Michellar drops the hammer with a bold year-ending single, “CROSSED”
Michellar’s new single “CROSSED” doesn’t arrive politely. It kicks the door open, flicks the lights on, and dares you to either keep up or get out of the way. This is the sound of an artist turning chaos into public catharsis. Plenty of pop songs claim to emerge from personal turmoil, but fewer actually sound like transformation. Michellar has done it again on another huge collaboration that we’re loving!
Part of the thrill comes from knowing where it started. Michellar has said this track was born in a moment that could have easily produced a ballad but instead, that energy mutated. You can hear that decision baked into the production. The synths flare rather than drift, the percussion smacks like someone clearing obstacles out of their path. The song moves with that contagious confidence only found in artists who finally refuse to accommodate other people’s narratives.
It also helps that the collaboration radius is huge. “CROSSED” connected San Francisco with Ukraine and Romania, proving that studio walls are mostly a state of mind now. The track carries that cross-continental electricity. Digital culture isn’t the point here, but Michellar shows how to use technology without losing temperature. In fact, she’s released so many excellent songs that were collaborations this year alone, we knew we were going to love before we even clicked the play button.
Lillian’s feature locks perfectly into that vision. She doesn’t overwhelm the song in the slightest, rather she animates it with some seriously stunning vocals. “CROSSED” is shaped for dance floors, festivals, backseat sing-alongs, and anywhere else that rewards singing at the top of your lungs. The production swings from glossy pop brightness to punchy electronic texture, throwing off sparks at every turn.
There’s summertime feel in the rhythm, but it doesn’t evaporate when seasons change. The fact that she’s capable of tackling so many genres, from piano-led ballads to absolute bops like these proves a ton.
The best pop tracks make you feel like a better version of yourself for three and a half minutes and Michellar understood that assignment. As a final release of the year, “CROSSED” has floored with us the energy to get 2026 started on the right note.
There’s no doubt in our minds she’ll be hitting the new year hard, but a way to send it off. Click those links below to listen in, follow along, and of course to make sure you’re up to date with the latest.
Like what you read? Follow our social media and playlist for the latest in independent music:
