York native Pia Toscano was born on October 14, 1988, to Jane and Pat Toscano. She began performing in talent shows when she was four, and by the time she was nine, had performed in a local church production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Toscano was the official National Anthem singer at her middle school, P.S./M.S. 207, before attending LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts in New York City and graduating in 2006. In 2008 Toscano was the winner of the New York Mets annual "Anthem Search" competition and was selected to sing the National Anthem at a game. She also worked as a wedding singer in a band called "Current Affair."

    After several auditions for American Idol Toscano finally made it through to the Top 24 in the tenth season. She was eliminated from the competition on April 7, 2011, finishing in ninth place. Considered by some to be a frontrunner, her elimination came as a shock to judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler, all of whom were visibly upset and vocal. However, the publicity from her appearances led to a recording contract with Interscope Records.
  • This acoustic guitar and beat-driven track is Toscano's debut single. The song, which was released on July 12, 2011, was penned by Ester Dean. The pop/R&B singer-songwriter has written several hit singles for Rihanna including"Rude Boy"and "What's My Name?" and also co-penned Katy Perry's chart-topper "Firework" and Scotty McCreery's debut single "Love You This Big."
  • The empowerment anthem has a double meaning of not only shaking off a guy who did her wrong but also relating to Toscano's American Idol journey. She told MTV News: "It's a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, and it's not just a break-up song." Despite there being no specific break-up in her past to serve as an inspiration, Toscano added that she felt like the tune suited her well. "I can 100 percent relate to it whether it's about a relationship or my journey on 'Idol,'" she said.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Little Big Town

Little Big TownSongwriter Interviews

"When seeds that you sow grow by the wicked moon/Be sure your sins will find you out/Your past will hunt you down and turn to tell on you."

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."