Next Up in Country Music: Emily Ann Roberts and all her Southern Grace

In an era where country music is tugged in every direction, traditional vs. progressive, crossover vs. stripped back, cookie-cutter vs. rebellious social media-fused drama, it is time for someone to be rewarded for being completely, unapologetically themselves. Somehow this feels more rebellious than anything else happening in country music…. So who is it?

Meg Moroney has filled the “college sorority emo country girl” role, and Ella Langley takes the cake for “badass, rowdy southern girl that can kick your butt.”

But there is A Missing Lane: a lane defined by respect, grace, conviction, faith, family, and genuine storytelling. Country women need someone to fill the void by bridging the genre’s past and its future. 

Country music is missing Emily Ann Roberts. 

Raised in East Tennessee, Emily comes from the kind of small-town southern roots that most Nashville artists try to fabricate. She spent her early years singing in church, local talent shows, and school events, learning the kind of vocal discipline that comes from performing not for applause, but for purpose. 

Her big break came when she competed on Season 9 of The Voice at just 16 years old. Mentored by Blake Shelton, she immediately stood out with a tone that felt older than her years with classic country phrasing, effortless control, and a poise that made viewers think, “She’s going to be doing this for life.” Roberts finished as the runner-up, but the real win was the foundation it set: people familiarized themselves with her voice and believed in her. 

Emily has a strong social media following and is one of the most consistent internet personalities. In an era where you are required to interact with a fan base on a daily basis, Emily Ann proves as one of the most consistent and relatable brands. Emily will share a Tik Tok dance or Instagram skit but not as a means to chase virility or one specific algorithm. Emily Ann Roberts has a strong, stable brand anchored by deep and meaningful roots. Her “viral clips” are merely icing on the cake and a layer to show a lighthearted to a rich foundation.

Emily released a record, Memory Lane, in October of 2025 that has amassed north of 10 million streams in just 2 months. Her strategic marketing is generating organic listenership. Her VOICE is what makes them stay. As Blake first recognized, Emily has a classic delivery. You can picture Emily Ann signing on a Zach Top record or partnering with other rising females, maybe Lauren Alaina, Ella Langley, or Megan Moroney? 

It is rare to find this talent matched with this level of sincerity. Emily is not just another trend; she is here to stay.