I'm Still Here (2022)

Debbie Wileman’s debut album, "I'm Still Here", offered a mesmerizing reimagining of how Judy Garland might have interpreted today’s most iconic songs had she lived to see this century unfold. With uncanny precision, Debbie captured Garland’s signature timbre and phrasing, yet never veered into mere impersonation. Instead, she infused each performance with her own vocal elegance and emotional intelligence, crafting a sound that felt both timeless and freshly personal.

What makes the album so compelling is Debbie’s ability to inhabit Garland’s stylistic universe without losing sight of her own artistic identity. Whether softly crooning a ballad or unleashing a powerhouse belt, she channels Judy’s spirit while remaining unmistakably herself. This delicate balance between homage and originality is what elevates "I'm Still Here" beyond tribute into something far more enduring.

Released in celebration of Judy Garland’s 100th birthday, the album was not only a heartfelt gesture of reverence but also a landmark moment for Debbie Wileman as a recording artist. Orchestrated and produced by Steve Orich, whose Grammy-winning work on Jersey Boys set a high bar, the album featured lush arrangements that allowed Debbie’s voice to soar across eras, from classic standards to modern hits by Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, and Adele.

When the album came out two years ago, I was genuinely moved. For years, I had longed for a new Garland album; something that could bridge the past and present with grace. Debbie fulfilled that wish in ways I hadn’t imagined, and her voice continues to astonish with its warmth, clarity, and emotional depth. I eagerly await her next release, confident that whatever she offers will be steeped in the same reverence, artistry, and magic that made "I'm Still Here" such a triumph.