Fresh off being named the 2026 ACM New Female Artist of the Year, country breakout star Avery Anna is embracing what may be the biggest moment of her career so far, though she admits it still feels a little surreal. Between her massive Stagecoach performance, upcoming ACM Awards appearance on May 17, and new partnership with Arm & Hammer, the singer-songwriter is balancing a “whirlwind year” while trying to stay grounded in the moment. Speaking exclusively with The Blast, Avery opened up about the emotional moment she learned she won her ACM honor, the “whiplash” of her rising career, dream collaborations, and why authenticity matters more than ever.
Avery Anna Says Arm & Hammer Partnership Was A ‘Genuine Collaboration’
For Avery, partnering with Arm & Hammer felt like a natural fit because of both her lifestyle and upbringing. “Honestly, I don’t know an artist who wouldn’t feel like this is a good fit,” she told The Blast. “Especially me on stage and just in my everyday life and lifestyle, I’m not necessarily thinking about keeping my clothes super clean and tidy.”
The singer explained that performing night after night takes a toll on her wardrobe, especially when it comes to stage outfits that constantly need to be reused. “I like to get in the dirt,” she said. “I like to run all over the stage, sweat a lot… clothes get dirty.”
The partnership also carried a nostalgic connection back to her childhood, as Avery revealed her mom was “very adamant about chores and cleaning” growing up. “She knows just about every way to get a stain out with Arm & Hammer,” Avery shared, adding that her mother was “very proud” of the collaboration.
Stagecoach Performance Left Avery Anna With ‘Whiplash’
Like many country artists, Avery described Stagecoach Festival as one of the biggest stages in the genre and stepping onto it this year felt like a full-circle moment. “I’m still processing for sure,” she admitted. “It kind of gives me a little bit of whiplash.”
Avery reflected on how quickly her career has evolved, noting that not long ago she was simply performing with “me and a piano.” “To go from that to the main stage and having a legit performance with a band… ” It’s definitely a lot of whiplash,” she said.
One moment during the festival especially stood out to her. Avery recalled spotting a fan in the crowd who had previously attended one of her much smaller Stagecoach performances inside a tiny tent. “He was singing the last song in my set,” she said, recalling how the emotional interaction had once gone viral online. “It was just really full circle.”
The country singer also called Stagecoach the “Super Bowl” for country artists and said one of her favorite parts was getting to connect with fans from around the world. “There were a lot of people who flew from Australia,” she shared. “There were little girls who were dying to meet me. It was such a wholesome experience.”
ACM New Female Artist Of The Year Win Left Singer Emotional
Just two days after Stagecoach, Avery’s already unforgettable week got even bigger when she learned she had won ACM New Female Artist of the Year at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards. The singer revealed she was in Texas, attending Lone Star Smokeout, when the surprise unfolded. “Genuinely, I was so surprised and it kind of just punched me in the gut,” she said. “I was immediately emotional.”
To make the moment even more special, her family secretly showed up to celebrate with her. “My family surprised me. I don’t even know how they pulled it off,” Avery recalled, adding that the moment still hasn’t fully sunk in. “I still haven’t processed it,” she admitted. “It’s really cool and such an honor.”
Anna Teases Emotional ACM Awards Performance
The rising star also confirmed she’ll be taking the stage during the 61st ACM Awards on May 17, 2026, where she plans to perform “Blood Runs Thicker” with an intro featuring “Bang Bang.” “I was really, really hoping that I could perform,” she said.
According to Avery, the songs represent a new era of both her sound and identity as an artist. “I feel like it really represents my sound and my roots,” she explained. “It’s kind of the first time that I’ve stepped into this sound and really shown who I am and said it with my chest.”
The performance also carries added pressure because she knows it may serve as many viewers’ first introduction to her music. “I know it’s gonna be a lot of people’s first impressions of me,” she said. “I’m excited for that to be there.”
Avery Anna Reveals Dream Collaborations And Her ‘Exciting’ New Chapter
As Avery’s career continues to skyrocket, she revealed she’s already thinking ahead to what’s next, including dream collaborations with some of music’s biggest names. “I would kick myself if I didn’t say Taylor Swift,” she joked. She also named Noah Kahan, Chris Stapleton, The Red Clay Strays, and Dexter and the Moonrocks among the artists she would love to work with someday.
Beyond music, Avery hinted that even more opportunities could soon be on the horizon. “We’re definitely working on new music and booking more shows and maybe some other opportunities that go beyond the music industry,” she teased.
When asked to describe this current chapter of her life in one word, Avery didn’t hesitate. “Exciting,” she said, but amid all the chaos and career momentum, the singer says she’s making a conscious effort to stay grounded. “I’m really trying to make a point to just be where my feet are,” Avery shared. “I just want to live in each day and be grateful.”