Entertainment

You Have To See Rachel Platten's 'GMA' Performance

by Alex Kritselis

If she's not on your radar yet, you need to get with the program: Up-and-coming artist Rachel Platten stopped by Good Morning America to promote her new single, "Fight Song," on Thursday, and her powerful performance is required viewing for all music lovers. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter told ARTISTdirect.com in an interview last month that she specifically wrote "Fight Song" as a "declaration" that she wasn't going to give up on her music career (even though she was going through "a really tough time"), but now, its uplifting lyrics are inspiring people all over the United States to "fight" for their own causes. As Platten performed on the GMA stage, she was surrounded by enthusiastic supporters, each holding a brightly colored sign that explained what they're personally fighting for: education, love, "more cures," etc. It's very touching to watch.

Though I've adored "Fight Song" for a while now, I had never seen Platten perform live until Thursday. She seemed a bit nervous at first, but once she stepped out from behind her keyboard, she warmed up considerably. It's clear to me that she was really feeling the song's emotional message. What a great network television debut! I'm so glad she decided to keep fighting for her dream. Check out Platten's "Fight Song" performance below.

Since I first wrote about "Fight Song" a month ago, the track has shot into the top 10 on U.S. iTunes. With a couple more TV performances like this one (and perhaps a music video with some viral potential), I think "Fight Song" could become a major hit this summer. So far, it's peaked at No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. How high can it climb? We'll just have to wait and see.

"Fight Song" appears on Platten's new four-track EP of the same name, which is available on iTunes now.

Image: Columbia Records/Sony Music Entertainment/iTunes