BET Awards 2025: Teddy Swims’ Voice Is a Whole Experience—Here Are 6 Songs That Prove It
Teddy Swims may not look like your typical soul singer—but that’s exactly what makes his rise so undeniable. With a voice that can crush covers, crack open emotions, and cross genre lines without breaking a sweat, the Georgia native has quickly become one of music’s most exciting new stars.
A nominee for Best New Artist at the BET Awards 2025, Teddy (born Jaten Dimsdale) isn’t just a viral vocalist or a TikTok phenomenon. He’s the real deal—a singer with grit, gospel roots, and a catalog that hits hard whether you’re deep in your feelings or rolling your windows down on a Friday night. His tattoos, beard, and laid-back style may throw some folks off at first glance, but the second he opens his mouth? Game over.
From Bedroom Covers to Billboard Charts
Before he had a charting single, Teddy Swims was quietly building a loyal fanbase on YouTube. His soul-soaked renditions of songs by Shania Twain, H.E.R., and Mario earned him millions of views and plenty of double takes.
He didn’t just sing the notes—he felt them. Each performance was raw and personal, full of vocal runs that seemed to come from some Southern church you’ve never been to but instantly feel connected to. It wasn’t long before his videos started circulating across platforms, with fans and celebrities alike begging for an original project.
And when it finally dropped in 2023—I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1)—he didn’t disappoint.
His Debut Album Is a Gut Punch (In the Best Way)
The album isn’t just a vibe—it’s a confession. Packed with heartbreak anthems, late-night honesty, and swelling soul production, it immediately positioned Teddy as more than a cover king. It was clear: he had something to say.
Songs like “Lose Control” showcase his ability to scale from whisper-soft vulnerability to full-blown vocal fireworks. It’s the kind of track that makes you pause mid-scroll, lean in, and feel everything at once. And live? It hits even harder. No tricks. No backing tracks. Just vocals and emotion.
The album also finds Teddy experimenting—dipping into Southern rock on “What More Can I Say,” channeling bluesy ache on “Some Things I’ll Never Know,” and even bringing subtle gospel influences to “The Door.” It’s a project that doesn’t choose one lane. It builds its own.
Here are Six Songs That Prove Teddy Swims Is That Guy
“Lose Control”
The breakout hit that brought him into mainstream conversation. It’s equal parts heartbreak ballad and vocal masterclass.
“911”
A slow-burning confessional about hitting emotional rock bottom. Sparse production lets the vocals shine.
“Simple Things”
A Southern-soul stomper with a country-rock edge. Teddy shows he’s got storytelling chops, too.
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“The Door”
A gospel-tinged closer that proves he could easily lead a choir if he wanted to. That voice.
“Blinding Lights” (Cover)
His soul version of The Weeknd’s synth-pop smash was one of the first covers that went viral. It still slaps.
“Night Off”
A breezy mid-tempo groove that nods to his R&B influences. Play this one with the top down.
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His Range Is Ridiculous—and So Is His Impact
What makes Teddy Swims so compelling isn’t just his sound—it’s his sincerity. There’s nothing manufactured about his rise. He’s not chasing trends. He’s bringing soul back to the center of the conversation, and doing it in a way that feels accessible, honest, and deeply personal.
He sings like a Sunday morning service but carries himself like a Friday night at your favorite dive bar. That contrast is his superpower—and why audiences from Nashville to New York are packing his shows and turning his ballads into therapy sessions.
He’s also bridging worlds—playing country festivals and R&B playlists, hitting stages where artists rarely cross paths. And now, with a BET nomination under his belt, he’s being embraced by a culture that understands authenticity when it hears it.
