Kaylee Rutland

Typically, teenage acts don't necessarily blow us away, but this native Texan is a little different. Her debut single is called "Into The Circle," and is a tribute to the world famous Grand Ole Opry, and she shows plenty of promise on the track. She's contemporary – but has one ear planted towards the heritage of the format! - Billboard Magazine

The Nash Next Challenge invited aspiring country solo artists and bands to participate in an artist development competition where the ability to carry a tune was just one of the factors on which they were being judged.

Contestants were asked to cover a song, compose an original jingle, broadcast a live performance via social media platform Periscope, create an original video and to craft a collage on PicCollage, where fans could complete it with their own images.

And with every challenge, the contestants hit their social media pages hard, asking fans, friends and family to vote. Hundreds of applicants began the process in August, and with each challenge, fans voted for their favorites until only 10 remained.

The remaining 10 will be mentored by Big Machine Records president/CEO Scott Borchetta for the final challenge: create an original music video, complete with animation. The winner will be determined by Nash Next judges Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn fame, record producer James Stroud and Cumulus senior VP of content & programming Mike McVay.

NASH NEXT CHALLENGE TOP 10 FINALISTS
Tyler Barham
Breaking Southwest
Sydney Hutchko
Krysta Nick
Hannah Rose
Kaylee Rutland
Adam Searan
Steel Union
Tigirlily
Matt Williams


KAYLEE RUTLAND
Age: 20

What would you say is unique about your sound?
In my songs, I like to combine a modern sound with classic country elements. I want my music to be relatable for all audiences.

What three albums would you would take to a deserted island?
Sounds Good Feels Good by 5 Seconds of Summer. Wanted on Voyage by George Ezra. The First Time by Kelsea Ballerini.

Where is the craziest place you’ve performed?
I played a Dallas Cowboys tailgate party outside AT&T Stadium in the pouring rain. The fans were fun and wild and doing some crazy dancing.

What’s the first thing you do after a show?
I love running offstage and getting to meet people and talk with fans. - Nash Country Weekly

Kaylee Rutland, a Flower Mound native, is named one of Billboard's Top 10 country artists to watch this year. - CBS 11

FLOWER MOUND — While most 18 year olds are working a lousy summer job, this Texan teen from Flower Mound is releasing her newest country music album.

“I’m a little nervous, but I’m more excited,” said singer Kaylee Rutland about her upcoming show.

“It’s really exciting, we’re really proud of her, she’s living her dreams and we’re behind her in this,” mother Renee Rawlings said.

And get this, Kaylee Rutland’s debut single, ‘Into the Circle’ blew away Billboard—she’s on their ‘top ten country artists to watch’ list. Yee-haw!

“Jumping up and down, excited family moment,” Rawlings said. “She was surprised and thought ‘wow, who heard this to include her on this list?’”

But Kaylee isn’t an overnight sensation. She’s been at this a long time.

“Well, the first time I ever really sang was when I was 8 years old in a church Christmas musical,” Rutland said. “As soon as I got on stage and started singing, it just felt right.”

“Usually, the kid’s just out there screaming at the top of their lungs, which is super cute, but we were nervous because we’ve never heard her sing,” her mother added. “And yet, when she got up on the stage, the sound that came out was so beautiful.”

“I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Rutland smiled. “If it’s something that you love, that you’re good at, there will be a lot of people who will be discouraging, but you can’t listen to them. The younger that you start, it’s more of your whole life that you get to spend doing something you love.

Kaylee will release her album at The Rustic in Dallas on Saturday July 5 at 7 p.m. - CW33