American Idol alum Colin Stough reveals he’s working with a label, moved to Nashville
Colin Stough, who finished third on American Idol in 2023, recently shared an emotional update with his fans on social media. The young country singer confirmed that he has relocated to Nashville to pursue music full time and indicated that he is now working with a label—reportedly connected to American Idol’s recording arm, 19 Recordings, with the possibility of collaboration with other country-focused labels. While details of any official partnerships remain limited, the move marks a clear step toward establishing a professional career in country music.
In an Instagram message, Colin expressed gratitude and humility about the changes in his life: “I have to give all glory to the good lord,” he wrote. “A year ago today I was working a full time job and also doing things on the side. Now I’m living in Nashville doing music full time.” He went on to thank the fans and the new community he has found, saying he feels blessed to have made great friends and to have a supportive fan base. He acknowledged that the audience’s support is what keeps the shows going.
Stough closed his post by recognizing the many people who have helped him along the way. “Thank you to the people that are making these awesome times happen,” he wrote, naming supportive fans, songwriters, band members and the label among those who have played a part in his progress. He also thanked listeners who stream his music, emphasizing how each contribution helps sustain his momentum as an emerging artist.
Colin Stough, from small-town Mississippi to American Idol
American Idol introduced viewers to Colin as an 18-year-old from Amory, Mississippi, in a video feature that highlighted his rural upbringing. The package shared that Colin grew up on a small homestead where horses and music offered important outlets during a challenging childhood. He revealed that his father had struggled with drug and alcohol problems and that his mother took the initiative to sign him up to audition for the show. That early exposure on a national stage set the foundation for his post-show career.
While on American Idol, Colin advanced into the Top 5 finalists and debuted his first original song, “I Still Talk to Jesus.” The song resonated with many listeners and reached No. 5 on the iTunes country chart, a notable achievement for a debut original from a contestant. After the season concluded, fans continued to rally behind him, voting for him to perform the song on the daytime talk program Live with Kelly and Mark, further increasing his visibility.
Since leaving the show, Colin’s life has continued to evolve. He now performs regularly, including appearances at festivals and city venues, and has been featured at events such as CMA Fest. He posts song covers and previews of original material on social platforms, giving followers a steady stream of music and updates from his life in Nashville. These performances and online posts help sustain engagement with his growing fan base and keep momentum behind his career.
Colin’s journey from a small town in Mississippi to the Nashville music scene reflects both his talent and the steady support of fans, collaborators, and industry partners. As he builds his catalog of original songs and performs more frequently, he continues to express gratitude for the people who have helped him get this far. For fans of contemporary country with roots in traditional storytelling, Colin Stough remains an artist to watch as he develops his sound and presence within the Nashville community.
His story underscores a familiar arc in modern country music: a talented performer finds a national platform, leverages that exposure to connect with fans, and relocates to Nashville to take advantage of the songwriting, production, and performance opportunities the city offers. With a recognized single, live appearances, and label involvement, Colin Stough’s next steps will likely include more original releases and expanded touring as he establishes himself in the country music landscape.