Hilary Duff has come a long way since her days as a child star. Today, at 38, she finds joy in simple things—caring for her four kids, baking sourdough bread, and even tending to backyard chickens. “It might seem like I have it all figured out,” she says during a Zoom call, but there have been many challenges along the way.
Her new album, Luck … or Something, drops on February 20. The title comes from a song called “Adult Size Medium,” where she questions if her success is due to luck or something deeper. “I’m happy with who I am, but that ‘or something’ is the real story,” she explains.
The last time Duff released music was back in 2015. A lot has changed since then—Barack Obama was president, and she’d just met her now-husband, Matthew Koma. Their connection blossomed over music, leading to their marriage in 2019. Koma, who has worked with artists like Britney Spears and Zedd, supports Duff’s return to music. After having their youngest daughter, Townes, Duff finally felt ready to dive back in. However, the shift in online culture made her nervous. “Everyone has an opinion now, and that scared me,” she admits.
The buzz around Duff’s return intensified last year. Many fans excitedly proclaimed she was “here to save pop music,” which surprised her. “I was like, ‘What’s happening? Is this real?’” she recalls. With encouragement from Koma, she focused on creating music she loved without the pressure of external expectations.
Her album reflects a decade of life experiences, touching on themes of motherhood, marriage, and aging—all with a relatable honesty. Duff has a knack for capturing life’s messy moments. In one track, she sings about adult anxieties, revealing both vulnerability and humor.
The rise of 2000s nostalgia has brought a new generation of fans. Many weren’t even around when Duff first gained fame through Lizzie McGuire and her early albums. In September 2025, as she teased her return, social media exploded with excitement. Fans rallied to support her, showing just how cherished she is.
A recent study revealed that nostalgia marketing can boost engagement by over 60%, highlighting the power of revisiting beloved icons from the past. Duff’s ability to connect with multiple age groups could be a winning strategy in today’s music landscape.
In her new songs, Duff speaks candidly about everyday struggles and emotions. One track titled “The Optimist” addresses feelings about her father, blending cheerful melodies with poignant lyrics. She also explores family tensions in another song, “We Don’t Talk,” hinting at complex histories that fans speculate about.
Despite the complexities of her past, Duff embraces her journey. She acknowledges that showing her true self through music can be daunting, but it’s also freeing. “I want listeners to feel connected, like they are not alone in their struggles,” she shares.
As she takes her new music on tour, Duff envisions an intimate experience. “My past is part of me, and I’m excited to share that with fans again,” she says. While preparing for performances, her family remains her top priority. Koma even built a small rehearsal space next to his studio to keep them together.
Duff might not think she can “save pop music,” but her return is certainly sparking conversations and bringing joy. As she continues to blend her past with her present, there’s no doubt that her story resonates with many.
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Hilary Duff,Matthew Koma
