Hilary Duff has made her long-awaited return to the music scene, releasing her new single "Mature" on Thursday. This marks her first new music in over a decade, exciting fans who have followed her career since her early days as a Disney star.
Duff, 38, is best known for her role as Lizzie McGuire and for her subsequent acting career. Her last studio album, "Breathe In. Breathe Out.," was released in June 2015. Since then, she has focused on acting, starring in popular shows like "Younger" and "How I Met Your Father."
Key Takeaways
- Hilary Duff released her new single "Mature" on Thursday.
- This is her first new music in over 10 years, since her 2015 album.
- The single's release coincides with a rise in millennial nostalgia.
- Duff signed with Atlantic Records in September, signaling her return.
- A docuseries about her music comeback and personal life is currently in production.
A Decade-Long Hiatus Ends
The release of "Mature" signifies a major comeback for the actor-singer, who has been away from the recording studio for a significant period. Her decision to return to music comes amid a broader cultural trend of millennial nostalgia.
Many millennials grew up watching Duff in "Lizzie McGuire," a show that resonated with young audiences navigating the complexities of middle school. Her animated alter ego in the series provided a unique narrative style that captivated viewers.
Did You Know?
Millennials are typically defined as individuals born between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s. This demographic is currently experiencing a strong wave of nostalgia for pop culture from their youth.
Duff herself has become a mother of four during her musical break. This personal growth likely influenced her decision to re-engage with her music career on her own terms.
The Meaning Behind "Mature"
Following the debut of the "Mature" music video, Duff shared insights into the song's personal meaning. She explained on Instagram that the track represents a conversation between her present self and her younger self.
"[It] speaks to my mature self calling my not so mature self on the phone many years ago, and she’s letting her know we landed softly. This was a brief time with a lover that left me with so many questions… It felt like a good place to start.”
This reflective approach suggests a deeply personal and authentic return to her musical roots. Fans are connecting with the vulnerability in her new work.
Anticipation Builds for New Music
The anticipation for new music from Duff has been growing for months. She signed with Atlantic Records in September, a move that immediately sparked excitement among her fan base.
Last month, she spoke about her studio work with her husband, Matthew Koma, and other talented collaborators. She hinted that new music would arrive "in the blink of an eye."
Duff consistently expressed her intention to return to music, stating she "always knew" she would. She emphasized the importance of feeling secure and having the right support system in place before making her comeback.
Background
Duff's acting career has been prominent in the last decade. She starred as Kelsey Peters in the TV Land series "Younger" from 2015 to 2021. She also led the Hulu series "How I Met Your Father" for one season in 2022.
She also mentioned needing "10 years of life under [her] belt" and a lot to say. This suggests that her new album will be a reflection of her experiences over the past decade.
Fan and Family Reactions
The announcement of her return to music was made official on Instagram earlier this week. Duff posted, "So happy this is finally yours to hear. Been keeping this one quiet too long."
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support from fans. Many expressed their excitement and a sense of nostalgia for her music.
- One X user wrote, "Remember when Hilary Duff tried to save pop music in 2025 and y’all let it SUCCEED?"
- Another X user commented, "Hearing new Hilary Duff music in 2025 is so nostalgic it’s so so good."
Even her husband, Matthew Koma, joined in the celebration, humorously commenting on her Instagram post, "Oh so you ARE doing music again." This lighthearted interaction highlights the positive reception to her return.
Beyond the Single: A Docuseries in Progress
The new single is just the beginning of Duff's re-entry into the public eye. A docuseries focusing on her return to music and her personal life is also currently in production.
This series will offer fans a deeper look into the creative process behind her new music and the experiences that shaped her decision to return. It will provide a comprehensive narrative of her journey back to the stage and studio.
The combination of new music and a docuseries suggests a carefully planned and impactful comeback for Hilary Duff, solidifying her presence in both the music and entertainment industries once again.