Colin Stough Gives Update On Major Life Changes He’s Made Since ‘American Idol’

“Almost everything in my life since making the decision to audition for Idol has been a major life change,” Stough shared.

By

Melinda Lorge

Melinda Lorge is a Nashville-based freelance writer who specializes in covering country music. Along with Music Mayhem, her work has appeared in publications, including Rare Country, Rolling Stone Country, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Wide Open Country and more. After joining Rare Country in early 2016, Lorge was presented with the opportunity to lead coverage on late-night television programs, including “The Voice” and “American Idol,” which helped her to sharpen her writing skills even more. Lorge earned her degree at Middle Tennessee State University, following the completion of five internships within the country music industry. She has an undeniable love for music and entertainment. When she isn’t living and breathing country music, she can be found enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.

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Posted on September 16, 2023

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Colin Stough, Photo Courtesy of Mike Rodway

Colin Stough recently released a new track called “Promiseland.” The song and follow-up to “I Still Talk To Jesus” and “Bad Day” pays a rocking tribute to the singer/songwriter’s hometown of Gattman, Mississippi. 

But, since coming off of American Idol, where he placed third in the popular televised competition series, Stough has made some major life changes. One of them being that he moved out of his small town of 70–80 people – many of whom he is related to — to the bustling streets of Nashville, Tenn.

Colin Stough, Photo Courtesy of Mike Rodway
Colin Stough, Photo Courtesy of Mike Rodway

Moved To Nashville To Pursue Musical Dreams

Stough is poised to become the next big country artist, so it makes sense that he has gone from visiting Music City to becoming a permanent resident in a short amount of time. Now that he has managed to settle down in Nashville, after temporarily living out of an Airbnb and bunking with a few of his buddies, the teenager caught up with Music Mayhem to share how things have been going for him so far. 

“It’s been great. I can’t complain at all. I’m out here getting to do what I love to do every single day of my life,” Stough shared of his decision to pack his bags and leave home. 

He also said, “I’m still friends with a lot of artists from the show,” and added that he has made some friends during the moving process.

“I’ve been blessed enough to bond and write with a lot of the musicians in town too – Chase Matthew, Ryan Waters. I’ve also met and worked with some insane writers and producers,” Stough said. “The crazy part about this town is that you just never know who you’ll meet or bond with on any given day.”

Stough also recently talked about his friendship with Matthew, during a conversation with Country Now, saying “He’s a great guy…. I’ve stayed at his house a ton….He’s put food on the table for me. My motorcycle is at his house in his garage right now.”

Colin Stough, Chase Matthew; Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Colin Stough, Chase Matthew; Photo Courtesy of Instagram

Became Acquainted With Jaren Johnston And ERNEST

Along with Matthew and Waters, Stough has also become well acquainted with artists like The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston and ERNEST. 

“When I found out I was doing a writing session with [Jaren], I acted like a little fangirl with him for a little bit. Before I left, he had given me a Telecaster. It’s the one I play on stage. And he was just like, ‘Hey, man. I think this would fit you really well,’” Stough recalled. “There are just so many great people I’ve met. I was saying in my own mind, ‘I’m the new kid on the block.’ But no, you’d be surprised at how many people text me to hang out, like ERNEST. I was at Big Loud the other day, writing. He showed up and introduced himself. I have a lot of respect for people like that.” 

Change has become an inevitable part of Stough’s life since he auditioned for American Idol and earned the hearts of Americans everywhere. Before singing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” in front of judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, he was focused on graduating from high school and moving on to his full-time job in HVAC. 

Colin Stough; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC
Colin Stough; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC

Life-Altering Journey Beyond America Idol

Of auditioning for Idol, Stough previously shared, “My mom signed me up for it. And I just, I didn’t know how far I could go on it, and I ended up about damn near going all the way. So, I was pretty pleased with the outcome. It was pretty awesome.”

He acknowledges the life-altering moments since then, saying, “Almost everything in my life since making the decision to audition for Idol has been a major life change, so the move to Nashville was pretty on- theme for me right after the show. Being on stage sparked something in me. I want to do this for the rest of my life ,and Nashville is where I need to be to make that happen.”

“The writers are here. The producers are here. The musicians are here. My team is here,” he added.

Colin Stough; Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Colin Stough; Photo Courtesy of Instagram

New Song “Promiseland”

As previously shared, Stough recently debuted his third track since coming off of Idol. His co-penned “Promiseland,” which he wrote alongside Alex Maxwell and Dawson Edwards, was also paired with a music video, which takes viewers back to where it all started for him in Gattman, Miss. 

The clip proves that even though Stough has moved out of his home state, he intends to stay true to his roots. Folks will find footage of him spending time in his hometown, from cruising on his motorcycle to boating on the water. In separate parts of the video, he also is shown performing the song with his band at his recent live shows in Alabama and Miss. 

Be sure to take a look at the video for Stough’s “Promiseland” above. 

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Melinda Lorge is a Nashville-based freelance writer who specializes in covering country music. Along with Music Mayhem, her work has appeared in publications, including Rare Country, Rolling Stone Country, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Wide Open Country and more. After joining Rare Country in early 2016, Lorge was presented with the opportunity to lead coverage on late-night television programs, including “The Voice” and “American Idol,” which helped her to sharpen her writing skills even more. Lorge earned her degree at Middle Tennessee State University, following the completion of five internships within the country music industry. She has an undeniable love for music and entertainment. When she isn’t living and breathing country music, she can be found enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.

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