Laine Hardy returned to social media on Monday (April 17) with an acoustic performance of “Rope Swing” and a new look.
The Season 17 American Idol winner performed an acoustic rendition of the song “Rope Swing,” which was co-written by Laine Hardy alongside Jordan Minton and JT Harding. The trio of songwriters wrote the tune in 2019.
Sporting tall muck boots, jeans, a camo shirt, and a ball cap, Hardy gave fans a taste of the unreleased tune from an outdoor deck.
“I remember that rope swing / hanging over that river / coming out of the water / and given me shivers / I remember that two-piece / the same color as your eyes / for a moment I was all yours and baby you were all mine,” the country singer sang on the first verse.
“If I could go back I swear that I would / it happened so fast but it was so good / summertime kiss as sweet as honey / cinnamon legs right on the money / I was hanging on you / you were hanging on me / we were tangled up together under that oak tree / a little Led Zeppelin and your tan bare feet / I’m holdin’ that memory like you were holdin’ that rope swing,” he added on the chorus.
Watch Laine Hardy Perform “Rope Swing” Below
Several fans praised the song in the comments section, begging for the East Baton Rouge native to release it.
“I’ve missed you Laine… It’s time to Party with a Hardy… Get back in the saddle and make music…” one of his followers said, while others added, “I hope you go on tour soon,” “I love Rope Swing. I hope it is released soon for a download,” “Love Rope Swing! You sound amazing as ever” and “Sounding great Laine. Love your voice.”
“New Beginnings”
Fans were quick to notice the Louisiana’s new look as this is the first time he’s been seen with a shorter hair cut and a mostly clean-shaven face in quite some time.
“New beginnings and you look, and sound great! 👏” one fan added, while another shared, “Got a good one there Laine [and] got a haircut too looking good guy! God bless!❤️❤️🙌”
Laine Hardy Previously Teased & Performed “Rope Swing”
He previously teased “Rope Swing” on his socials in September of 2022 and December of 2021. Laine Hardy also performed the tune live in 2019, according to fans.
The 22-year-old singer/songwriter has also teased other unreleased tunes on social, which you can hear below.
“Songs About You”
“That Man”
“Me Meeting You”
“Party I Can Play”
While Laine Hardy has yet to announce a new project or release date for new music, he previously revealed in October of 2022 that he has been “writing new music.”
These new tunes follow the release of Laine Hardy’s debut album, Here’s To Anyone, which dropped in the fall of 2021. The album, produced by Michael Knox, features 11 tracks, including “Memorize You,” “Tiny Town,” “The Other LA,” and “Let There Be Country.”
Parted Way With His Longtime Record Label
In the fall of 2022, Laine Hardy parted ways with his record label. He revealed the news to fans via a statement posted to social media.
“I was just 17 years old when I first tried out for American Idol, and at the time, I couldn’t have ever imagined where I was headed. Since then, I’ve been able to tour across America, play for our Troops in Asia, and make new fans in Europe. I had to grow up quickly and I am still learning more about myself every day,” he wrote.
“The teams at 19 Entertainment and Disney Music Group have given me so much support and guidance, and I will forever be grateful. And now it’s time for me to take my career in a new direction and I am figuring that out. Stay tuned for what’s coming next.”
Laine Hardy recently returned to American Idol alongside fellow Season 17 contestant Laci Kaye Booth. The pair appeared on the current season of Idol where they spoke with the judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, about their respective careers.
Laine Hardy ran into legal troubles in 2022 when he was arrested and accused of spying on an ex-girlfriend. According to Louisiana’s WAFB Channel 9, Hardy may avoid jail time as he entered a pre-trial program through the District Attorney’s Office.
Currently, Laine Hardy has no tour dates on the books. Fans can tune to his official website for show updates.
