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‘American Idol’ runner-up HunterGirl talks about ‘Hometown Out Of Me’ single

“American Idol” runner-up winner HunterGirl chatted about her new single “Hometown Out Of Me.”

HunterGirl
HunterGirl. Photo Credit: Easton Schirra
HunterGirl. Photo Credit: Easton Schirra

“American Idol” runner-up winner HunterGirl chatted about her new country single “Hometown Out Of Me.”

How did “Hometown Out of Me” come about?

It was the first weekend that I was back in my hometown after the finale of American Idol when I finally got to see my family. Mom and I went to Food Lion, a local grocery store, and when I walked in something caught my eye. I was like “Oh my gosh Mom, that’s my face!”

My hometown had bought ads in the local newspaper congratulating me and cheering me on after the season of Idol. I was trying not to cry in the supermarket because it was so sweet, and my mom was picking them up in her arms saying, “…your Nana is getting one, your cousin, your aunt..” It was such a cool moment.

I went back to Nashville that next Monday knowing I wanted to write a song for my hometown.

What inspires your music and songwriting? 

Everyday life inspires me. I get my song ideas from walking around and listening to people talk. I write about what I am going through, the good or the bad. I feel like music has a way of connecting people, and I always want to write a song that could help someone else.

Someone that really inspired me growing up was Dolly Parton. I love the way that she could tell a story, and also, who she is as a person. 

Can you tell us about your experience on “American Idol”… how was it?

American Idol was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. I never thought that I would ever get to be on TV! It was the best and craziest year of my life so far.

The judges were inspiring, and the producers on the show were amazing people that worked so hard to bring the show together every week. I think the show really made me grow as an artist and a person. I am so lucky that I got to be a part of a season with great artists and people. 

How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age? (now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)

It is definitely daunting being an artist in the digital age. Not only are you writing your songs and performing them for live audiences every week, you also have to learn how to be behind a camera and try to convey who you are through a screen. It’s definitely something I’m still learning how to do.

I think it’s incredible that so many people could hear your song through one video that goes viral. I think it’s special that you can connect with so many fans online.

What is your advice for young and aspiring artists? 

I think my advice for anyone that wants to be an artist is to just chase after it and work really hard for what you want. Life is short, and you should take the chance to do what you love.

I would also tell someone, to be honest in their songwriting. The times that I was most honest and vulnerable about how I was feeling are the songs that people have related to the most. 

Which artists would you like to do a dream duet with and why?

I would love to do a duet with Dolly Parton because she’s somebody I’ve looked up to since I was little. I think it would also be incredible to do a duet with Ashley McBryde or Brantley Gilbert. I love both of their music so much. 

What does the word success mean to you?

I think that success for me means that I am getting to sing and write songs for the rest of my life for the people that support my music. I want to put out songs that help people. 

What would you like to tell our readers about “Hometown Out of Me”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)

For me, it means that no matter where this life leads me, I will never change who I am. My hometown has supported my dream since I was little and especially through this crazy year of my life.

I wanted my first single following the show to be a thank you card to my hometown. I hope the people that listen can feel the love for where I grew up in every line. “You can take me out of my hometown, but you can’t take my hometown out of me.”

“Hometown Out of Me” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.

To learn more about HunterGirl and her music, follow her on Instagram.

Markos Papadatos
Written By

Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News. Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 20,000 original articles over the past 18 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports. He is a 16-time "Best of Long Island" winner, where for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), he was honored as the "Best Long Island Personality" in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times.

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