**From Homelessness to Number One: The Inspiring Journey of Alex Warren**

Alex Warren, once homeless, has risen to international fame with his heartfelt music, notably his recent number one single “Ordinary.” The California-born artist has transitioned from TikTok fame to a successful music career, using his past hardships as inspiration while maintaining authenticity in his songs.

Alex Warren is riding high on a wave of success after achieving number one status in six countries with his latest single "Ordinary," a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Kouvr. With two additional songs also sitting in the UK Top 40 and a rapidly growing fanbase, Warren's UK tour has expanded to accommodate larger 5,000-capacity venues, reflecting the overwhelming demand for his music.

Backstage at Hammersmith Apollo, the 24-year-old Californian reflects on his unexpected journey to stardom. “All of this is happening really quickly,” he admits. Having written "Ordinary" just three months ago, he remains pleasantly surprised by his quick ascent. However, Warren is far from an overnight success. He co-founded the Hype House, a collaborative TikTok collective in Los Angeles, which became a sanctuary for millions of teenagers during the pandemic. Yet he’s aware of criticisms that often accompany social media stars transitioning to music. He emphasizes that authenticity matters in his songwriting: “I wanted to write about real things. No one else can sing my songs.”

Warren's discography provides a window into his tumultuous past, layered with personal struggles that resonate deeply with his audience. Born into hardship, his father's death from kidney cancer at the age of nine led to a tumultuous childhood, marked by his mother's struggle with alcoholism. “It turned out to be alcohol,” he recalls of a shocking moment during his youth. After being kicked out at 18, he found himself homeless, relying on friends for shelter.

His relationship with Kouvr blossomed amidst these challenges, leading them to live together in a car after her flight from Hawaii to California. Their supportive and affectionate connection has played out in viral videos, building Warren's YouTube following into a significant platform. Despite the financial instability of his early years, he saw a silver lining when he first earned $2,000 for a month's work, which fueled the creation of the Hype House.

Although the collective thrived during the pandemic, it ultimately disbanded due to personal conflicts and changes in priorities. Warren poured his frustrations into his music, channeling experiences into emotionally charged songs like "Burning Down," which alludes to past conflicts within the Hype House. "It scars forever when someone you called your friend shows you the truth can be so cold," he sings, capturing the pain of betrayal.

Contrary to common narratives of social media figures quickly losing their support when shifting to music, Warren believes his authentic storytelling has created a strong connection with fans. "Usually, when someone goes from social media to music, they lose that fan base. But I think a lot of people watched my YouTube videos because they were having a rough life and needed an escape."

Warren had aspirations for a music career long before Hype House fame. He candidly recalls posting his early songs anonymously for fear of ridicule but quickly gained recognition after one video garnered 10 million views. His first official release, "One More I Love You," stemmed from processing grief over his father’s death, drawing raw emotions that resonate powerfully with listeners.

These deep connections continue with fans, as evidenced by an encounter where a woman requested his autograph on a T-shirt, later revealing the shirt was worn by her son just before he passed from cancer. “I think that’s the most powerful thing in the world,” he reflects, underscoring the impact of his music.

While Warren credits his tumultuous past with shaping his path in music, he views his success as part of a greater plan: “Without all the loss and trauma, I wouldn’t have these songs.” In a world full of choices, he opted for resilience and positivity, determined to use his platform to inspire and uplift. Warren's journey serves as a powerful reminder that, even amid adversity, perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements.