From the moment American Idol viewers first met Huntergirl, it was clear that she was going to go far in the competition. From her undeniable country vocals to her charming personality, Huntergirl has everything it takes to become the next American Idol.
The Tennessee native has been a standout contestant throughout the 20th season of the show. After she auditioned with a cover of Rascal Flatts’ “Riot,” Huntergirl was deemed a “new age Miranda Lambert” by Luke Bryan.
Huntergirl was the first contestant of the season to earn the coveted Platinum ticket and has previously covered songs like Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” Ashley McBryde’s “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” Rascal Flatts’ “Banjo” and Miranda Lambert’s “Vice.”
For her Top 20 performance, Huntergirl impressed the judges and viewers alike with an original track called “Heartbreak Down,” which is featured on her recently released EP, One Day.
The judges praised her songwriting skills and Bryan even told her that he felt like he was listening to “the dadgum country radio” during her performance.
As Huntergirl continues her American Idol journey, here are 12 fun facts about the standout contestant.
Made American Idol History
Huntergirl is the first-ever recipient of Idol’s newly-introduced Platinum ticket, which is a fun twist to the 20th Season of Idol.
She’s Performed On Nashville’s Lower Broadway
In addition to performing Miranda Lambert’s “Bluebird” at Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge in Downtown Nashville during the first episode of American Idol, Huntergirl has previously played at some of Nashville’s most famous Honkytonks, including Tootsies and Rippy’s.
Huntergirl Is Not Her Real Name
Huntergirl is only a stage name. Her real name is actually Hunter Wolkonowski.
She Has A Bachelor’s Degree
She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management, with a focus on the recording industry.
Born And Raised In The Volunteer State
The 23-year-old was born and raised in Winchester, Tennessee. After graduating from high school, Huntergirl moved to Music City to pursue her dreams of becoming a country music artist.
Has Been Performing For More Than Two Decades
Huntergirl has been performing in her grandfather’s Church since she was just three years old and has been writing music since she was nine years old.
She’s No Stranger To The Stage
Before rising to fame on American Idol, Huntergirl has opened for country superstars such as Florida Georgia Line, Alan Jackson, Sara Evans, Charlie Daniels, Old Dominion, Kane Brown, Trace Adkins, and more.
She Has Been Recognized For Her Songwriting Talent
For two consecutive years, in 2016 and 2017, Huntergirl took home the NSAI Songwriters contest award. She has also won “Nash Next.”
Idol Isn’t The First Competition She’s Competed In
Prior to Idol, Huntergirl competed in the Texaco Country Showdown at the age of fifteen and took home the title in 2014.
Philanthropy Is A Priority
Huntergirl is passionate about working with veterans and continues to stay involved with organizations such as Freedom Sings USA, Operation Song, Middle Tennessee State University, Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veteran Center, and Soldier’s Child.
According to her website, “she works with these music therapy organizations to help transform veterans stories into songs.”
“The time I spend working with veterans and telling their stories through song is unlike anything I have ever experienced,” she previously shared. “We travel to locations across the United States and write with veterans all across the country with the hope to touch as many lives as possible through the magic of music.”
A True Outdoorswoman
Some of Huntergirl’s favorite things to do include hiking, cycling, and being by the water.
Has Music Of Her Own
Aside from covering some of her favorite artists’ songs, she also has shared her own original material. Huntergirl recently released her debut EP, One Day, which features the self-penned tune, “Heartbreak Down.”
