Hailey Whitters at 'Stars and Strings'

Hailey Whitters is sharing her predictions going into next week’s 57th Annual CMA Awards and according to her, the show will be dominated by pone of Country music's newest stars. “I love Jelly Roll and I know he’s gonna sweep and I think he should because he’s had an insane year,” she said of the singer-songwriter who received a whopping 5 nominations, including New Artist of the Year, which Hailey is also nominated for. “I’m pumped to be there, to be in the category and, I hope I meet Dolly – that’s my goal,” she laughed. Trophy or no trophy, the year has still been an incredible one for Whitters who celebrated her single, “Everything She Aint” going Platinum, an ACM win and CMA nomination – all milestones she’d just about given up hope on over the last 15 years. “I’m just so proud,” she expressed before taking the stage at Audacy’s Stars & Strings of the year she’s had. “I have to slow it down and really soak up those moments because it has been a long time for me – I’m like a 15-year overnight success. I’ve been in Nashville for a really long time and I think just so many things have happened this year that I’d kinda given up on happening… It’s been a really special year.” Another experience adding to the magic of 2023 for Whitters was being on tour with Country icon and co-host of next week’s CMA Awards, Luke Bryan. “He’s like, so funny,” she said of being on tour with Luke. “I would go out every night and do ‘9 to 5’ [by Dolly Parton] with him and he would always just greet me with a shot. He’s just a total ham… he says hilarious stuff all the time. What you see is what you get.” To hear more about Hailey’s time on tour, new song, “I’m In Love,” and recent accomplishments, press play on her full conversation with Audacy’s Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal