Fast-rising artist Corey Kent has come a long way since his appearance on NBC’s The Voice and chart-topping track “Wild As Her.” The smash single, certified platinum by the RIAA, followed his critically acclaimed project ’21 and scored Kent his first nomination at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.
“Wild As Her” received recognition within the Male Breakthrough Video of The Year category alongside Bailey Zimmerman [“Fall In Love”], Drake Milligan [“Sounds Like Something I’d Do”], Jackson Dean [“Don’t Come Lookin”], Jelly Roll [“Son of a Sinner”], and Nate Smith [“Whiskey On You”]. The newcomer did not walk away with the prestigious title, but he told Celeb Secrets reporter Juliet Schroder that he was “very grateful” to be listed among the other stand-out acts.
World-renowned artist Morgan Wallen, Brett Tyler, and Kelly Archer penned the country-rock anthem. When Kent first recorded the Chris Farren-produced track, he was just an ordinary contractor in Dallas, Texas. Now, the vocalist is a father of three and a country mainstay with superstar potential.
“First time at any award show and definitely the first time on an aqua carpet,” Kent pointed out. “The song that I got nominated for, when I recorded it, I was working at a pavement company in Dallas. Fast forward, and here we are at the CMT Awards,” he added while eyeballing the room.
Although his soaring pipes and small-town charm transformed him into the singer-songwriter he is today, Kent humbly credits his supportive team for his rapid success. Just in 2022, he garnered well over 184 million on-demand streams with “Wild As Her,” inked a deal with RCA Nashville/ Sony Music Nashville, made his Grand Ole Opry debut, and sold-out intimate venues across the nation on his headlining run.
“It’s a big team effort, and I am very very grateful,” said Kent. “This is the last place that I thought I would be. At that season of life and coming out of the world being shut down for a little bit. I got a wife and three kids. I had to do what I had to do in that season of life. I didn’t know if music was ever going to come back around for me. So, to be here right now. I’m the most grateful guy on this carpet…I promise you that.”
The taste of success fueled Kent’s fire, as he is currently working on his label debut album and recently released (April 14) a new single titled “Something’s Gonna Kill Me.” The melody infused with heart-thumping percussion and ear-grabbing guitar licks, flawlessly complement his robust range. The heartbreak banger has already received positive praise on social media, as country music fans flocked to the teaser to applaud the razor-sharp lyrics.
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“So good! Possibly new favorite,” wrote a fan. “I’m excited and sad. Love this one but really wanted ‘Long Story Short,’” said another. Kent was quick to respond and confirmed that the eager listener won’t have to “wait long” for more music.
“Next single’s coming out April 14. It’s called ‘Something’s Gonna Kill Me,’” he told CS ahead of the release. “In July, we’re going on tour with Jason Aldean. I haven’t met him yet, but just honored that he would invite us. Between those two dates…we have our first debut record coming out. This is the first project I’ve put out on a major label.”
The crooner did not reveal the official launch date for the highly anticipated record. However, the collection is expected to include his latest single, “Love Story Short,” “Gone As You,” and many more. Kent did not fail to mention that he’s eager to perform the new batch of songs live, since the fan reaction has been overwhelming at recent shows.
“I’m a live performer at heart. That’s what I started playing music for. I get to be on the road a couple of hundred days a year, and the memories that I get to make with those fans,” shared Kent as he tirelessly tried to find the words to emulate the magical connection. “The moment that happens almost every night, is when you just get to back off the mic and let them scream a song. It happened all the way around the world in Australia. Those are my favorite moments.”
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Kent will be on the road until late October. Not only will he be joining Aldean’s Highway Desperado Tour alongside Mitchell Tenpenny and Dee Jay Silver, but he will hit notable music festivals. The “Gold” singer will take the spotlight at Tortuga Music Festival in the sunshine state, Stagecoach at CMA Fest, and Tidalwave down at the Jersey Shore. Tickets are available for purchase, here.
Will you be streaming “Something’s Gonna Kill Me,” and how do you feel about Kent’s upcoming album? Let us know by leaving a reaction below or by tweeting us at @celebsecrets.
With reporting credit by Juliet Schroder. For more coverage from the 2023 CMT Music Awards, click HERE.
