HunterGirl, the rising country music star and former runner-up on “American Idol”, has recently released her latest single “Something Wild”. This track, she says, represents a significant moment in her personal and artistic journey. At 27, the Tennessee native reflects on the uncertainty she faced as she transitioned from being a contestant on a national platform to pursuing a solo career in music.
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“I had to free fall into life a little bit more,” HunterGirl explains in an interview. Despite her recognition and praise from industry giants like Luke Bryan, she woke at the beginning of the year overwhelmed by questions about her identity and future. The newly released song emerged from her quest to reconnect with her roots and ground herself in her upbringing.
Co-written with Jeff Garrison and Bob DiPiero, “Something Wild” took shape in just a few hours, a testament to the raw inspiration drawn from HunterGirl’s past. “Writing this song felt like a timestamp in my journey. I’m just finding myself step by step,” she stated. The song evokes memories of her childhood, particularly her time spent with her grandfather in a place he affectionately called ‘the wilderness’. This magical spot was where she and her family would unleash their imaginations, chasing adventure without a care in the world.
Recently, during the festive season, HunterGirl revisited those childhood haunts. “I found our old campfire pit that me and my sister and cousin made,” she recalled. The experience propelled her back to a time when the notion of endless possibilities was exciting rather than daunting. However, as she navigates the complexities of adulthood, she acknowledges that the phrase “anything could happen” has taken on a different meaning.
“I remember being fearless as a child. Now, I find myself striving to control everything,” she noted. It wasn’t until she recognised the need to embrace uncertainty that she discovered a sense of freedom in her journey. “I finally realised I needed to get back to what I had and just let things be as they are. I had to free fall into life a little bit more,” she affirmed.
The pace of life following “American Idol” has been a whirlwind, filled with the pressure to meet expectations, particularly with comparisons to established artists like Miranda Lambert. “It’s scary getting compared to somebody like Miranda,” HunterGirl admitted. “You think, ‘Can I live up to that?’ In a way, it’s kind of terrifying.” Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic and content with her current state.
HunterGirl expresses a renewed sense of identity, stating, “I’m so happy. I feel the most me that I’ve felt, and I feel like I’ve finally centred in on who I am as an artist.” She describes her journey as one filled with excitement and discovery, leading her to feel more grounded than ever.
Beyond her music, HunterGirl also shares a glimpse into her personal life. Though she tends to keep her romantic relationships private, she revealed that she has welcomed a new addition to her family: a dog named Pippin. “I got a new dog,” she exclaimed with delight. “He’s a year old now, and he’s a Shih Tzu. He bosses me around and begs for sweet potatoes every day.” This playful reminder of her everyday joys brings a smile to her face as she reflects on her unique journey from “American Idol” contestant to an independent artist.
Despite the ups and downs, HunterGirl embraces her life and career with enthusiasm. “I got to say I’m happier than I’ve ever been,” she concluded, embodying the spirit of someone who is not only chasing her dreams but also finding comfort in who she is becoming along the way.