Kenadi Dodds – Toxic
20-year-old pop powerhouse and America’s Got Talent finalist Kenadi Dodds makes a fearless debut with her first original single, “Toxic.”
Blending infectious pop-rock hooks with raw, honest lyricism, the track explores the emotional toll of navigating relationships while living with ADHD, while also delivering a bold, defiant punch. Driven by pulsating guitar riffs, bold storytelling, and her commanding vocal presence, “Toxic” is a defiant summer anthem for anyone who’s ever been made to feel like the problem. With a powerful message, “I’m not going to apologize for being who I am,” Dodds reclaims her narrative and steps confidently into the spotlight.
“Toxic” blends pop-laced melodies with gritty rock energy, diving headfirst into the complex thoughts and emotions experienced daily by those living with mental health challenges. Rooted in personal experience, the track carries a tonal punch alongside Dodds’s expressive vocals, alluring listeners through its storylike landscape. The carefully crafted production of the single can be attributed to multi-platinum hitmaker Brian Howes (Daughtry, Simple Plan, Nickelback) and the mastering by Grammy-winning engineer Randy Merrill (Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Chappell Roan) at Sterling Sound. The single combines Howes’s chart-topping production sensibilities with Dodds’s raw talent and passion, promising to be a compelling showcase of her artistry and a glimpse into the boundless potential that lies ahead. Chasing emotion that hits people in the chest, Dodds looks to the past, explaining, “Growing up with ADHD, I always felt like I had a hard time maintaining friendships and relationships. I love people, I always have. But over time, I started to feel like maybe I was the problem. ADHD can make communication tricky.” With this, she started to see people separate themselves from her. She continues, “‘Toxic’ is about owning who you are, even when the world tries to tell you that you’re too much. I’ve had to learn a lot about myself. I’ve had to grow, adapt, and find strategies to navigate relationships in a way that works for me. ADHD doesn’t make me toxic. It makes me different. It makes me who I am. And that’s exactly what this song is about.” While “Toxic” is rooted in real emotional experience, it’s also an unapologetic, flirty pop-rock anthem that channels bold feminine energy and cheeky confidence. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to smirk, dance, and own your power, especially after someone has underestimated you. With an infectious chorus and a playful edge, it captures that moment of turning pain into power and walking away stronger, louder, and more self-assured.
As a 20-year-old Utah native, Kenadi Dodds is a rising star with her unwavering dedication to her craft, fueled by her undeniable talent.
#kenadidoddsmusic