At just 11 years old, Melbourne artist Leyla Sabo is already turning heads and silencing doubters – and “Don’t Underestimate Me” is the thunderclap that announces her arrival. Soul-charged and defiant, this pop-rock anthem carries the weight and conviction of someone far beyond her years. But make no mistake: Sabo’s voice, and the power behind it, are entirely her own.
Released on June 16, her 12th birthday, “Don’t Underestimate Me” is more than a single. It’s a mission statement.
Built on a bedrock of soulful grit and rock edge, “Don’t Underestimate Me” channels the raw swagger of Amy Winehouse and the pulse of Bishop Briggs with a splash of fresh pop vitality. The instrumentation is bold but balanced – gritty guitar riffs, punchy drums, and vocal layering that lets Leyla’s voice soar without overpowering it.
There’s tension in the verses, a rising fire in the pre-chorus, and a full-throttle payoff in the hook – crafted with the same precision and attitude you’d expect from an artist triple her age.
The lyrics pull no punches. “Don’t Underestimate Me” is a voice for anyone who’s been told they’re too young, too small, or not ready. Leyla flips every doubt into fuel. With lines that hint at heartbreak and determination, the song becomes a battle cry for resilience – and for claiming space when others try to box you in. It’s emotionally intelligent, unapologetically bold, and loaded with just enough hurt to make it human.
Leyla’s vocals are the showstopper. At only 11, she’s delivering rasp, range, and phrasing reminiscent of veteran soul singers. Her tone shifts from silky and simmering to belted bravado – never forced, always intentional. There’s something magentic in the way she leans into the lyrics with both vulnerability and might, making every word land with conviction.
Leyla Sabo is not just a prodigy – she’s a full-force creative who knows what she wants to say. Her voice blends Winehouse’s grit with Adele’s soul and Teddy Swims’ finesse, but her message is uniquely hers: young doesn’t mean powerless. Already decorated with international awards and stadium performances, Sabo’s future is blindingly bright – and “Don’t Underestimate Me” is the warning flare.
Ideal for fans of Amy Winehouse, Bishop Briggs, Teddy Swims, or any listener who loves a good underdog anthem. “Don’t Underestimate Me” fits seamlessly into Grrrl Power, Fresh Finds, and Alt Pop playlists – and deserves to be cranked in cars, sung into hairbrushes, and added to any lineup celebrating strength and authenticity.
“Don’t Underestimate Me” is an anthem of intent from a rising powerhouse. Leyla Sabo doesn’t just sing about self-worth – she embodies it. With her raw talent, fearless lyrics, and explosive voice, this track is both a warning and a promise: she’s here, she’s ready, and she won’t be overlooked.

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