Photo: Getty Images
HunterGirl is looking ahead to a holiday season filled with cherished family traditions.
The former American Idol runner up caught up with iHeartCountry on the red carpet at the 59th CMA Awards this month in Nashville, Tennessee. HunterGirl, 27, whose real name is Hunter Wolkonowski, FaceTimed her Nana on the way to the event — her first time attending the CMA Awards — to show her the dazzling, rhinestone fringe look she wore on Country Music’s Biggest Night. The Winchester, Tennessee-born country star has often talked about her appreciation for her hometown and her close family, including as an inspiration in her music and with the holidays on the way.
“I always will wrap the presents with my sister for a lot of the family at my Nana and Pa’s house at Christmas, so I can’t wait to do that, and eat all the good food,” HunterGirl said of her holiday traditions.
HunterGirl previously spoke about her heartfelt single, “Dirt,” which offers a glimpse into her life with a tribute to her small town. The 2024 CMT Next Women of Country artist said the song “is about the little things that shape who you are — the places, people, and memories that keep you grounded no matter how far you go. For me, that’s Tennessee soil, my family, and all the lessons I learned growing up. I hope listeners hear their own roots in this song and are reminded of what makes life truly matter.”
“Sometimes life moves so fast it’s hard to stop and think how far you’ve come,” HunterGirl said. She previously told iHeartCountry she feels “re-centered” since writing “Dirt.” “I hope people feel that, too. With the music coming after this, I feel like I’ve finally stepped into my most authentic self. I put my boots on and stand ten toes down in who I am. …Keep your eyes and ears open. There may be new music sooner than you think.”