American Idol alum Alejandro Aranda will no longer go by the moniker ‘Scarypoolparty’
Alejandro Aranda, who rose to national attention as the runner-up on season 17 of American Idol, has announced a significant change in his professional identity. For years he released music under the stage name Scarypoolparty. Now, as he begins a new creative phase, he will release music under his own name: Alejandro Aranda.
The California-born singer-songwriter officially revealed the decision on social media, calling the last six years “a dream” and describing Scarypoolparty as “a fun and amazing time.” He said he is closing that chapter and moving forward as Alejandro Aranda. To mark the transition, he will release a new single titled “Pieces” on July 14.
“I have a very specific direction, and I want to put things out in my own way.”
In an Instagram post shared with fans, Aranda explained that he has dozens of unreleased songs and wants to present them in a clear, intentional direction. He thanked fans for their support and patience, promising that “Pieces” will be the first new release in over a year and that he is working to make it worth the wait.
Although many of his social channels still carry the Scarypoolparty name, Alejandro has launched a new official website under his own name. The site is currently sparse, and he has reassured followers they can still keep up with him across his usual platforms as he transitions to releasing music as Alejandro Aranda.
This kind of return to an artist’s given name has precedent: other high-profile artists have similarly chosen to release music under their real names when entering new creative eras. For Aranda, the change signals a deliberate fresh start, focused on authenticity and artistic control.
Alejandro Aranda impressed American Idol fans and judges with original songs
Aranda earned widespread praise during his American Idol run for performing his own original material. Songs like “Out Loud,” “10 Years,” “Millennial Love,” and “Tonight” showcased his songwriting and distinctive voice, helping him secure second place behind Laine Hardy in 2019.
Following American Idol, Alejandro released his debut album Exit Form on November 22, 2019, through Hollywood Records. He followed that with Doom Hologram on September 4, 2020, and released the EP L.A. in 2021. His third album, The Act of Forgiveness, also arrived in 2021. After that release, he and Hollywood Records/19 Records parted ways as he moved into the next stage of his career.
Across these releases, Aranda demonstrated a willingness to experiment with sound and structure, blending raw, intimate songwriting with sometimes cinematic production. Choosing to move forward under his birth name suggests he intends to present this material and future work with renewed clarity and ownership.
Aranda has been open about struggles with mental health and self-image. He has spoken candidly about anxiety and moments of doubt, including an episode after the American Idol finale in 2019 that kept him from boarding a plane to New York, and times when he contemplated quitting the show. He has also canceled tour dates in the past to manage exhaustion and prioritize his wellbeing.
Those candid admissions have earned him empathy from fans and respect for prioritizing mental health while maintaining a creative output. As he enters this new era under his real name, many listeners will watch closely to hear how his experiences shape his songwriting and performances.
With “Pieces” set to arrive on July 14, Alejandro Aranda begins this next chapter at a deliberate pace — presenting new music under his own name, emphasizing artistic intention, and inviting listeners to join him as he redefines his musical identity.