Tanner Adell’s “Going Blonde”: A Raw and Revealing Journey of Pain, Perseverance, and Identity
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News Internatinal Magazine
Country-pop sensation Tanner Adell has unveiled her deeply personal new single, “Going Blonde,” a poignant track that lays bare the complexities of her adoption story and the profound impact it has had on her life. Written with raw honesty on a Nashville barstool, the song serves as a powerful testament to Adell’s resilience and her journey towards self-discovery.
Adell, raised by a loving family on the West Coast, harbored a lifelong curiosity about her origins. A DNA test, a Christmas gift from her adoptive parents, ultimately unlocked the door to her past. The results connected her with a biological brother, revealing that the circumstances surrounding her birth mother’s decision to place her for adoption were not as she had been led to believe. This revelation was further compounded by the devastating news of her birth mother’s passing, extinguishing any hope of a reunion.
Clinging to a single photograph of her blonde, blue-eyed mother, whom she perceived as resembling Dolly Parton, Adell sought solace in Parton’s music. The connection deepened when she discovered Parton’s debut single, “Dumb Blonde,” and recognized the shared blonde hair as a symbolic link to her mother.
“Being blonde has been something that’s been a major part of my identity,” Adell explains. “But seeing that picture of my mom, and with the connection through Dolly Parton, it made me feel like I had a piece of my mom for the first time. It was a whole new meaning for me, like ‘This is a way that I’m going to keep her close.'”
Adell’s decision to embrace blonde hair is a tribute to her birth mother and a reclamation of her own identity. “Blonde has this connotation that’s sexy and outgoing – and a little bit ditsy,” she continues. “But I felt like I could take that and turn it into something more meaningful. I’m really putting my heart out there to be completely examined. It’s been five years since my brother found me. I think I’m still learning things and I’m definitely still grieving. But I’m ready to release it as a form of my own therapy.”
Adell has shared her story in a series of social media posts, further connecting with her fans on a deeply personal level. The new track signals a significant artistic evolution for Adell, as she prepares to release her debut album. “It feels like I’m at 99% because there is a very big 1% that fans don’t know about me,” she explains. “But I’m ready to have that connection with them, and I think they’re ready for it.”
“Going Blonde” follows a banner year for Adell, who has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Deemed one of seven artists shaping the sound of 2024 by The New York Times, she has amassed over 200 million global streams and been named a 2025 People Artist to Watch. Her achievements include a sold-out headlining tour, a collaboration with Beyoncé on “BLACKBIIRD,” and recognition from publications like Billboard, NPR, and Teen Vogue. She has also performed at major events such as the GLAAD Awards and is set to present at the Billboard Women in Music event.
Tanner Adell’s unique blend of country, hip-hop, and pop has established her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Her willingness to share her vulnerability and her commitment to authenticity have resonated with audiences worldwide. “Going Blonde” marks a new chapter in her artistic journey, as she continues to forge her own path while honoring her past.