An “American Idol” contestant from the show’s 22nd season went to Bath for an electric performance during her latest album tour set to release over the summer.

Julia Gagnon was one of the top seven finalists for the TV show’s 22nd season and sang her soul out on the main stage of the Chocolate Church Arts Center for the first time in the city of shipbuilders. Gagnon performed some of her original songs from her upcoming album in between a few covers, two of which were “The Bear” and the title song, “Wildflowers.”

“I wrote (‘The Bear’) in a time when there was a trend going around where women were essentially confirming that they would pick a bear over a man,” Gagnon said while performing on stage.

Gagnon’s “Wildflowers” album will drop on July 4. It features all original songs Gagnon wrote and performed with her band. Gagnon’s fiancé, Nate Haven, plays guitar and helps write some songs, and Marc Kaplan backed up Gagnon on percussion during the concert.

“It’s like a sneak peek into what is to come,” Gagnon said before her performance.

Gagnon said that since “American Idol,” she has evolved her voice from soul with a side of country. However, her newest album is pure pop, and she is excited to see how her fans react. Since her time on “American Idol” ended, Gagnon said she has become more herself, exploring her original sound and becoming more controlled as part of her voice’s evolution.

Gagnon grew up in Cumberland and entered the “Central Maine Idol” talent show in 2023. She won the show, which ignited her love of performing to a live audience.

One challenge Gagnon faces is to keep trying to cater to her fanbase from “American Idol” while also expanding and finding new fans outside the show on her journey after the TV show. Gagnon said it wouldn’t be work without finding solutions, and it is a welcome challenge to discover who she is as a singer and songwriter.

Gagnon did a tour last year called “Here in Maine” to give back to her fans who got her so far on “American Idol.” Gagnon describes her time on the show as an unexpected experience for everyone.

“We went everywhere from Kennebunkport to Calais to Houlton to Gardiner, we were everywhere,” Gagnon said.

The “Wildflowers” tour began in May and will last until September 2025. Gagnon and her band will visit Maine and some out-of-state venues, such as Boston, Massachusetts. Gagnon and her band members thought Bath was a charming place to play their music and meet some of their fans.