From Dreamer to Hitmaker: Drew Baldridge’s Success Story

Drew Baldridge, talented country artist known for hits like “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” and “Tough People” is no stranger to the spotlight, but this time he's taking on a different role. As Elaina Smith’s Backstage Country co-host, Drew will bring in his humor, charm and passion for music for the whole week! 

Baldridge shared that he started singing at church at 17. “I remember when I first started singing, I was singing in a church with a little small quartet, and I started singing in bars too on Saturday nights. The other half of the quartet came to me and said, ‘Hey, you're going to have to make a decision if you're singing for the Lord or you're singing in bars.’ And I was 17 years old [at that time].” 

He admitted it was a hard decision and that it caught him off guard since he loves country music and it’s where his heart is. He said after a couple of weeks that his pastor called him and talked to him. Baldridge said he didn’t know what to do and his pastor told him, ‘I'm just going to say this. Jesus just wasn't in the church. He was with the taxpayers. He was within the bars. No matter where you go, just be a light.’ And for me, if I get to be a light, that's my goal.” 

He added, “When people come up or I receive these messages, I just always remember that and try to be a light in that situation and not try to bring heaviness back to them, but to put a smile on their face or try to let them know that they're not alone or to let them know that they are tough.” 

Country Radio Broadcasters recently revealed Drew Baldridge was included as one of the 2025 New Faces of Country Music showcase during the Country Radio Seminar that happened February 19-21.

Smith asked Baldridge what the honor meant to him. Baldridge admitted, “I thought I never had a chance anymore. I thought there was no way; I had four failed singles. I thought, 'Why would country radio ever vote me in as a new face?' I've been in music on the radio for eight years. I had some radio people come up and [they’re] like, ‘Oh you're voted new face. Does that offend you that you’re a new face? Does it offend you that you've been here for so long?’ I was like, ‘Frick, no. I’m stoked.’” He chuckled,” Yeah, I'm so excited to be a new face. I don't care if I'm the oldest man on the stage.” 

Throughout the week, listeners will get an inside look at Drew Baldridge’s journey (and humor), his early days, and some unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories. You won’t want to miss this week’s Backstage Country!