Jesse McCartney's Radio Debut: 'Beautiful Soul' Moment After SAT Mishap (Exclusive)

Jesse McCartney, known for his success as a teen heartthrob, shared a relatable story about the first time he heard himself on the radio. He recalled feeling down after a disappointing performance on the math section of his SAT exam during his senior year of high school. McCartney, now 37, admitted that math and science were not his strong suits and worried about his parents' reaction to his test results. He shared this anecdote while promoting his new EP "All’s Well" earlier this month.

He shared that after releasing the song, he got into his Jeep and turned on the radio. To his surprise, 'Beautiful Soul' was playing on Z100, the radio station he grew up listening to. At that moment, he realized that his song was on the radio and felt a sense of accomplishment, overshadowing any concerns about his SAT exam.

The 2004 love song, 'Beautiful Soul', was the lead single from McCartney's debut album. It topped the charts in Australia and reached No. 16 in the United States.

"It feels like just yesterday when I recorded that song, but when I see some old photos, I realize how long it's been," McCartney shared about "Beautiful Soul" turning 20 this year. "Fans mention performances I don't even remember, showing their loyalty to me and my music. The song has truly stood the test of time, reaching a new generation of listeners. It's rare for a pop song to stay popular for so long, so I'm incredibly grateful for it."

Jesse McCartney Heard Beautiful Soul On the Radio for the 1st Time After Bombing the SATs

Jesse McCartney, known for his hit song "Beautiful Soul," rose to fame with the track. Surprisingly, his wife Katie Peterson was unaware of his celebrity status when they first met. The couple crossed paths in 2012 at a birthday party held by one of McCartney's friends, at a bar where Peterson, now 36, was employed. McCartney's tardiness, as he arrived late when the bar was closing, did not leave a positive initial impression on Peterson.

The guy whose birthday it was also had some authority at the bar and asked Katie to pour me a drink, even though she was already wrapping up. This made her a little annoyed that I was getting special treatment. However, she was playful and made a joke that I found funny. I thought she was adorable, so I apologized for the inconvenience and gave her my number, hoping to take her out and buy her a drink.

Afterwards, McCartney gave Peterson his phone number, but forgot to include his name.

"I didn't write my name on the napkin, even though it was a bit narcissistic. When she noticed and said, 'You didn't put your name down,' I found it charming. She had no idea who I was," McCartney shared. He added that his wife hadn't listened to any of his music before they met.

"My wife is a southern girl who adores country music, but now she's also a fan of 'Beautiful Soul'," he revealed.

Jesse McCartney Heard Beautiful Soul On the Radio for the 1st Time After Bombing the SATs

Jesse McCartney and Katie Peterson. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

The singer and Peterson got married in 2021 after dating for nine years. McCartney shared with Us that they are currently enjoying their newlywed life and taking things one step at a time. They are looking forward to expanding their family in the future, which they hope will be the next chapter.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi

Editor's P/S:

Jesse McCartney's journey from a teen heartthrob to a seasoned artist is a testament to the enduring power of music. His relatable story about the first time he heard "Beautiful Soul" on the radio captures the essence of an artist's dream coming true. The song, which became a global hit, transcends time