Miles Caton has taken the entertainment world by storm, transitioning seamlessly from acting to music. From viral childhood performances to a breakout role in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, his journey blends gospel roots, blues mastery, and cinematic acclaim. While the world applauded his Oscar stage moment, a bigger musical reveal is on the horizon.

Fresh off his critically acclaimed role as Sammie 'Preacherboy' Moore in Sinners, Miles Caton has returned to his first love: music. On March 20, 2026, he released his new single, 'Don't Hate Me,' under Sony Music, while preparing a full EP set for mid-summer 2026. Long before he was Preacherboy, he was a gospel prodigy in Brooklyn, raised in a family that he describes as extremely musical.

His mother, Timiney Figueroa, and aunt, Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper, are powerhouse gospel vocalists, and Caton spent his childhood blessing pulpits at the church where his grandfather, Eric R. Figueroa Sr., serves as an archbishop. This foundation shaped both his soulful sound and stage presence, making his shift from award-winning actor back to recording artist a natural continuation of his lifelong musical journey.

Caton’s performance in Sinners earned him major recognition, including the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Young Performer and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance. The film itself made history with 16 Academy Award nominations, while Caton’s live Oscars performance of 'I Lied to You' with Raphael Saadiq solidified his status as both a formidable actor and a musical talent.

While accolades celebrate his cinematic triumphs, his music career is set to bloom, bridging the same emotional depth into a new single.

Miles Caton’s childhood spotlight paved the way to Sinners

Beyond Sinners, Miles Caton’s journey has been marked by viral moments and mentorships. At age 12, his rendition of Nina Simone’s 'Feeling Good' captured global attention, leading to appearances on Little Big Shots and tours with H.E.R. This early spotlight gave him industry connections, and under this guidance, he sent a now-famous audition tape to Ryan Coogler that launched his acting breakthrough.

In addition to acting, Caton mastered the resonator guitar in just two months for Sinners, refusing hand-doubles and co-writing tracks with Ludwig Göransson. His summer 2026 EP is highly anticipated to showcase gospel, Mississippi blues, and soulful R&B, reflecting his versatility. From church performances to viral fame and cinematic acclaim, Caton’s transition back to music promises a career-defining chapter.

What are your thoughts on Miles Caton’s return to music and his upcoming EP? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Shraddha Priyadarshi

Edited by

Itti Mahajan