Madison Olivia on Country Music News International Radio Show!
January 10th interviewed by Nigel Sharpe for Country Music News International Radio Show
Saturday live show will be in German & English with Presenter Frank Hammer and the best in country music! 4 pm – 6 pm (CET) GER, 9 am – 11 am (CST) USA, 3 pm – 5 pm (GMT) UK!
For Country Music News International Radio Show follow link: https://stream.laut.fm/countrymusicnewsinternational or https://laut.fm/countrymusicnewsinternational or https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/
From Flint to the Opry: The Unstoppable Rise of Madison Olivia
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In an industry often defined by rigid labels and predictable paths, Madison Olivia is a breath of fresh Michigan air. A powerhouse vocalist who seamlessly blends the storytelling of classic country with the rhythmic pulse of R&B and the grit of rock, Olivia has spent the last few years transforming from a “one-to-watch” independent artist into a formidable presence in the Nashville landscape.
A Legacy Ignited by “Gran Gran”
Madison’s journey didn’t start in a boardroom; it began in the front row of her grandmother’s shows. Her grandmother, Jolene “Gran Gran” Bisbee, was a singer who once shared the stage with legends like George Jones. Witnessing that magic firsthand lit a fire in Madison that never went out.
Despite her musical roots, Madison initially pursued a traditional career path, graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Political Science. She was on a pre-law track when the pull of the stage became too strong to ignore. In 2019, she packed her bags for Nashville, trading law books for bar shifts and songwriting sessions.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Madison’s career took a poignant turn in 2022. Just as her momentum in Nashville was building, her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Demonstrating the heart that defines her music, Madison returned to her hometown of Flint, Michigan, to serve as her grandmother’s full-time caregiver.
Rather than letting this pause her career, she leaned into it. Balancing a rigorous travel schedule between Michigan and Tennessee, Madison used the emotional weight of her experiences to fuel her songwriting. This era of her life has defined her as an artist of immense empathy and “perseverance,” a word often used by industry insiders to describe her trajectory.
The Sound: A Genre-Bending Signature
Madison Olivia describes her sound as a soulful mix of country, pop, and rock, often citing a diverse list of influences:
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The Titans: Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood (vocal power and sass).
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The Storytellers: Kassi Ashton and Sugarland.
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The Soulful Icons: Adele and H.E.R.
This eclectic palette is evident in her discography. Her breakout single “Downtown Now” introduced her to a wider audience, while “Heartbreak Cowboy” (2023) paid homage to the band Parmalee. Her more recent releases, like the sultry “24/7” and the defiant “Know Your Name,” showcase an artist growing more confident in her “edgier” sonic identity.
Career Milestones and Live Prowess
2024 and 2025 have been banner years for the artist. Madison has shared the stage with a “who’s who” of national acts, including:
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Nelly
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Dylan Scott
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Kip Moore
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Priscilla Block
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Julia Cole
A crowning achievement came in August 2024, when she performed as part of the Opry Plaza Summer Concert Series at the Grand Ole Opry—a full-circle moment for a girl who grew up on her grandmother’s stories of country music’s hallowed ground.
Recent Projects: Live at Rustbelt Studios
To capture the raw energy of her live band, Madison recently released the “Live at Rustbelt Studios” project. The collection features a standout rendition of her original “24/7” alongside a haunting cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” and a gritty take on Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse.” The project has been hailed for its lack of “polish,” choosing instead to showcase her authentic vocal range and the chemistry of her band.
As of early 2026, Madison Olivia continues to tour heavily across the Midwest and Nashville, proving that you don’t need a major label to build a major legacy—just a little grit, a lot of heart, and a voice that demands to be heard.
Madison Olivia’s performance of “White Horse”
This live recording at Rustbelt Studios perfectly captures Madison’s vocal power and her ability to put a soulful, rock-infused spin on modern country classics.