Madeline Merlo
Madeline Merlo, born on February 9, 1994, in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, has swiftly risen in the country music scene with her distinctive blend of country-pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Her journey from a small-town singer to a celebrated artist is marked by significant milestones and memorable performances.
Merlo's passion for music was evident from a young age, influenced by a household filled with diverse musical genres, from classic country to R&B. She began songwriting and performing locally, which eventually led to her signing with RGK Entertainment and Open Road Recordings in 2013. Her debut single, "Sinking Like a Stone," released in 2014, garnered attention and set the stage for her subsequent successes.
In 2015, Merlo's talent was recognized with the Canadian Country Music Association's Rising Star Award. This accolade was a precursor to the release of her debut album, "Free Soul," in 2016, which featured hits like "Honey Jack" and "Whatcha Wanna Do About It." The latter became her first top-ten single on Canadian country radio.
Throughout her career, Merlo has graced numerous stages across North America, captivating audiences with her dynamic performances. Some of her notable appearances include:
The Road Trip Tour (2015): Serving as the opening act for Canadian country stars Dean Brody and Paul Brandt, Merlo showcased her burgeoning talent to a wider audience.
Boots and Hearts Music Festival: Merlo has been a recurring performer at this renowned festival, taking the stage in 2016 and again in 2018, where she shared the lineup with prominent artists like Florida Georgia Line and Alan Jackson.
Sunfest (2017): She energized the crowd on the final night of Sunfest, setting the stage for headliners Little Big Town.
Grand Ole Opry Debut (October 16, 2024): A significant milestone in any country artist's career, Merlo made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, performing "Champagne Night" and "Broken Heart Thing" alongside Dustin Lynch.
Madeline Merlo performed at the Centre in the Square on December 10, 2018, as part of a tour with Tim Hicks and Tebey. (See photos below)
In recent years, Merlo's career has continued to flourish. In 2020, she gained widespread recognition by winning NBC's "Songland" with the song "Champagne Night," which was subsequently recorded by Lady A and became a chart-topping hit. Following this success, she signed with BBR Music Group in Nashville and released the EP "Slide" in 2022. Her latest project, "One House Down (from the girl next door)," released in October 2024, features collaborations with artists like Dustin Lynch and showcases her growth as a songwriter and performer.
Madeline Merlo's journey from a small-town girl to a prominent figure in country music is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and genuine connection with her audience. As she continues to evolve as an artist, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapters in her musical story.
