Hailey Whitters: From Iowa Roots to Country Music Stardom
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Hailey Whitters’ star is shining brightly in the country music landscape. Her career has seen a meteoric rise, marked by critical acclaim, industry awards, and a dedicated fanbase drawn to her authentic storytelling and captivating vocals.
From the Heartland to Nashville:
Hailing from Iowa, Whitters’ journey to country music stardom began with a deep appreciation for the genre’s storytelling tradition. She honed her skills writing and performing, eventually making the move to Nashville to pursue her dreams. Her music reflects her heartland roots, blending a classic country sound with a modern sensibility.
Hits and Accolades:
Whitters’ breakthrough has been driven by a string of successful releases. Her albums “The Dream” (2020) and “Raised” have garnered widespread critical acclaim, appearing on numerous year-end best-of lists, with “Raised” even being named Rolling Stone’s No. 1 country album of the year. Her hit single, “Everything She Ain’t,” marked several milestones: her first top 20 single at country radio, her debut on the Billboard Hot 100, and RIAA Platinum certification. The song’s viral success on TikTok, with over 175 million plays and multiple trends inspired by it, further cemented its impact.
Whitters’ talent has been recognized by the industry’s highest honors. She took home the ACM Award for New Female Artist of the Year and earned a nomination for CMA New Artist of the Year. Her television appearances on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and NBC’s TODAY, along with a performance at the ACM Awards, have brought her music to a wider audience.
Latest Release and Touring Success:
Following the success of “Raised,” Whitters released a six-song EP, “I’m In Love,” in 2023. This project explored themes of relationships, heartbreak, and love, while tapping into her ’90s country influences. It further showcased her growth as an artist and her ability to craft compelling narratives through her music.
Whitters has also made a name for herself as a dynamic live performer. She embarked on a headline tour in support of “Raised” and has toured with major artists like Shania Twain, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, and Luke Bryan. In 2024, she launched her “Can’t Tie’r Down Tour” and opened shows for Dan + Shay and Luke Combs. Her festival appearances at events like Stagecoach, Railbird Music Festival, Carolina Country Music Festival, Barefoot Country Music Festival, and Golden Sky Music Festival have solidified her status as a must-see live act.