Am | 5 Gems

Am: 5 Gems features songs by Ayham, Jennifer Holliday, Lizzo, Megan Maroney, and The Irrepressibles.

Are you, Megan Moroney? As for Ayham, his AM feels entirely different: “I’m a star, bitch, I’m a, I’m a star, bitch.” It’s not only the contraction, but it’s the vibe that separates Megan’s am, and Ayham’s I’m. Okay, enough unnecessary fluff.  This miniature playlist is all about the present tense first-person singular of be. Woo! Am: 5 Gems features songs by Ayham, Jennifer Holliday, Lizzo, Megan Moroney, and The Irrepressibles. So, without a doubt, I AM excited to share these five AM songs with you, ya filthy Musical Hype-ians!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Megan Moroney, “Am I Okay?”	2. Ayham, “I AM A STAR, BITCH”	3. Lizzo, “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)”
4. Jennifer Holliday, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”	5. The Irrepressibles, “What I Am! Queer”

 

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1. Megan Moroney, “Am I Okay?”

Am I Okay? » Megan Moroney / Sony Music Entertainment  » 2024

You sound like you are alive, Megan Moroney (b. 1997).  That said, what’s changed? What’s different? And, how drastic is it, girl?! The answer is, she’s in L-O-V-E, love, hence why she asks, “Am I Okay?” “Am I Okay?” is the opener from her 2024 gold-certified album, Am I Okay?.  She wrote “Am I Okay?” with Jessie Jo Dillon and Luke Laird. Kristian Bush produced it.

Love has got Megan questioning herself.  In the second verse, she highlights the newfound virtues of  [some] guys, despite previous bad experiences.  “Who knew guys still brought flowers,” she sings, and adds, “And wait, there’s guys that can communicate.” It is shocking when you think about it!  Her falling in love with love again is crystal clear in the centerpiece of the record, the chorus:

“And then, oh, my God, he walked in

Like a 6’2” dream heaven sent

HE says what he means, and he means what he says

And he’s funny, and he’s smart

And he’s good  in –

Maybe love ain’t always what it was

Not cryin’ and dyin’, and messin’ me up

I think I’m really happy, I think I wanna stay

Oh, my God, am I okay?”

Ooh-wee! She had me at the 6’2” 🤭! Maroney sings well, marvelously expressing the delightful feeling of love. The sound is country, but not too country – there’s enough pop crossover 😉. “Am I Okay?” earned Maroney a top 40 pop hit. It peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2025. Furthermore, the single was certified multiplatinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Kind of a big deal? You bet!

Appears in:

Megan Moroney, Am I Okay?: Bangerz N Bopz No. 3 (2026)

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2. Ayham, “I AM A STAR, BITCH”

I AM A STAR, BITCH (EP) » Ayham » 2025

Listen up, bitches! Ayham (Ayham Fayad) makes it clear, with ample repetition, “I’m a star, bitch, I’m a, I’m a star, bitch.” The hot 🥵, sassy 💅 German-based singer-songwriter asserts in a TikTok video, My name is Ayham, and I create music for the f*gs, dolls, and cvnts. “I AM A STAR, BITCH” fiercely and fittingly opens his 2025 EP, I AM A STAR, BITCH (EP).  Beyond the simple but unforgettable chorus, Ayham eats! He leaves no crumbs…bih! He co-produced it with Noah Grewing.

“I AM A STAR, BITCH” opens fiercely with dramatic strings.  After some intriguing classical music cues, the backdrop transforms into a mean-sounding, hip-hop cut.  Here, Ayham brings a shit-ton of attitude, confidence, and personality. He delivers a fast-paced, kick-ass cadence and flow. “When I pass by, you better make a wish, bitch / Bling-bling, diamonds on me, I’m so vicious,” he spits in the first verse, continuing, “Hustling, I’m making these riches / I’m it, bitch.” That’s only the beginning, though! After all, Ayham informs us, “These motherfuckers wanna copy my aesthetics / I lead, they follow, magnetic.” Ooh-wee! I ❤️ the clapping percussion that appears after his daring, fierce first verse. The second verse gives I’m the shit, energy.  Ayham characterizes himself as the shit:

“Heat coming out of the studio

Call the firefighters, call the radio

Making hits, flow’s a blitz, turning heads

Confess I’m the shit

By now, you should know

We got the power, we own the dancefloor

Beat so catchy, got me in a chokehold.”

The third verse keeps things interesting and unapologetic: “I give zero fucks, yeah I ain’t got time / Got bars for years, ain’t talking jail time.” Also, I cosign his bold assertion that “I wanna dance in my underwear 🩲 / I wanna make them stop and stare.” At the end of the cut, with striking instrumental contrast, Ayham confidently spits, “Fuck it up now / Now.” Ayham brings it on the fun “I AM A STAR, BITCH”.

@iamayham_

♬ BREAK THE SILENCE – Ayham

Appears in:

Ayham, I AM A STAR, BITCH: Bangerz N Bopz No. 56 (2025) 13 Totally Bitchin’ Songs: Vol. 3 (2025) Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 5 (2025) 21 Songs Associated with the Seven Deadly Sins, Vol. 2 (2025)

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3. Lizzo, “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)”

Special » Nice Life / Atlantic » 2022

Maybe I’m mistaken, but it seems like Grammy-winning pop singer-songwriter Lizzo (Melissa Jefferson) is ready for love!  “2 B Loved (Am I Ready)” is the fourth track from her sophomore album, Special.  In the context of the LP, it continues a fast start and bests the controversial track that precedes it, “Grrrls”. “2 B Loved (Am I Ready)” embraces pop whole hog.  It was produced by ILYA and Max Martin. “2 B Loved” is high-energy from the onset.  Empowering and encouraging, Lizzo speaks about her readiness for love. “How am I supposed to love somebody else,” she sings, and continues, “When I don’t like myself? Like, ooh / Guess I better learn to like this, ooh.” Furthermore, she asserts she deserves it, which doesn’t come over as ‘cocky’ but positive.  Beyond the uplifting lyrics and the magnificent musical accompaniment, Lizzo’s vocals are EVERYTHING.

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4. Jennifer Holliday, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”

Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album » Universal Music Enterprises » 1982

When you think of Jennifer Holliday, one song, and one song only, comes to mind:  “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”.  Holliday, playing Effie White, performed the big, demanding ballad in the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls.  The Henry Krieger (music) and Tom Eyen (lyrics) penned song is the crown jewel from Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album. “And I Am Telling You” is Holliday’s sole top 40 hit.  It peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Deservedly, Holliday won her first Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female at the 25^th Annual GRAMMY Awards.  Take one listen to her dynamic, expressive performance on “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” and there is no way that she could’ve been denied!

If you’ve seen Holliday perform “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” you can tell she infuses every ounce of herself.  Her performance is gritty and soulful and exhibits top-notch musicianship.  A ‘big’ song, few vocalists can bring the punch needed to successfully deliver this Broadway classic. Holliday makes us believe every word.  “Darlin’, there’s no way / No, no, no, no way / I’m livin’ without you,” she sings, spiritedly, confirming her love for “the best man I’ll ever know.” In the bridge, she remains unshakable, dramatically asserting, “Tear down the mountains / Yell, scream, and shout / You can say what you want / I’m not walking out.” Word.  The chorus, of course, is the crème de la crème.  Still, the outro seals the deal: “Love me / Love me / Love me / Love me / You’re gonna love me.” Besides winning a Grammy for her once-in-a-lifetime performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”, Holliday won the Tony for Actress (Musical).  Holliday may be a ‘one-hit wonder,’ but who wouldn’t kill for this juggernaut to be their sole pop hit? 

Appears in:

Jennifer Holliday, And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 47 (2024) Jennifer Holliday vs. Jennifer Hudson: Head 2 Head No. 49 (2024) 13 Songs Where YOU Are the Focus (2025) Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 3 (2025) 15 Engaging, Absolutely NOT Songs (2025) 13 Fantastic GO Songs, Vol. 2 (2025)

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5. The Irrepressibles, “What I Am! Queer”

Yo Homo » Of Naked Design » 2025

Amen! “All of the women fighting against the oppression from men.” Amen! “All of the queers who can’t express their truth.” Amen! And everyone who’s afraid of rejection for being themselves.” And again, I say, amen! Those of us who identify as queer want to live our lives freely, without being accosted, bullied, disrespected, or repressed. The Irrepressibles released the moving “What I Am! Queer”, which celebrates queerness and looks forward to a better, more promising tomorrow. Jamie McDermott says it best himself: “Freedom is for everyone!”

“What I Am! Queer” begins minimally, with McDermott singing authentically, beautifully, and honestly. Supported by bass and finger snaps, Jamie hauntingly recollects a rough and tumble past: “As a teen, I felt alone, no one to understand aloneness that I felt /… We were led to fear all the color in the night!”  Soon enough, he puts that ugly, repressed past behind him, accompanied by a grander soundscape, including chilling background vocals. Embracing his queerness, he sings out and proudly:

“Don’t expect me to apologize!

Who I am is painted in the skies

You think I’m wrong? I know I’m right

But through love, we’ll all make it.”

Jamie and the Irrepressibles are 1000% correct! They tell the truth as they preach about that “life and it’s waiting for you,” and “a time where you won’t feel shame.” Sadly, many don’t see the pain inflicted upon queer individuals. They are stuck in holier-than-thou, narrow-minded ways. But, this song is not about wallowing in pain or sorrow – it’s about living life proudly! Beyond its marvelous vocals and pitch-perfect songwriting, the musical arrangement is EPIC. There are layers of striking rhythmic strings and choral vocals that elevate the musicianship to a whole other level. When all the parts, including string and choral parts, are put together, “What I Am! Queer” is breathtaking. This is an awesome, uplifting song that everybody needs to hear!

Appears in:

The Irrepressibles, What I Am! Queer: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 66 (2025) Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 5 (2025) Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs (2025) 60 Best Songs of 2025

 

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Am: 5 Gems (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Ayham, Megan Moroney, Nice Life, Of Naked Design, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Enterprises; Canva AI; Gordon Johnson, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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