Gabby Barrett stunned the judges on American Idol season 16 and we have all of the details on how the country singer has continued to impress the world in 2021. From unprecedented success outside of the reality competition to becoming a mother, Gabby has thrived since her journey on the epic reality singing competition. Although she did not join the ranks of American Idol winners, Gabby has been keeping busy.
Gabby was only 17 years old when she auditioned for American Idol in 2018. Before making it onto the competition series, Gabby was singing throughout her childhood years in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Gabby's run on American Idol was full of memorable moments that foreshadowed her inevitable rise to greatness. From her Carrie Underwood-inspired audition to her celebratory performance of "Don't Stop Believin," Gabby's talent carried her to the top 3 of season 16. While Gabby was gaining popularity for her vocal talent on American Idol, she was simultaneously forging a romantic relationship with fellow season 16 contestant, Cade Foehner. Although she placed third, Gabby's career has been thriving. She's become one of the most successful artists to come out of American Idol.
Like season 18 runner-up Arthur Gunn, Gabby didn't let her disappointing finale night determine the rest of her career. After season 16, Gabby continued putting in the work to make her dream of becoming a country star a reality. She took time to write new songs. On American Idol's 17th season, Gabby returned and performed her single, "I Hope." Gabby also announced that she had signed with Warner Music Nashville. "I Hope" went on to be a major success for Gabby, as it topped several country music charts. In 2020, a remix of "I Hope" was released, featuring pop singer-songwriter Charlie Puth. Gabby built upon her prominence in the country music genre by opening for country stars Toby Keith and Keith Urban.
2021 has been an exceptionally good year for Gabby, who is ascending to the level of eminence that her favorite American Idol winner Carrie Underwood has earned. By January 2021, "I Hope" had spent 25 weeks at the number one spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. Gabby's personal life has also flourished in recent months. After marrying her American Idol competitor Cade in 2019, the couple quickly began working on starting a family. On January 18, 2021, Gabby gave birth to her daughter Baylah May. Gabby is set to open for Thomas Rhett and the Zac Brown Band later this year. Fans can keep up with @gabbybarrett_ on her Instagram, where she has 770,000 followers. It was on her Instagram that Gabby canceled her scheduled performance at the CMT Music Awards. Gabby was meant to perform with Lady A and Carly Pearce, but pulled out due to "personal circumstances."
Gabby will not perform at the CMT Music Awards this year. However, her 2021 is still in impressive shape. Just like her Billboard-charting American Idol judge Katy Perry, Gabby's thriving as an artist and a mother this year. Gabby's achievement proves that even a runner-up can be an American Idol.