Makenzie Phipps on Country Music News International Radio Show!
March 7th interviewed by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Radio Show
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The Voice of Modern Tradition: How Makenzie Phipps is Redefining Country Soul
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Born in the picturesque town of Bluefield, Virginia, right on the border of West Virginia, Makenzie Phipps has rapidly emerged as one of the most compelling voices in modern country music. With a style that seamlessly bridges the gap between Appalachian tradition and contemporary Nashville flair, Phipps is more than just a singer; she is a storyteller whose roots run as deep as the mountain ridges she calls home.
Foundations in Faith and Family
Makenzie’s musical journey began almost as soon as she could talk. Raised in a household where music was a constant companion—her uncle, Ron Simons, is a professional songwriter—she found her first stage in the local church. At the age of four, her grandmother, affectionately known as “Mawmaw,” began taking her to services every Sunday, where Makenzie’s “little girl with a big voice” reputation first took hold.
By ten, she was studying piano, and by fourteen, she had picked up the guitar and begun playing public gigs in restaurants and bars across her hometown. These early performances were instrumental in honing the soulful, “sultry” vocal tone that has since become her signature.
The Viral Sensation and “Country Rebel”
While her live shows built a local following, it was the digital world that catapulted Phipps to national attention. Her acoustic covers of gospel and country classics—most notably her renditions of “Amazing Grace” and Alan Jackson’s “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You”—went viral, garnering millions of views across Facebook and YouTube.
This online momentum caught the eye of Country Rebel, one of the genre’s largest media platforms. Phipps has been featured on the platform over 35 times, a testament to her consistent ability to resonate with traditional country fans. Her success online eventually led to coverage in major outlets like Forbes, People Magazine, and Taste of Country, as well as television appearances on RFD-TV and The Heartland Network.
Nashville Transition and Award-Winning Songwriting
In 2023, Makenzie made the pivotal move to Nashville to further her career, though she remains deeply connected to her Virginia roots, frequently returning for performances. Her debut single, “Maybe” (2021), served as a powerful introduction to her songwriting capabilities, ultimately winning “Female Country Song of the Year” at the prestigious Josie Music Awards.
Her songwriting is often noted for its maturity and emotional depth. She tackles topics ranging from the fun and lighthearted—such as “Pink Whitney” and “You Bring the Beer (I’ll Bring the Noise)”—to the profoundly personal. One of her most cherished works is the unreleased song “Life’s Games,” a tribute to her grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, which earned her a songwriter achievement plaque.
“The Voice” and Team Snoop
The year 2025 marked a major milestone in Phipps’ career when she appeared on Season 28 of NBC’s The Voice. During her Blind Audition, she performed a powerful rendition of Lainey Wilson’s “4X4XU,” showing off her vocal range and grit. In a dramatic turn of events, she landed the very last available spot on the teams, joining Team Snoop Dogg.
Her time on the show allowed her to showcase her artistry to a global audience. Coach Snoop Dogg praised her “spirit” and unique delivery, while Reba McEntire noted her star potential. Though her journey on the show eventually came to an end, the experience cemented her status as a rising powerhouse in the industry.
A Soulful Sound and Heart of Gold
Makenzie describes her own music as a mix of “classic country and modern,” often citing legends like Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline alongside modern influences like Ashley McBryde and Miranda Lambert. Critics have often compared her “bluesy” vocal style to that of Chris Stapleton, noting the raw honesty in her delivery.
Beyond the music, Phipps is known for her philanthropic spirit. An avid animal lover, she hosts “Take Me Home Thursday” on her social media platforms, featuring adoptable dogs to help them find “forever homes.” Her impact on her community was formally recognized in 2025 when she was presented with the Key to the Town of Bluefield, a rare honor for a young artist.
Looking Ahead
With recent hits like “Love Me Sober” and “Pick Your Poison” continuing to climb streaming charts, Makenzie Phipps shows no signs of slowing down. Now married and settled into the Nashville life, she continues to tour extensively, playing over 100 shows a year across the United States.
For fans of authentic, “redneck-chic” country that doesn’t shy away from soul, Makenzie Phipps is the artist to watch. As she often says, “When words fail, music speaks,” and her music is speaking louder than ever.