The Ultimate Reality Check for Cuffing Season: Julia Cole Drops Anti-Toxic Anthem “What Could Go Wrong”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Just in time for the looming pressure of Valentine’s Day and the peak of “cuffing season,” rising country star Julia Cole has arrived with a much-needed dose of common sense. Her brand-new single, “What Could Go Wrong,” is out now, and it serves as a brutally honest intervention for anyone tempted to slide back into the DMs of a “terrible ex.”
Co-written by Cole alongside Danielle Blakey and Willie Morrison, the track leans into the uncomfortable truth of inevitable heartbreak. It’s a song inspired by the real-life advice Cole’s own loved ones have shouted from the sidelines, and now she’s passing that wisdom on to her massive global audience.
Single Review: “What Could Go Wrong”
“What Could Go Wrong” is the definitive anthem of “Sisterhood Country.” While the title might sound optimistic, the lyrics provide a sharp, ironic look at the cycle of toxic relationships. It’s a track that reminds you exactly why your ex is an ex in the first place.
The Message: An Intervention in Song
The song captures that fragile moment when loneliness starts to blur the memory of past arguments and red flags. Instead of sugarcoating the situation, Cole urges her listeners to stay strong and break the cycle.
“Sisterhood is never letting your girls get back with their terrible exes, no matter how much they miss ’em,” Cole says. “Hopefully, through this song, I can be that sister to anyone out there needing the reminder.”
The Sound and Vibe
Musically, the track carries the signature Julia Cole blend: high-energy country with a relatable, modern edge. It’s the kind of song you scream at the top of your lungs in the car with your best friends. It balances a infectious melody with a “gut-punch” lyrical honesty that forces the listener to answer the titular question for themselves: What actually could go wrong? (Spoiler: Everything.)
About Julia Cole: The Voice of the #ColeTeam
A proud Texas native, Julia Cole has built a powerhouse career as an independent artist, amassing over 700 million streams and a social media following of 2.5 million. As the middle child of three sisters, she has coined the term “Sisterhood Country” to describe her music—songs that act as an extended family for her #ColeTeam fanbase.
A Year of Momentum
Cole enters 2026 with an “unshakable momentum” following the massive success of her previous single, “Day Late & A Buck Short.” That track was hailed by Holler as one of the best country songs of 2025 and has surpassed a staggering 270 million views across platforms.
Julia’s Career Highlights:
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Major Festivals: Confirmed sets at Stagecoach and the C2C Festival overseas.
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Touring Pedigree: Has shared the stage with superstars including Jelly Roll, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, and Jordan Davis.
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The “Poppy” Connection: In a nod to her family roots, Julia sews fabrics from her grandpa Poppy’s old westernwear shirts into her stage wardrobe and guitar straps.
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Sports & Music: Starting as a high-school volleyball player singing the National Banner, she has since performed for the NFL, MLB, and NASCAR before crowds of 75,000.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Headline Tour
With “What Could Go Wrong” currently acting as the voice of reason on the airwaves, Julia is gearing up for a massive headline tour (dates to be announced soon). Whether she’s advocating for women’s athletics or connecting with fans in over 10 countries, Cole remains dedicated to the message of self-worth and empowerment.