In This Episode:
- The Immense Pressures of Being on American Idol and the Girl Who Fainted on Stage
- How To Focus On Controlling What You Can Control and Not Stressing Over What You Can’t Control
- Justin Bieber Has More Country Grammy Awards Than Eric Church, Blurring the Country Genre Lines
- How Grace Differiencates Herself in Music and Why Writing Past the Surface Level and Getting Personal is Important for Her
- What a Group Nashville Songwriting Session is Like and the Struggles of Learning To Write Alone
- Pandemic Dating, the Challenge of Finding a Man Who Supports Your Career and Doesn’t Just View It As a Hobby, and an Interesting Moment Grace Had on a Date That Didn’t End Well
Quotations:
“Then he didn’t ask me out again, I don’t know why. I will never know why, I guess maybe it was a little too much for him.” – Grace Leer
“I cried the entire write, like not just like cried, I was bawling.” – Grace Leer
“My parents divorced when I was really little and I tried to write that song, but I still don’t feel like I’ve really written it in the right way.” – Grace Leer
“Something I’m trying to get better at is writing alone. I feel like it’s very hard for me, that’s something I’m really trying to work on.” – Grace Leer
“I remember talking to my dad and him saying, ‘Grace, if this is what you want, you better suck it up.” – Grace Leer
“If you can’t do anything about it, what’s the point of getting so stressed over it.” – Grace Leer
“I don’t think I’m one thing, which is fun, but it’s hard to show that with also the pressure of people asking ‘who are you?” – Grace Leer
Guest’s Bio:
“She literally came out here and made everyone else look like they were on a talent show.” ~Katy Perry
This reaction from Katy Perry on Grace Leer’s performance of “Natural Woman” during American Idol’s Top 40 Showcase Season 18 quickly made headlines, as it led to a head to head voting competition against another country contestant. The winner of this competition would advance that country artist to the Top 20 of American Idol.
Grace won fans over and not only sailed into the Top 20 but then onto Top 10 with live performances from her own backyard in California. Due to the COVID-19 “stay at home” order, Grace took on the challenge of performing to millions through an iPhone. Grace proved her talent, whether live or uploaded by phone, could entertain and wholly captivate her audience. This was not the first time Grace had to rise to the occasion as competition has always been part of her life. Grace earned a scholarship to play Division 1 soccer at the University of California- Berkeley where she not only was voted Captain of the team her senior year but led the Bears to numerous victories with her skills and strong work ethic. After graduating from Berkeley, Grace headed to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue her dream of becoming a country music singer. Not long after her move, she formed The Grace Leer Band and became not only the lead singer, but a booking agent, manager, songwriter, and public relations/social media manager as well. Grace collaborated with songwriter, Kyle Clouse, to create a 90’s throw-back country sound and successfully released three singles. Their music was influenced and inspired by older country music, especially 90’s female powerhouses such as Shania Twain, the Dixie Chicks, LeAnn Rimes, and Martina McBride. And it is this style of country music Grace is determined to bring back into the spotlight with her strong and colorful vocals. As the iconic Gladys Knight praised Grace with having “a richness to her voice,” she also adds to that with an undeniable stage presence. Whether on stage or through a phone, her performances are captivating and her audience is mesmerized and glued to her presence. Whatever the venue, in her backyard performing for 10 million American Idol viewers, in a bar, or in a professional sports stadium singing the National Anthem, Grace brings authenticity and genuine emotion to the songs she sings. Grace truly is a role model and inspiration to others, which can be seen by her massive “Team Grace” following on social media. She possesses a positive outlook and determination to do whatever it takes to fulfill her musical dreams. And, as Luke Bryan complimented her after a tremendous performance, saying “she checks all the boxes..” There is no doubt that Grace is well on her way to creating memorable country music and ultimately selling out stadiums and arenas around the world.
Contact:
Instagram: @graceleermusic