iHeartMedia is back with Summer Tuesdays, where breakout artists meet real music lovers.
Summer Tuesdays at the iHeartMedia HQ is something every music lover should experience at least once. As you exit the elevator and walk the hall, motion sensor lights illuminate and play music with every step. DJ Dramos set the tone, spinning yesterday’s classics and the best of today’s hits.
With Heineken and Hampton Rose Water providing endless cold beverages after a long day of work, it’s officially cocktail hour. The latest entry of Summer Tuesdays featured Oregon native and Country music sensation, Max McNown. Let’s get into it.
From the moment Max stepped out of the green room, his energy was electric. He busted a spin move as soon as he hit the stage. Moderated by iHeartRadio digital host Emily Curl, the interview McNown explored teaching himself to play the guitar, his new album Night Diving(The Cost of Growing Up), and how surreal it was for Kelly Clarkson to perform a live cover of his hit record “A Lot More Free”.
“I’ve had a lot of moments that kind of pull me back, those mom I made it moments. But I think probably Kelly Clarkson covering my song was number one for me.”- Max McNown
Emily Curl was the most inviting host. She asked the Country star to explain who he is as an artist. “I spent a lot of time in Washington and California, but I am home-raised in Oregon”. McNown continued, “I always turn to music for my outlet when going through difficult times and I try to embody the peace that a good camping trip in the Northwestern woods can bring you”.
Receiving the golden ticket at American Idol in 2023 led Max to what felt like a fork in the road. Ironically, A Lot More Free began to rise, and the then-budding star had a choice to make. “And so I decided to step away from American Idol, which is a really difficult decision”, said Max. “Having her(Kelly Clarkson) cover my song was kind of a sign, like, you know, you made the right decision”.
Summer Tuesdays are known for the mix & mingle and compelling interviews but remain a music-first platform. Accompanied by his bandmate Lee T. Baker, whom Max jokingly referred to as his emotional support guitarist, the duo led the setlist with This Side of Heaven. Next was A Better Me For You(Brown Eyes), a song written for his girlfriend, followed by the crowd engaging Marley, which McNown fused with the Bob Marley classic Three Little Birds.
Max concluded the performance with the song of the hour, A Lot More Free. The TikTok sensation may only be 24 years old, but performs like a world-class veteran. Between exchanging guitar riffs with Lee, whistling in perfect harmony, and letting his pain scream through his harmonica, Max McNown is the full package.
As the room settled after Max’s final note, the night still had one last surprise. iHeartMedia executive Alex Zagryn announced the two lucky guests who won tickets to a New York Jets game and iHeartRadio’s iconic Jingle Ball 2025—a fitting end to a night that balanced star power with community energy.
Summer Tuesdays is a space where new voices get heard, and real music takes the front seat. iHeartMedia continues to create a platform where talent is recognized early, and the people in the room genuinely care. The drinks are cold, the stories are real, and the next one’s just around the corner.
In the meantime, get tickets to Max McNown’s Forever Ain’t Long Enough tour here.
See you next Tuesday.
