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2022 ACM Awards: The Complete Recap – Winners, Performances & More

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Check out the full recap of the 2022 ACM Awards, complete with all of the winners, performances, and more special moments from the show.

Dolly Parton and Kelsea Ballerini ACM Awards

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for ACM

The Academy of Country Music Awards had a fresh new look this year. The normally three-hour event that has exclusively aired on CBS for the past 23 years found a new home on Amazon Prime. The show was an hour shorter, had no commercials, and had a whole lot more entertainment. Country music icon, Dolly Parton hosted the event from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with the reigning New Male and Female Artists of the Year, Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett. Miranda Lambert was the big winner, taking home the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award. Keep reading below for more winners and special performances from the exciting night.

Allen and Barrett, who were both up for Male and Female Artist of the Year kicked off the show; Allen covered Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” and Barrett sang Faith Hill’s “Let’s Go to Vegas.” After Eric Church performed a medley of songs over his 16-year career, New Artist of the Year nominee, Walker Hayes sang his new single “AA” as well as his viral smash hit “Fancy Like” as he danced around the entire stadium high-fiving fans and other artists.

The first two awards of the night were presented to Brothers Osborne for Duo of the Year, and Old Dominion for Group of the Year. It was Brothers Osborne’s third and Old Dominion’s fifth straight win for the respective categories. Maren Morris followed this with a performance of her new song, “Circles Around This Town.”

Lainey Wilson came out on top in the stacked Song of the Year category with her number one hit “Things a Man Oughta Know.” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood won for Single of the Year for their chart-topper, “If I Didn’t Love You.” Viewers got to see both of these songs live later in the show. Wilson also won the New Female Artist of the Year as well. Next up, two Female Artist of the Year nominees, Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce took the stage for “Never Wanted Be That Girl”, a standout performance. This collaboration took home the award for Music Event of Year.

Two of the most memorable performances of the show included Thomas Rhett who performed his current single “Slow Down Summer” as fireworks shot off behind him during the final chorus, resembling a scene from Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Magic Kingdom. Right after, Kelsea Ballerini joined Dolly Parton on stage for a collaboration of Parton’s new song, “Big Dreams and Faded Dreams” from her new “Run, Rose, Run” album. 

One of the biggest surprise wins of the night was Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous winning the award for Album of the Year. Statistically, it makes a lot of sense, given it was the best-selling album across all genres in 2021 with 3.2 million units sold. Wallen humbly thanked his team, fans, and industry for showing him grace over the past year and dedicated the win to his son.

This was followed by 35-straight minutes of performances by artists such as Gabby Barrett, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan and Jordan Davis. Our favorite performances in this batch included Brother Osborne who gave an exciting performance of their song “Skeletons,” where their glasses, hats, guitars, and matching black and white jumpsuits lit the room neon as the lights went down. Breland had Thomas Rhett and a Baptist choir join him on stage for his fun, new song “Praise the Lord.”

After Lady A performed “What a Song Can Do,” the Male and Female Artist of the Year were awarded to Chris Stapleton and Carly Pearce. Pearce and Stapleton also won this award at last year’s CMAs as well. Top-nominated artist, Chris Young performed two songs after these awards, “Raised On Country” and his collaboration with Mitchell Tenpenny, “At The End of A Bar.”

The show concluded with the announcement of the most prestigious owner of the night, Entertainer of the Year. Miranda Lambert took home the award and although she leads the pack with 29 total ACM awards throughout her career, she has never won the Entertainer of the Year. She is currently in London on tour, but she graciously accepted her award remotely.

Other awards not aired included New Male Artist of the Year to Parker McCollum, Video of the Year to Lambert and Elle King for “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” and Songwriter of the Year to Michael Hardy. Other performers include Chris Stapleton, Jimmie Allen, Parmalee with Blanco Brown and Brooke Eden, Brittney Spencer, and Kelly Clarkson. The pre-show included performances by Tenille Townes and Kat & Alex.

Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.

To keep up with the Academy of Country Music follow along here on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Jimmie Allen & Gabby Barrett Join Dolly Parton as Co-Hosts of 2022 ACM Awards

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Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett join Dolly Parton as co-hosts for the 2022 57th Annual ACM Awards, scheduled for March 7th in Las Vegas.

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To kick off the 2022 ACM Awards, reigning New Artists of the Year, Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett will join previously announced icon, Dolly Parton as co-hosts of the annual event. Pairing two of the most exciting new artists in the genre with a living legend is as exhilarating as it sounds!

This year, the show returns back to Las Vegas at a new venue, the new Allegiant Stadium. The show will broadcast commercial-free at 8 p.m. ET on Amazon’s streaming Prime Video, which is another departure from its norm. This marks the first exclusively livestream award show.

Allen and Barrett will also help unveil this year’s nominees, co-hosting a video reveal of select categories on the @ACMawards Twitter account this Thursday (February 10) at 10:30 a.m. ET/9:30 a.m. CT/7:30 a.m. PT.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.

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CRS New Faces of Country Music Class of 2022 Announced

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Last week, Country Radio Seminar (CRS) officially announced the CRS New Faces of Country Music Class of 2022. Check out the class here.

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The CRS New Faces of Country Music is one of the most coveted showcases during the Country Radio Seminar that spotlights five emerging artists that have achieved significant success in the country genre. This year, Gabby Barrett, Walker Hayes, Parker McCollum, Jason Rodgers, and Lainey Wilson were honored with the title.

Over the past year, all five artists have had significant success. Barrett earned her second number one single, while Hayes’ “Fancy Like” catapulted him back into stardom. Both McCollum and Rodgers continue to make waves on the country charts, each earning top singles at country radio. Additionally, newcomer, Wilson, received notoriety and praise for her hit single “Things a Man Oughta Know.”

The New Faces of Country Music is a long-standing tradition in the country music genre. Prominent artists like Reba, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Eric Church, and more are just some of the few who have been honored with the title and praise early on in their respective careers.

It is clear that this year’s class have all proven their talent and their tenacity over the course of their careers, but especially this year. It will be exciting to see them perform at the coveted showcase next year! The upcoming Country Radio Seminar will be held February 23rd to February 25th, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news

Gabby Barrett and Morgan Wallen Win Big at Billboard Music Awards

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The 2021 Billboard Music Awards took place last night, Sunday, May 23rd, in Los Angeles, and artists of all genres performed and were recognized for their charting success this past year.

Several country artists shined, including Gabby Barrett and Morgan Wallen who walked away with three awards each. Barrett was not only the most nominated country artist, but she led all female nominees with nine total, including one for Top New Artist, which she lost to the late, Pop Smoke. Wallen racked up six nominations in five different categories.

The Billboard Music Awards finalists are based on album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring, and social engagement from March 31, 2020, to April 3, 2021. These measurements are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including MRC Data and Next Big Sound. Nick Jonas hosted the three-hour event which featured performances with live audiences.

Only a handful of Nashville artists appeared on stage last night, and only one country award was announced during the show; Gabby Barrett was awarded Top Country Female Artist over Maren Morris and Carrie Underwood. In addition, Barrett’s smash-hit “I Hope” was awarded Top Country Song and Top Collaboration (the pop-remix with Charlie Puth), which beat out the seven-week, number-one hit “Rockstar” by DaBaby and Roddy Ricch.

Despite not being allowed at the show due to the racial slur controversy, Morgan Wallen was awarded Top Country Male Artist, Top Country Artist, and Top Country Album for Dangerous: The Double Album. Wallen also had two songs nominated for Top Country Song (“Chasin’ You” and “More Than My Hometown”) and was nominated for Top Song Sales Artist, but lost to the k-pop group, BTS.

The only other winners to come out of Nashville last night included Florida Georgia Line, who took home Top Country Duo/Group, and Carrie Underwood, whose album My Gift was awarded Top Christian Album. Kelsea Ballerini was in attendance as well — she introduced her 2021 tour mates, The Jonas Brothers before they performed a mash-up of several hits, including their new collaboration with Marshmello “Leave Me Before You Love Me.”

Although, unfortunately, there were no country performances within the broadcast, the live audience at the show gave us some feeling of normalcy. Something to look forward to as we gear up for a summer full of live country concerts!

Below are the country award categories, nominees, and winners:

Top Country Artist
Gabby Barrett
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen — WINNER

Top Country Male Artist
Luke Combs
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen — WINNER

Top Country Female Artist
Gabby Barrett — WINNER
Maren Morris
Carrie Underwood

Top Country Duo/Group
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line — WINNER
Maddie & Tae

Top Country Album
Gabby Barrett, Goldmine
Sam Hunt, Southside
Chris Stapleton, Starting Over
Carrie Underwood, My Gift
Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album – WINNER

Top Country Song
Jason Aldean, “Got What I Got”
Gabby Barrett, “I Hope” — WINNER
Lee Brice, “One of Them Girls”
Morgan Wallen, “Chasin’ You”
Morgan Wallen, “More Than My Hometown”

Top Song Sales Artist
Justin Bieber
BTS — WINNER
Megan Thee Stallion
Morgan Wallen
The Weeknd

Top New Artist
Gabby Barrett
Doja Cat
Jack Harlow
Pop Smoke — WINNER
Rod Wave

Top Duo/Group
AC/DC
AJR
BTS — WINNER
Dan + Shay
Maroon 5

Top Christian Artist
Casting Crowns
Elevation Worship — WINNER
for KING & COUNTRY
Carrie Underwood
Zach Williams

Top Christian Album
Bethel Music, Peace
Elevation Worship, Grave Into Gardens
Carrie Underwood, My Gift — WINNER
We The Kingdom, Holy Water
Zach Williams, Rescue Story

Top Hot 100 Song Presented by Rockstar
24kGoldn ft. iann dior, “Mood”
Gabby Barrett ft. Charlie Puth, “I Hope”
Chris Brown & Young Thug, “Go Crazy”
DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch, “ROCKSTAR”
The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights” – WINNER

Top Selling Song
Gabby Barrett ft. Charlie Puth, “I Hope”
BTS, “Dynamite” — WINNER
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”
Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé, “Savage”
The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”

Top Radio Song
Gabby Barrett ft. Charlie Puth, “I Hope”
Chris Brown & Young Thug, “Go Crazy”
Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now”
Harry Styles, “Adore You”
The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights” — WINNER

Top Collaboration (Fan-Voted)
24kGoldn ft. iann dior, “Mood”
Gabby Barrett ft. Charlie Puth, “I Hope” — WINNER
Chris Brown & Young Thug, “Go Crazy”
DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch, “ROCKSTAR”
Jack Harlow ft. DaBaby, Tory Lanez, & Lil Wayne, “WHATS POPPIN”

 

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest news in country music.

To see pictures, videos, and highlights from the show, follow the Billboard Music Awards on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Gabby Barrett Lands Second Consecutive #1 Single with “The Good Ones”

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Gabby Barret lands her second consecutive number one song at country radio this week with “The Good Ones”, following her massive debut single, “I Hope”.

Gabby Barrett has had much success in her blossoming career in the industry. Her sassy debut single “I Hope” soared to the top of the charts and subsequently went 5x double platinum. Now, her follow-up single, “The Good Ones” is following suit,” rising to the number one spot on the country charts this week.

Her first single may have been a sassy one, but “The Good Ones” is a straight-up love song that we all swoon listening to. The lyrics highlight what it feels like to be in a relationship that is full of mutual love and respect. Barrett shares all the things she loves about her man.

“A love me like he should one // Like he wrote the book one // The kind you find when you don’t even look one // Anybody can be good one // But he’s good all the time // He’s one of the good ones // And he’s all mine // He’s one of the good ones”

Although the representation of female singer-songwriters on the radio is still not enough, it is exciting to see Barrett break down molds. Like fellow female artists, Maren Morris and Kelsea Ballerini, Barrett is proving to have radio success with her singles, as women continue to break glass ceilings in and beyond the music industry.

Congrats to Barrett and her team!

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Gabby Barrett releases.

To keep up with Gabby Barrett follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“The Good Ones” is 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.

Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett Take Home Early ACM Awards

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Ahead of the 56th Annual ACM Awards, New Male and New Female Artists of the Year were revealed.

NYCountry Swag 2018 Artist to Watch and Swag Sessions Alumn, Jimmie Allen takes it home for the ACM Awards New Male Artist of the Year. Repping for the females, NYCountry Swag 2020 Artist to Watch, Gabby Barrett takes home the ACM Awards New Female Artist of the Year. Each artist was surprised with the news by this year’s co-host Keith Urban. Check out the sweet videos above for Allen’s reaction and the video below for Barrett’s reaction.

The ACM Awards will take place live from Nashville on Sunday, April 18th at 8PM ET on CBS. For the full list of nominations, click here and for the full list of performers, click here.

Visit us on Instagram and let us know your vote for this year’s Entertainer of the Year.

Tune in to the show to see who will take home the awards on April 18th on CBS.
+ Follow us on Twitter while we live-tweet the show, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.

Gabby Barrett Celebrates Debut Album With ‘Live From The Goldmine’ EP

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Gabby Barrett celebrates her debut album with a live version of seven tracks from the original record in a project called Live from the Goldmine EP, officially available today, March 16th on all streaming platforms.

In the wake of all country music fans and entertainers desperately missing live music, rising singer-songwriter Gabby Barrett delivers! After much success with her debut record Goldmine, including a number one hit single with “I Hope” and a top ten and rising song with “The Good Ones,” the country music songstress decided to give us the second best thing to a live show, a live version of some fan-favorites off her original project in a new EP entitled Live from the Goldmine.

Barrett’s project begins with live renditions of her songs “Footprints On The Moon” and “Rose Needs A Jack.” The former personifies her journey as a country artist, sharing her grit and charm as an artist in the celebratory tune. On the other hand, “Rose Needs A Jack,” an obvious play on Titanic is a fun-loving song with stellar lyrics. On both tracks, Barrett’s incredible songwriting is on full display.

The new Mom also includes “Jesus & My Mama” and one of our favorites, “Thank God.” The song shares the venerable journey of trials and tribulations both in Nashville as an artist and in a relationship. Ultimately, she thanks God for leading her to a life that she can truly say she has fallen in love with.

“Thank God for the hangups and the breakups // And the wake-up, make-up tears on my pillowcase // The all wrongs and the almosts // And the all-time lows all took me to the way”

Of course, no project would be quite complete without Barrett’s current single, “The Good Ones” and her record-breaking hit, “I Hope.” Both songs showcase different sides of the singer’s multi-dimensional personality. “The Good Ones” is a victory song for love and good men, while “I Hope” is the exact opposite. It is a sassy, no-bull, powerhouse tune, proving that no one should mess with the strong and incredible Barrett.

The record culminates with the live recording of “Goldmine,” a song that truly wraps up the project in such a way that makes it feel finished. “Goldmine,” the title track of her debut album and the only song that Barrett did not have a hand in writing is one of those tracks that feels reminiscent of 90s country and early Carrie Underwood at the same time. The song fits Barrett’s range perfectly.

Prior to the release of Goldmine, NYCountry Swag caught up with Barrett for a virtual interview to chat about the record, her songwriting, and her incredible career so far. Check it out in the video below.

If this record does not convince you to see Barrett live the second you can, then we do not know what will. She continues to prove her staying power again and again, and it is only a matter of time until “The Good Ones” lands the top spot on the country charts!

Gabby Barrett's 'Live From The Goldmine' is available now, March 16th

Gabby Barrett’s ‘Live From The Goldmine’ is available now, March 16th

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

To keep up with Gabby Barrett, you can find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Live From The Goldmine EP 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.

NYCS First Impression: Gabby Barrett ‘Goldmine’

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Gabby Barrett Goldmine

Gabby Barrett’s biggest strength, besides her powerhouse voice and killer songwriter’s instinct, is her ability to not take no for an answer. For any female artist, unfortunately, it is a feat to get played on country radio. The NYCountry Swag 2020 Artist to Watch never let that stop her: “I Hope”, her debut single, went #1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, Billboard’s Country Streaming Songs chart, and Country Digital Sales Chart. Her follow up single, “The Good Ones” has surpassed 10 million streams and it was just sent to country radio. Her debut album, Goldmine is out today, June 19th, and is as much of a firecracker as Barrett is.

Prior to the release, NYCountry Swag caught up with Barrett for a virtual interview to chat about the record, her songwriting, and her incredible career so far. Check it out in the video below.

“Thank God”, is the album’s second track following bonafide hit “I Hope”, and was co-written by Barrett, Nicolle Galyon, Jon Nite and, Jimmy Robbins. The lyrics explore Barrett’s don’t-take-no-for-an-answer attitude, and on the first verse, she sings, “Not having that much money/Led to dreaming that much more/And that got me to Nashville, trying to knock down slamming doors”. It’s an upbeat anthem all about being thankful for all the hardships in her life because they led her to where she is now, and she is a better person because of it.

Barrett co-wrote all but one song on the album, with the title track, “Goldmine” being the exception. The production on this song is reminiscent of an old Carrie Underwood record, and it suits her style perfectly. Caitlyn Smith is one of the writers, and although it sounds very Gabby Barrett, there’s something about the chorus and the way the lyrics are woven into the melody that also screams Smith. “Goldmine” showcases Barrett’s unbelievable range sonically and vocally. “If your kisses are your riches/then you’ve hit the jackpot”, she sings on the chorus. The track has self-confidence mixed with gratitude for her partner.

Every song on her record sounds like a hit. It’s not that there are no evocative moments on the record; “The Good Ones”, “Strong”, and “Got Me”, the latter featuring Christian duo Shane&Shane are songs where it’s clear that they’re coming straight from Barrett’s heart. Barrett’s love for her husband, family, and her faith are all strong themes throughout the record. Yet, even in the deepest of her songs, the ear-candy hooks and production buildups allow each and every song to be radio-ready while still remaining personal.

“I am so excited that my first album is finally complete,” Barrett shared in a press release. “I’ve been writing for this project for almost two years, pulling together who I am as an artist and working hard with my team to make this album an expression of that. To see it come together like this feels amazing and is such a huge blessing.”

A moment where Barrett absolutely shines is on “Hall of Fame”. There’s something very youthful and summer-esque about it, and it’s addictively catchy. The song opens with an acoustic guitar lick that’s unlike anything else on country radio. Lyrically, it’s very universal, but there are little phrases that she and the songwriters were able to flip on their heads. “Living to the rhythm of your heartbeat/Beats everything I’ve ever felt,” she sings on the first verse. The chorus is describing her relationship with husband Cade Foehner, and why she feels like it belongs in the “hall of fame”. “For the way you look at me/It should all go down in history/They’d hang your picture on the wall and write your name/If love had a hall of fame.”

There’s a willingly naive part of Gabby Barrett and an older-than-she is maturity that spreads throughout the whole album. That in part has to do with her being only 20, yet taking on the responsibility of being a wife and having a rising career. This reflects in her choice of co-writers, who are a mix of seasoned veteran writers, like Liz Rose and Josh Kear, current hit-makers, like Nicolle Galyon and Ross Copperman and newer, emerging writers, like Trannie Anderson and Emily Landis.

If this debut album is any indication, music fans will be hearing Gabby Barrett’s name for a long time. She is full of fire and has grit, while also displaying grace and class. In the words of Barrett herself, she seems to have hit the jackpot.

To keep up with Gabby Barrett, you can find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Goldmine 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.

Goldmine Track List & Songwriters
1. “I Hope” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)
2. “Thank God” (Gabby Barrett, Nicolle Galyon, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
3. “Write It on My Heart” (Gabby Barrett, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne)
4. “Footprints on the Moon” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)
5. “You’re the Only Reason” (Gabby Barrett, Ross Copperman, Josh Kear)
6. “Goldmine” (Nicolle Galyon, Caitlyn Smith, Liz Rose)
7. “The Good Ones” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick)
8. “Jesus & My Mama” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Cliff Downs, Marti Dodson)
9. “Hall of Fame” (Gabby Barrett, Adam Doleac, Trannie Anderson, Zach Kale)
10. “Got Me” feat. Shane & Shane (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Shane Barnard, Cade Foehner, Bryan Fowler)
11. “Rose Needs a Jack” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Joe Clemmons)
12. “Strong” (Gabby Barrett, Emily Weisband, Ross Copperman)
13. “I Hope” feat. Charlie Puth (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite, Charlie Puth)

NYCS Staff Picks:

Hall of Fame
Strong
I Hope
Thank God

 

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Up Close & Virtual With Gabby Barrett

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Gabby Barrett Interview

In anticipation of her debut album being released, we hopped on a virtual interview with singer-songwriter Gabby Barrett to chat about the album and all of the incredible milestones she has hit so far in her career. During our chat, Barrett tells us the great story of writing her debut single and number one hit, “I Hope” as well as the importance of being such a big part of writing 12 of the 13 songs on Goldmine.

The Pennslyvania native and NYCountry Swag 2020 Artist to Watch was the first-ever female country artist to hit 10 million streams in one week, an incredible feat that she celebrated back in May. Watch the full interview below and be sure to check out our full First Impression Review of Goldmine, which is available everywhere you buy and stream music now. 

 

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Charlie Puth Joins Gabby Barrett for New Version of “I Hope”

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I Hope Charlie Puth

The unstoppable Gabby Barrett is about to make history. She is on the brink of scoring her first #1 on country radio: her debut single, “I Hope” has been climbing the chart for the past year and her hard work is paying off. To celebrate the success of “I Hope”, Barrett surprised fans by releasing a remix of the jam featuring pop singer-songwriter Charlie Puth. Together, the two fuse Barrett’s medium of country and r&b with Puth’s signature pop and hip-hop sound to create a new take on the ground-breaking song.

Barrett takes the first verse and chorus, her voice sailing on the electric guitar hook. Puth takes the second verse and chorus, and he is able to make it feel completely different. His voice is crisp, and he changes the lyrics and narrative to fit a guy’s perspective. “Yeah, babe, I hope he shows up in a 2 am pic with your friends / Hanging onto a girl to just rub it in / I hope you stay up all night all alone waiting by the phone / And then he calls,” he sings moodily. When he sings on the chorus, he is able to show off his incredible range, belting and pouring every emotion into the performance.

“I Hope” is all dressed up this time around, with a dance track and snap beat guiding the song along. Barrett has the pipes of a pop star, so the collaboration feels perfectly natural and is perfect for pop radio. Puth is known for his songs on heartbreak and what it feels like to be done wrong, and the two not only blend well together sonically but are able to portray that feeling of bitterness, true sadness, and animosity. This remix without a doubt will be a crossover smash.

Barrett will be the first female artist since Carly Pearce (2017) to have her debut single go #1; she is topping the Billboard Country Streaming Songs chart, making her the first female country artist to do so since Miranda Lambert (2015); and her single has surpassed over 60 million streams on Spotify. For any artist’s first single, these accomplishments are other-worldly. But it’s even more meaningful that it’s happening to a deserving woman like Barrett.

Right now the world is at a standstill, but at the same time, much-needed change is happening. Ingrid Andress, another new female artist, is about to have a #1 song with her poignant “More Hearts Than Mine”. Andress and Barrett are about to change the game for so many other talented and driven artists — in fact, they already have. They’re bringing something else to the table right now as well, and that’s hope. A year ago, having two debut singles by women reach the top 5 was unheard of. Barrett is proof that things do change; will change, and it’s nice to have some good news these days.

To keep up with Gabby Barrett, you can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“I Hope” 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook