Byrdie named 2026's Rising Star at GVLFest

Byrdie Wilson was born in New York and raised in South Carolina, where she faced early challenges with a cleft palate that required multiple surgeries. Doctors weren’t sure she’d ever speak clearly, but her mother’s relentless pursuit of care and faith laid the foundation for Byrdie’s resilience. At just six years old, Byrdie signed herself up for a talent show and told her family, “You need to get on board because I’m going to be someone!” That moment sparked a journey that would lead her to become one of country music’s rising stars.

She trained with renowned vocal coaches Celeste Simone and Michael Orland (American Idol), and later collaborated with Rob Arthur of The Peter Frampton Band to produce her first three unreleased singles: “Fool for You,” “Stay,” and “Breaking Free.”

After the tragic loss of her boyfriend in 2020, Byrdie took a brief hiatus, returning to songwriting with a renewed sense of purpose. Her move to Nashville at 19, under the mentorship of Erik Halbig, marked a turning point. Her single “Broadway” gained traction on TikTok with over 49K views and 17K Spotify streams, followed by fan favorites like “Where My Roots Run,” “Keep On Truckin,” “Out the Bottle,” and “Over Me,” helping her surpass 800K total streams.

Byrdie uses her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart. As a spokesperson for Operation Smile, she raises awareness for children born with cleft conditions—an experience she knows intimately. She’s also a passionate supporter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, blending her music with meaningful advocacy.

Her live performance resume includes opening for country legends Ty Herndon and Montgomery Gentry, and she continues to build momentum with her band, Byrdie & The Bees. Together, they’re finalists for Best Artist/Band in the Best of Music City Community’s Choice Awards. Byrdie was recently named a “Rising Star” in the Rising Star Search powered by Monster Energy, earning her performance slots at the Carolina Country Music Festival (June 4–7, 2026) and Greenville Country Music Festival (October 2026).

Her upcoming single, “Waste Another Bullet” (Scheduled to release in early 2026), is a powerful anthem about reclaiming self-worth and refusing to let anyone diminish your spirit. It’s a song for anyone who’s walked away from pain, learned their value, and found the courage to put themselves first.