Who Is Madeline Edwards? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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Who is Madeline Edwards? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Madeline Edwards
Hometown – California
Current City – Nashville, TennesseeMusical Influences – Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Shania Twain, and Keith Urban
Label – Warner Music Nashville
Current Project- Crashlanded (*as of date of article: 11/28/22)

The Beginning:

We are excited to introduce you to a singer-songwriter that we are loving lately. Newly signed recording artist, Madeline Edwards might not be on your radar yet, but she should be. Learn more about her story and her new music below.

“I was born in California and I moved to Texas as I was entering high school, so that’s kind of how the west-coast jazz and the southern influences have been combined,” Edwards began. For the songstress, singing and writing was a lifelong dream. “I really wanted to be a singer and a songwriter since I was a kid” adding later, “The thing that I wanted to be when I was four years old is exactly what I ended up doing with my life.”

According to Edwards, she was writing for just as long as she was singing. “I wrote my first song when I was five or six, and then when I was ten, I wrote another song, that was actually a jazzy song called “All I Need,” and it was actually pretty decent for a ten-year-old.”

She credits her musical family and the breadth of music available to her for her wide variety of musical influences. Edwards enjoys artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Shania Twain, and Keith Urban to name a few. “I love people who are kind of on the fringe of what popular music is, but they found their way into the popular music scene.”

The Turning Point:

At just fourteen years old, Edwards began playing music for a living. “I started working in piano bars when I was fourteen because I was helping my parents with bills,” she shared. “It ended up being one of the best things I have ever, done because up until I moved to Nashville, I was singing four for five hours a night in bars, five or six nights a week.”

Later, Edwards also credits her mother for helping her see the perspective that she getting to practice, while also getting paid. “I put in well over 10-20,000 hours, just singing every song, and every genre; I would sing everything from Lady Gaga to Blake Shelton to Nat King Cole. […] I was just stretching my voice and it became better, and better, and better.”

With several years of experience under her belt, the singer-songwriter and her husband found themselves moving to Nashville. “Nashville ended up being where we decided to take the leap.” For Edwards, putting in the work prior to moving to Nashville allowed her to meet the right people, create, and had the confidence to do so while in the buzzing country music scene.

“If you don’t come ready to work and with the 10k hours already put in, it doesn’t really help you if you put yourself in front of the right people,” she explained. “My advice is to play as often as you, anywhere you can, and as much as you can.”

Although she has only been in Nashville for just under two years, Edwards was ready to take the country music world by storm. She landed her record deal shortly after moving, proving that persistence, hard work, and 10,000+ hours pays off.

Today:

Now, as a signed recording artist, Edwards recently got to put out her debut album, Crashlanded. “I always knew I wanted to combine those sounds [jazz and country], I just didn’t know how to do it. It’s kind of taken me almost a lifetime to come to the sound that I’ve accomplished with the music I’m writing today and with the record, ‘Crashlanded.’”

The twelve-song project is a cool, pop-jazz-country record, featuring songs for everyone. “It was quite a process picking the songs for a record and even picking the order for the record. […] I wanted it to sonically sound really good,” shared the singer.

Songs like the title track, “Crashlanded” will have you rooting for Edwards from the get-go! Other songs like, “Why I’m Calling” and “Too Much Of A Good Thing” give you a new perspective on the songstress and her undeniable talent. According to Edwards, the record is both personal and relatable.

“It’s just kind of this full life cycle on the record of this is my story. I wanted it to be really relatable to the listener too,” adding, “At the end of the day, it’s still my story and every song is very telling of what that story is.”

Edwards is primed for success. Fans can catch her on the festival circuit next year, and we are sure that there is much more to come!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Madeline Edwards releases.

To keep up with Madeline Edwards, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Madeline Edwards’ music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Jackson Dean Earns First Number One Single with “Don’t Come Lookin’”

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Jackson Dean earns his first number-one song at country radio this week with his debut single, “Don’t Come Lookin’.” Learn all the details here.

Jackson Dean and his fanbase are surely celebrating today! The rising artist just landed his first number one single at country radio with his debut song, “Don’t Come Lookin'”, the lead single off his major-label debut, Greenbroke.

A guitar-heavy track, Dean fully cements himself into his signature sound on this introduction tune. “Don’t Come Lookin'” has been a fan-favorite from the moment it was released. With his authentic voice and driving guitars, the track is a declaration of independence. It seems fans and country radio are in agreement.

“So long, four wheels turning // Got a tank full of gas, down the road, I’m burning // Can’t say I would and I can’t say I wouldn’t // If I don’t come back, don’t come lookin’ // Feels good, about time // Blue skies ahead and B-S behind // Got the wind in my hair // I got nowhere to go so I’m already there // And maybe Moab, maybe the Rockies”

This is only just the beginning for Dean and his blossoming talent. It will be exciting to see what will happen next for him. Congrats to Jackson and his team on this exciting accomplishment!

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Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Jackson Dean announcements and releases.

To keep up with Jackson Dean, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Don’t Come Lookin’” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

who-is-huntergirl

Who Is HunterGirl? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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Who is HunterGirl? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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HunterGirl // Photo Credit: Mike Rodway

Quick Facts:

Full Name – HunterGirl
Birthday – 05/24/1998
Hometown – Winchester, Tennessee
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Music Influences – Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Julia Michaels
Label – BBR Music Group
Current project- “Hometown Out Of Me” (*as of date of article: 11/21/22)

The Beginning:

Today’s spotlight is shining on a budding artist that you may already know and love: HunterGirl. She blew people away on American Idol, but the singer-songwriter has been cutting her teeth in the music industry since she was a little girl. Learn about how her story has unfolded in our conversation below.

Growing up in East Tennessee, HunterGirl always loved music. “I grew up 5 minutes from my grandparents growing up, so I would go to their house all the time. I would hear Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash. I grew up loving – I wanted to be exactly like Dolly growing up,” shared the songstress. She recalls singing at church, at county fairs, and at talent shows for as long as she could remember, drawing inspiration from some of her favorite artists.

“Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire were the two women in country music that I was like, “oh my gosh, I love their music and their songwriting, but I really just love who they are as people.” […] I wanted to be an artist like that,” shared HunterGirl, adding later, “I listened to everything growing up. My mom loved P!NK, so I loved the tough, gritty songs, and my dad listened to rock music, so I had a lot of influence growing up from all sorts of genres, and the first band I ever sang in was a blues band.”

When she was barely in high school, HunterGirl joined her first band. “Whenever I turned fourteen, I joined a band and started traveling around everywhere, my parents brought me everywhere.” Then, at eighteen, she immediately moved to Nashville.

The Turning Point:

While attending college, HunterGirl started making a name for herself in Nashville, playing shows on Broadway, seven days a week. “I would have 8AM classes, and I would play 6-2AM, and get ready for my morning classes. I would sleep for a few hours and write songs, and do anything I could to try to get better and make it in music one day,” shared the songstress.

While in Nashville, HunterGirl worked hard to hone her craft as both a singer and as a songwriter. “I always had that dream and my family was super supportive. They were like if you want to do this, you’re going to have to work really, really hard for it.” She added later, “I love the songwriting community here in Nashville […] A songwriter and artist that I really look up to is Julia Michaels. I also love Ashley McBryde [and] Brantley Gilbert.”

By happenstance, after auditioning in her youth, HunterGirl received an email to audition for American Idol. Despite that, it was not until being approached at one of her shows later in the week that she actually decided to take the plunge. “A girl came up to me at the end of the show and was like ‘hey I used to be a producer on Idol, and I really think you should audition this year.’ And I was like Oh my gosh, twice in two days. Okay, God I get your sign, I’m going to go for it and see what happens,” shared the singer.

Of course, American Idol ended up being a great experience for the singer-songwriter. She achieved the runner-up spot in her season.

Today:

Flash forward to today, now as a signed artist, HunterGirl is living her dream. She gets to create music that touches fans all over the world, something she has always desired. “Songwriting is the place where I get everything out of my head. It’s my therapy with a guitar, she began. “I want to write songs that help people and get them through those rough singles, like my first single, “Red Bird.” It was a heart song.”

Her most recent single, “Hometown Out Of Me” is also a heart song. “‘Hometown Out Of Me’ was a big thank you to my hometown.” HunterGirl added later, “I always wanted to write a song for my hometown […] My hometown supported me ever since I was a little girl playing in the town square […] And then would have watch parties every Sunday, whenever I was on the show, cheering me on.”

This is only just the beginning for the rising artist. She will continue to play shows and write new music as we head into the new year. “I wake up every day, and I”m like “oh my gosh is this real?!” Because I wanted to do this ever since I was a little girl.” It is not lost on HunterGirl how incredible her journey has been and will continue to be!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future HunterGirl releases.

To keep up with HunterGirl, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

HunterGirl’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Thomas Rhett & Riley Green’s “Half Of Me” Goes Number One

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Thomas Rhett and Riley Green score a joint number-one single at country radio with their song, “Half Of Me.” Learn more here.

There is nothing like a country music collaboration! Back in June, Thomas Rhett premiered his new song with duet partner and friend, Riley Green called “Half Of Me.” This week the song hit the number-one spot on the country radio charts.

While both Rhett and Green have many catchy songs in their individual catalogs, it is always fun when two artists team up on a track! “Half Of Me” fits the bill. Written by Rhett with Will Bundy, Josh Thompson, and Rhett Akins, while on tour, the song is all about wanting a drink more than anything else. Bringing Green as a collaborator on the song upped the ante of the already fun, and stage-ready track.

“Half of me wants a cold beer // Yeah, that’s the cold hard truth // And with a ‘frigerator stocked full of ’em // Tell me, what’s a boy to do? // I ain’t even tryna fight, it’s already been decided // The sky and the mountains are blue // Half of me wants a cold beer // And the other half does too”

“Half Of Me” marks the nineteenth number-one single for Rhett and the first for Green! Congrats to both superstars and their teams!

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Thomas Rhett and Riley Green announcements and releases.

To keep up with Thomas Rhett, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

To keep up with Riley Green follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Half Of Me” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

granger-smith-album

Here is Granger Smith’s New Album ‘Moonrise’

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Granger Smith’s new surprise album, Moonrise is out now, November 18th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the full album below.

In anticipation of his debut movie, ‘Moonrise,’ singer-songwriter, Granger Smith is surprising fans with brand new music. Today, the artist released a new album by the same, Moonrise.

“It’s about a country singer (imagine that) who’s really stubborn (sounds familiar), I have a lot to tell y’all about, including an entire album I wrote for the film that comes out…VERY soon,” shared the singer earlier this week across his social Media accounts.

Each of the twelve songs depict the story of the film, which is set to release on December 15th. However, it is also apparent that Smith deeply connects to each of these songs on his on a personal ladder, as soon like “Still Find You” and “In This House” read like a beautiful diary entry. While each of the twelve songs are prolific in their own right, the title track, “Moonrise” certainly takes the cake as one of the most impressive songs on the new album.

Listen to the brand new album below!

Granger Smith – Moonrise Track List:

  1. Never Been
  2. I Wanna
  3. Tailgate Church Pew
  4. Still Find You
  5. Damn Guitar
  6. In This House
  7. Broke In
  8. Something Is Changing
  9. Black Suit
  10. Something To Go On
  11. Forever Forward
  12. Moonrise
granger-smith-album

Granger Smith’s new album ‘Moonrise’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Granger Smith releases.

To keep up with Granger Smith follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Moonrise is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Ashley Cooke Releases Two New Songs “running back” & “dirt on ’em”

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Ashley Cooke’s new songs, “running back” and “dirt on ’em” are out now, November 18th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new songs below.

Ashley Cooke is here with not just one but two brand new songs for us. “running back” and “dirt on ‘em” are being added to the incredible catalog that we have heard from Cooke this year alone,  alongside songs like “back in the saddle”, “getting into”, and “Never Til Now”. 

“running back” was written by Cooke and Emily Weisband. It reveals unresolved feelings and ‘what if’s’ about her football-star high school sweetheart and confesses she would still go ‘running back’ to him if he asked. 

“I’ve had a few somebody news // Thought about forever too // But I run away when it gets close to that // ‘Cause no matter how far down the road // The crazy thing is I know // If you called and said you’re missin’ what we had // I’d come running back”

“dirt on ‘em” was written by Cooke, Jessi Alexander, and Alysa Vanderheim. Here Cooke admits she tends to like guys who are rough around the edges and knows enough to expect that that also means they might come with a messy reputation. 

“501s look better with some mud on ‘em // And those hands feel better with work on ‘em // And I ain’t afraid of a little whiskey stain // On your name going round this small town // I don’t mind a little static on the station // A little nitty gritty with a messy reputation // Drives in 35’s // Trouble in their eyes // something ’bout a guy // with some dirt on ‘em”

Both of these songs portray the lyrical and vocal talent that Cooke continues to bring to the country music scene. Coupled with her transparent persona and relatability, it is no wonder why she has experienced the success she has over the past couple of years. 

Cooke is one of the most exciting rising country artists to watch. From viral Tik-Tok fame as an independent artist during the pandemic, to signing with Big Loud earlier this year, this has been Cooke’s biggest year yet and there is still more to come. This past month alone she made her Grand Ole Opry debut and stepped on the Ryman stage for her sold-out two-night debut on Cole Swindell’s Down to The Bar Tour.

In July, she made her national TV debut on The Bachelorette with her re-imagined version of her hit song “Never Til Now” with Brett Young – which continues to climb the charts at country radio. As Cooke puts it herself, “this is only the beginning”, and we could not agree more. We can not wait to see “running back” and “dirt on ‘em” enter the world, and will be anxiously waiting for even more new music before the end of the year. 

Ashley-cooke-new-songs

Ashley Cooke drops two brand new songs, “running back” and “dirt on ’em,” out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Ashley Cooke releases.

To keep up with Ashley Cooke, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“running back” and “dirt on ’em” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

The Weekly Round-Up: All Things Country Music.

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Your go-to source for all things country music delivered straight to your inbox.

Our weekly e-newsletter hits 12k+ country music fans across the country each and every week
highlighting new music, exclusive interviews, upcoming events, giveaways, reviews, new merch & more!

Sign-Up Here:

 

who-is-noah-thompson

Who Is Noah Thompson? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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Who is Noah Thompson? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

who-is-noah-thompson

Photo by David McClister

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Noah Thompson
Birthdate – 04/18/2002
Hometown – Blaine, Kentucky
Current City – Louisa, Kentucky (*Nashville, Tennessee in January 2023)
Musical Influences – Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, Kameron Marlowe, Morgan Wallen
Current Single – “Make You Rich” (*as of date of article: 11/14/22)

The Beginning:

Today, we are shining our spotlight on an artist that is as humble as he is talented. Noah Thompson, Season 2020 American Idol’s winner chatted with us about his journey thus far, new music, and everything in between.

“I’m just a small-town kid that basically came from the middle of nowhere,” began Thompson. “I grew up with a dad that was constantly embedding music into my brain from the time I came out of the womb, there was a guitar in my face.” The singer recalls gravitating towards rock and southern rock music growing up. “I loved Neil Young growing up. […] I listened to a lot of older artists, I listened to a mix.”

Despite loving music, Thompson never imagined he would become a recording artist. “It was always a dream for me to do this.” Interestingly though, it was not until after high school that he started really loving country music. “I didn’t really start getting into country music until right around the time I started to work with the boys I worked with straight out of high school,” adding later, “[It was] Keith Whitley, Eric Church […], These are the guys that got me into country.”

One of his co-workers and friends, Arthur Johnson even signed him up for American Idol, the show he went on to win.

The Turning Point:

“[Arthur Johnson] signed me up for a show called American Idol and I just kind of went into it out of the blue just to see what would happen, not knowing that I would end up winning it. […] It completely changed my life forever,” shared Thompson. “In my mind, I just wasn’t good enough and I would tell myself that […] But then along came Arthur and we were just sitting at work and he was like I’m going to sign you up and literally tricked me to coming down to audition for the producers over a phone call.”

Singing Kameron Marlowe’s “Giving You Up” at his judge’s audition, Thompson absolutely blew the judges away. Johnson even got to be there to cheer his buddy on. The experience was surreal for the singer-songwriter. “I freaking got a golden ticket and it went from there. The whole show was really just such a big learning experience for me,” he shared.

Of course, American Idol opened up doors for Thompson that he could only dream about. “I think about it every day. […] I get to play music now, hopefully for the rest of my life, and take care of my family this way. It’s pretty neat if you ask me,” shared the singer, adding, “I didn’t quite know what a record deal was, but I knew I always wanted one […] That was a very cool moment for me.”

Today:

Now, as a signed recording artist, Thompson is putting his stamp on the Nashville country music scene. Most recently, the singer released a song called, “Make You Rich,” the perfect song to encompass his journey thus far, despite being an outside cut.

Thompson recalls being pitched tons of songs, while on American Idol. “I was listening to so many songs, and we came across that song, “Make You Rich.” […] I really listened to the meaning of the words because I wanted something real and something I related to.” He found himself stuck between this song and “One Day Tonight.” While he originally went with the latter, post-show, his team encouraged him to record “Make You Rich” too.

The songs perfectly personify appreciating the little things and choosing to be a better person, a sentiment that Thompson spoke even during the interview. “I want to appreciate every little thing. I don’t want to ever feel like I need to change when it comes to that either.”

This is only just the beginning for the rising artist. As he finishes up his tour with fellow American Idol contestant, HunterGirl, Thompson is looking forward to sharing more music and officially moving to Nashville in the new year.

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Noah Thompson releases.

To keep up with Noah Thompson, follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

Noah Thompson’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Tyler Hubbard Earns First Number as a Solo Artist with “5 Foot 9”

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Tyler Hubbard earns his first number one song at country radio with his debut single, “5 Foot 9.” Learn all the details here.

While Tyler Hubbard (Florida Georgia Line) is no country music newbie, the frontman took the plunge into becoming a solo artist earlier this year. Back in May, Hubbard emerged with his debut song, “5 Foot 9.” In just a few short months, the track became a hit on country radio. Today the song marks Hubbard’s first solo number-one single at country radio.

The debut single was the perfect re-introduction to the singer-songwriter and his incredible talent. “5 Foot 9” is a love song dedicated to Hubbard’s wife. Written by Hubbard with The Cadillac Three leader Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, “5 Foot 9” signifies the singer’s staying power in country music, no matter what the role.

“Dry wood makes good fires // Goodyears make good swings // All that’s all good but for me // God makes five foot nine, brown eyes, and a sundress // Loves Tim McGraw and a small town accent // Ain’t no way that me and this truck made her fall in love // Jack makes good whiskey but God makes the good stuff // Oh, God makes the good stuff”

It will be exciting to see how this new chapter in Hubbard’s life continues to evolve. Fans can expect his full-length solo album debut in January 2023. Congratulations to Tyler Hubbard and his team on their first number-one single with “5 Foot 9.”

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Tyler Hubbard’s debut single, “5 Foot 9” goes number one at country radio.

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Tyler Hubbard announcements and releases.

To keep up with Tyler Hubbard, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“5 Foot 9” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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ICYMI: Lainey Wilson Makes Her Acting Debut on Yellowstone

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Recent CMA winner, Lainey Wilson makes her acting debut on the season 5 premiere of hit show, Yellowstone. Get all the info here!

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On November 13th, the hit show, Yellowstone returned to the silver screen to share more about the lives of the Dutton Family and the drama surrounding their Montana Ranch. This season we will also be seeing country music’s very own Lainey Wilson in a recurring role on the show!

On premiere night, the songstress-turned-actress made her acting debut as Abby, an artist who performed at the celebration party for the newly-elected Governor of Montana, John Dutton (Kevin Costner). 

It was surely a bucket-list week for the “Things a Man Oughta Know” singer who just days before the Yellowstone excitement, took home New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2022 Country Music Awards. Tune in to Yellowstone weekly to catch Wilson on the show and learn more of the details and developments of her character, Abby. 

The season 5 two-hour premiere saw John Dutton sworn in as the new Governor of Montana. Reluctant and more or less forced into the position that even he confirms should have been his son Jamie’s, John is not thrilled about what the next four years will look like, to say the least. Unhappy with staff members that were chosen for him because he didn’t want to choose them himself, and unaware of policies that he has so-called ‘agreed with’, he is quick to make drastic changes in his early days as governor. As cut-throat as you could assume and in classic Dutton fashion, John quickly makes it clear – to the public who may assume, but quite literally to his own family – that he is going to do what is right for the Ranch, first and foremost.

As reluctant as he may be, there would be no getting around the party to celebrate the successful campaign. Even though John sees the night as work, lucky for the Ranch hands, the party is held right in their backyards. Here for the open bar but not the formal dining, the Yellowstone ranch hands sneak off with other ranch hands they ran into and had some fun of their own. In some friendly competition demonstrating their lasso skills, they manage to attract a crowd of on-lookers. 

This is where we first see Lainey Wilson as Abby. Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) decides to have a smoke as she watches the boys, and as she notices Abby enjoying what she’s seeing – she asks “is that one yours?” as she gestures to Ryan (Ian Bohen). Abby comes back saying none of them are hers, because she’s too smart to date a cowboy – but she still likes to look at ‘em. Her reasoning? They’ll always love the lifestyle, the job, the horse more, and she wants to be first. As we know Beth does not agree, she soon after walks away and says she’s going to go see her cowboy now.

When Beth walks away, Ryan takes his chance to walk over to Abby. Before he can even get a word in, she tells him “it ain’t gonna work”. He is quick to charm her and she ultimately agrees to ‘just one dance’, which by the looks of it, she didn’t hate. That’s all we see of Abby in the premiere after she and Ryan dance among the others as Shane Smith & the Saints play ‘Dance the Night Away’ on stage. Abby is set to perform later, and while we don’t get to see her performance in this first episode, we have a feeling we will have the opportunity to real soon. 

Lainey Wilson revealed that the shows creator, Taylor Sheridan, created the role ‘just for her’. Sheridan had included the music of both Wilson and Shane Smith & The Saints in the series, prior to each of their appearances on camera this season. Later, Sheridan invited Wilson out to Vegas to play a horse-riding competition and the two bonded over horses. Thanks to the unique design of Abby’s character, Wilson says she essentially gets to play herself on the show. While we have only had a taste of Wilson’s character, we can not wait to see what is in store for Abby in this season of Yellowstone, from her music to her romance with Ryan.  

As far as the rest of the Duttons, Beth and Rip are seeing less and less of each other with Beth having been on the campaign trail with John and now promoted against her will to his Chief of Staff. Rip is left to clean up yet another mess of the ranch hands when they seemingly followed his orders to rid the fields of wolves that were attacking their cattle, but instead they shot and killed wolves from the park, on the now governor’s land, mere days after he is sworn in. Knowing that the radio collars need to stay moving to avoid alerting park workers, Rip’s plan to send them down the river on tree branches in the hope that they eventually fall off on their own downstream, fails when one gets caught riverside not too far away. The episode ends with viewers seeing this, so we can expect that this problem is long from over. The same goes for the Dutton’s feuds with both the reservations’ Tribal Chairman Thomas Rainwater and Market Equities CEO Caroline Warner. 

Meanwhile, Kayce and wife, Monica attempt to cope with the loss of their child – who survived all but 10 minutes in the world, as a result of a head-on-head collision when the then-pregnant Monica was driving herself and their elder son Tate to the hospital as she was experiencing excruciating labor pains three weeks ahead of her due date. 

Be sure to catch the next episode this Sunday, and continue to follow along to see what Abby is up to each week.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more.