American Idol season 20 runner-up and country singer HunterGirl recently signed her first record deal, and now she reveals how she landed it. The music therapist from Winchester, Tennessee, blew away the American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan at her Nashville audition. Not only did she earn three votes of yes and a golden ticket to Hollywood, but she was later awarded one of the three platinum tickets of the season. Since American Idol, HunterGirl has been performing live shows and releasing her original music.
In an interview with Parade, HunterGirl explained how she landed her record deal with Broken Bow, BMG and 19. Only the American Idol winner is guaranteed a recording contract, but HunterGirl's single "Red Bird," which she performed on the show, impressed the record label so much that they signed her. However, she revealed that it was her friendly personality that helped her as well. She said, "I actually got to meet them whenever we were recording in L.A. I didn’t even know who I was talking to. You know, I talk to everybody." HunterGirl went on to say, "They actually came in and listened to 'Red Bird,' and then later on after the show, I met them in Nashville. And so, everything happened, and it was amazing. I’ve wanted a record deal since I was a little girl."
HunterGirl Will Tour With American Idol Winner Noah Thompson
HunterGirl's first single from the record label, "Hometown Out of Me," was released on Oct. 21. It is a tribute to her hometown of Winchester, Tennessee, and all the people there who supported her throughout her American Idol journey and beyond. She explained, "I would not be here without them and all the people that have supported me through the past year of my life. I just wanted to say thank you. This is the perfect song to start out my career with." HunterGirl's record label is the same as that of American Idol winner Noah Thompson, so the two country singers will be touring together beginning Oct. 27 in Columbus, Ohio. HunterGirl said, "It’s going to be a lot of fun." She revealed that she and Noah will be doing separate sets, but they might do a few songs together. She will sing her original songs. HunterGirl added that although her next music release is "still up in the air right now," she would like to release another single before she puts out an EP or an album.
HunterGirl's record deal is a dream come true for her, but American Idol fans knew that she would go far from the first note that she sang on American Idol. She put her own spin on country hits such as "9 To 5" by Dolly Parton, "Like My Mother Does" by Lauren Alaina, "Undo It" by Carrie Underwood, and "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town, and truly made them her own. However, it was HunterGirl's original music that really captured everyone's attention and stole their hearts.
HunterGirl was not only an incredible performer on American Idol season 19, but she also has a heart of gold. Her work with veterans as a music therapist has helped so many people. Her record deal is the result of her hard work and dedication. HunterGirl is sure to have a very successful career in country music.
Source: HunterGirl/Instagram, Parade