For Gloria Anderson, this year's CMA Fest marked a full-circle moment.

"I used to work these events as a volunteer," she shared. "To finally be a part of the music side is a dream come true."

The singer-songwriter made her official CMA Fest performance debut while also celebrating the release of her new album, Run of the Mill. The 10-song project, which was fully crowdfunded by fans, reflects Anderson's love for storytelling and is the perfect introduction of her.  

"My hometown has a little mill, and after a while you stop noticing it," she explained. "I hope the album reminds people to slow down and appreciate the places and people around them."

The record includes "A Little Bit of Cowboy," the song that earned Anderson recognition through the Tractor Supply Emerging Artist Program. After applying on the program's final day, at her mother's encouragement, Anderson was selected as the winner and later opened for Cody Johnson at a Tractor Supply event at Bridgestone Arena.

"It's been a whirlwind," she said. "Their team has been incredibly supportive, and it's been amazing to have champions like that in the industry."

Known for her vivid songwriting, Anderson describes her music as songs people can "see."

"I hope I write songs that stay with people through different seasons of life," she said. "Whether you're getting your first car or having your first baby, I want the songs to feel timeless."

The excitement doesn't stop with CMA Fest. This summer, Anderson is preparing for her first international run of shows in the United Kingdom, bringing her music overseas for the very first time. With a brand-new album, growing fan support, and international shows on the horizon, Gloria Anderson is proving that sometimes the biggest dreams start in the smallest hometowns.

Taylor Austin Dye is making waves with her unique blend of Southern rock and country. A Kentucky native, she may have grown up playing bluegrass music, but today describes her sound as "Shania Twain meets Nickelback"—a combination that perfectly captures her unique style.

During CMA Fest, Dye performed on the Close Up Stage in a songwriters' round, sharing stories behind her songs alongside fellow artists. While she loves the connection that songwriter rounds create with fans, she admits full-band shows are her favorite.

"A lot of my songs are high-energy and rocking," she said. "It's fun to get that big energy from the band."

Dye has released two full-length albums, Out of These Hills and Sick of Me, and credits her loyal fanbase, affectionately called the "Ride or Dyes", for helping fuel her success. Fans can also look forward to more music soon, as she's currently working on a larger project expected later this year or early next year.

One of the biggest moments of Dye's career was making her Grand Ole Opry debut after being personally invited by country star Jamey Johnson.

"I thought I was going to have a heart attack," she recalled. "It was honestly the best day of my life."

When it comes to dream collaborations, Dye names Ashley McBryde, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Messina, Gretchen Wilson, and Lainey Wilson among the powerhouse female artists she'd love to work with.

With new music on the way and a growing fanbase behind her, Taylor Austin Dye continues to prove she's one of country music's most exciting rising voices.

HunterGirl returned to CMA Fest this year with a packed schedule and a deep appreciation for the journey that brought her here.

"It's the most fun week in country music," she shared. "Getting to meet fans and put faces to names from social media is always so special."

Beyond the music, HunterGirl remains committed to supporting veterans through organizations like Operation Song, Freedom Sings USA, and A Soldier's Child. Coming from a military family, the cause is deeply personal.

"I write songs with veterans about what they've been through," she said. "It's been such a blessing in my life."

That passion recently came full circle when she invited Army Sergeant Sarah Lee onstage at the Grand Ole Opry to hear the song they wrote together performed for the first time.

The singer also reflected on her debut radio single, "Ain't About You," which made history as the first debut country radio single by a female artist in 30 years written entirely by herself. Written during a difficult season, the song was inspired by a simple realization: "What if it isn't about you? What if it's about the people you can help?" Despite her rising success, HunterGirl continues to live by this philosophy, and it shows in everything she does. 

Now, following the release of her Tennessee Girl EP and several new singles, HunterGirl says she's excited for fans to continue growing with her through each chapter of her music. With a successful CMA Fest behind her and new music on the way, HunterGirl is embracing every moment.

"It feels like everything I've worked toward my whole life is finally on the right path," she said. "I'm just really grateful to get to do it."