American Idol alums headline 19 Recordings “19 Takeover” showcase ahead of CMA Festival
19 Recordings, the record label associated with American Idol, is hosting a free artist showcase called “19 Takeover” on Wednesday, June 7 at The Valentine in Nashville. The event will kick off at 7:00 pm and brings together eight alumni from American Idol for an evening of performances leading into CMA Fest 2023.
The lineup features recent and past Idol standouts, including Iam Tongi (Season 21 winner), Megan Danielle (runner-up, Season 21), Colin Stough (second runner-up, Season 21) and Haven Madison (Top 8 finalist, Season 21). The bill also showcases 19 Recordings artists Fritz Hager (Season 20), Grace Leer (Season 18), HunterGirl (Season 20 runner-up) and Noah Thompson (Season 20 winner).
This showcase follows a similar 19 Recordings event held last year that featured ten artists, most of whom are currently signed to the label. One notable exception from last year’s roster was Allegra Miles. Fritz Hager, who placed fourth on his season, has since released several singles through 19 Recordings, illustrating the label’s ongoing support for Idol alumni as they build their recording careers.
Artists have promoted the Nashville showcase on social media, inviting fans to stop by. Fritz Hager encouraged followers to “share the stage with some good friends,” while HunterGirl invited fans to “come hang with me and some of my good friends next week!!” Noah Thompson also expressed excitement about kicking off CMA Fest at The Valentine with fellow artists. The atmosphere is expected to be relaxed and fan-friendly, offering a chance to hear current material and possibly catch unique collaborations among the performers.
American Idol presence at CMA Fest 2023
Beyond the 19 Takeover showcase, several American Idol alumni have scheduled appearances throughout CMA Fest, performing on various festival stages and participating in fan events. In recent years, Idol performers have also surprised audiences with pop-up appearances during other artists’ sets, so festival-goers should stay alert for spontaneous collaborations.
A number of Idol alumni are listed for Meet and Greet sessions at Fan Fair, offering additional opportunities for fans to connect with artists. Participating performers include Chayce Beckham, Colin Stough, Dillon James, Haven Madison, HunterGirl, Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle, Noah Thompson and Wé Ani. These meet-and-greets and scheduled performances make CMA Fest a busy week for American Idol alumni in Nashville.
Thursday, June 8
Lauren Alaina – 11:30 am – Chevy Riverfront Stage
Chayce Beckham – 1:45 pm – Chevy Riverfront Stage
Texas Hill (Casey James) – 10:15 am – Hard Rock Stage
Grace Leer – 1:30 pm – Spotlight Stage
Friday, June 9
Dillon James – 4:00 pm – Spotlight Stage
Saturday, June 10
Noah Thompson – 10:15 am – Chevy Vibes Stage
Josh Gracin – 11:45 am – Dr. Pepper Amp Stage
Laci Kaye Booth – 1:30 pm – Spotlight Stage
Sunday, June 11
Harper Grace – 10:55 am – Hard Rock Stage
Alex Lambert – 4:15 pm – Hard Rock Stage
HunterGirl – 12:00 pm – Spotlight Stage
For fans planning to attend CMA Fest and related Nashville showcases, these performances and meet-and-greets provide multiple opportunities to see rising and established American Idol artists up close. The 19 Takeover showcase serves as a concentrated spotlight on Idol alumni working with 19 Recordings, while the broader festival schedule highlights the continuing crossover between Idol talent and country music events in Nashville.