Battle Creek singer Ada LeAnn chasing her dream with big move to Nashville
Battle Creek's Ada LeAnn wants to make it big in the music industry.
And to do that, she has to be where the action is - Nashville, Tennessee.
LeAnn is set to take a major step in her career by leaving her hometown of Battle Creek and moving to Nashville.
The Lakeview High School graduate enjoyed some time in the national spotlight on the NBC singing show, "Great American Song Contest" in the spring of 2022. As the only teenager in the competition, and representing Michigan, LeAnn and her song "Natalie" advanced to the semifinals.
The move to Nashville seems like the obvious next step for her.
"It's something I've wanted to do for probably five years, but I was still in high school," LeAnn said. "Once I graduated I knew I needed to start working my butt off and make the move. I have been talking to my label that I have been working with down there in Nashville and they are ready to start working with me more... it just feels right."
MORE: After Ada LeAnn shines on 'American Song Contest,' fans want to know, who is 'Natalie'?
LeAnn has already had a standout singing career at a young age, winning multiple Josie Awards as an independent artist, performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and singing locally throughout the state of Michigan.
All of that success came with her still living in Battle Creek, while taking frequent trips to Nashville to produce music.
"I think it will be even better being in the space with all the writers and producers I have been working with," LeAnn said. "The music will just get better and better if I'm there all the time, instead of going every couple of months.
"I am a little nervous about it though. I'll be living on my own. I'm still pretty young. I'll be going down there without my parents, being hours away from where I call home. But I think I have the chops to make it happen."
LeAnn is scheduled to perform locally before making the move to Nashville as part New Year's Fest at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, which will feature multiple local artists on Dec. 31. Tickets are still available at the New Year's Fest website.
"It's my last show before moving to Nashville. I'm excited about it," LeAnn said.
Sage Castleberry takes the stage
Another Lakeview High graduate is making noise in the music industry as well.
Battle Creek's Sage Castleberry will be a featured performer at a show at Bell's Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo on Jan. 13.
MORE: Sage Castleberry's new single is a tribute to grandparents, who died an hour apart
Castleberry has recently been playing music throughout the area and was recently nominated for 'Song of the Year' at the Josie Music Awards.
The Bell's Eccentric Cafe event will feature three local Michigan country music bands, including Sage Castleberry, Prior Noon and The Band McCain. Tickets are still available for the 8 p.m. show on the Bell's Eccentric Cafe & General Store webpage.
New Song
Battle Creek's Jack Austin, also a Lakeview High grad, recently had his holiday show, doing a set at Handmap Brewery in downtown last week. He is preparing to debut a new song titled 'Get Away', an indie pop rock song, that will be out on Jan. 5.
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Battle Creek singer Ada LeAnn chasing her dream with move to Nashville
