Everything You Need to Know about 'American Idol' Contestant Lauren Mascitti

Gettyimages | Jason Kempin

Season 18 of the classic musical competition show American Idol just premiered on February 16, but the competition is already heating up. With many talented contestants already sharing about their time on the show on social media, it's easier and more important than ever to keep them all straight. Lauren Mascitti is one of those competitors, and it looks like she might make it pretty far. To help us all get acquainted, here are a few quick facts about the singer.

Gettyimages | Kevork Djansezian

Mascitti has made a home for herself all over the midwestern and southern United States, which has likely influenced her musical style. Born in Louisville, Ohio, Lauren moved to Branson, Missouri when she was 12 years old. Soon after, she began making regular trips to Nashville, Tennessee, to study with her singing teacher Brett Manning and to perform at local songwriter showcases. She returned to Ohio to complete school, and then moved to Nashville full time. It looks like she may be leaving Nashville to compete, though.

Gettyimages | Terry Wyatt

Ever since she was 7 years old, Mascitti has kept herself busy and worked on her singing career. She recorded her first album at that age, and began performing multiple times a week with Gospel singer Gary McSpadden. When she was 15, she recorded her first album of original songs. One of those songs, "Child of God," reached number 70 on the national southern gospel radio chart. In total, Mascitti has released 9 studio albums. Her most recent one, God Made a Woman, came out on January 9.

Gettyimages | Michael Loccisano

Mascitti has been engaged to fellow musician Shawn Camp since Christmas Eve of 2018. Mascitti's song "I've Never Been in Love like This" from her album God Made a Woman is about her relationship with Camp. Mascitti, 28, and Camp, 53, often perform together, and by the looks of it, will be competing on American Idol together (or against each other, depending on how you look at it): In an Instagram post, Mascitti announced her audition for Idol, and part of the caption read, "A commercial shown last night during the CMA’s had #ShawnCamp and I on it advertising for the next season of AMERICAN IDOL!!!"

Gettyimages | Kevork Djansezian

Mascitti attended Stark State College in North Canton, Ohio, where she graduated a Registered Nurse. On her website, Mascitti explains, "I work with people at different stages in their lives and I've heard so many stories. The whole experience has inspired me. I've learned a lot about people and what they've gone through." Looks like Mascitti is able to balance nursing with her writing and performing, and even uses her "day job" as a fulfilling way to inform her music.