Country star Carly Pearce is known today for her powerhouse vocals, honest songwriting, and a string of award-winning hits. But her recent TikTok video reminds fans that the road to country music success isn’t always paved in rhinestones.
In a vulnerable and inspiring post, Pearce opened up about the harsh realities she faced during her early years in Nashville, before the record deals, the #1 singles, and Grand Ole Opry moments.
With over a decade in the industry under her belt, Pearce shared five pivotal moments from her journey that nearly derailed her dreams but ultimately shaped the artist she is today.
1. “I once played for a label head who told me to my face that I would never be a star.”
One of Pearce’s earliest brushes with rejection came from someone with power: a record label executive. They had made their decision and Pearce was bluntly told straight to her face that she didn’t have what it takes to make it as a star.
For a young artist grinding her way through Nashville, hearing such a definitive dismissal could’ve easily ended her journey; instead, Pearce used that moment as fuel.
2. “I once had someone tell me after they heard five songs with ‘Every Little Thing’ on it that I didn’t have any songs that were special.”
Ironically, the very song dismissed as “not special” became the breakthrough hit that changed everything.
Every Little Thing went on to become Pearce’s debut #1 single and an instant fan favourite. The haunting ballad struck a chord with country listeners thanks to its emotional rawness and heartbreak honesty. It helped establish Carly as a serious songwriter and not just another artist trying to fit the radio mold.
“So for any of you guys out there with a dream, please listen to this and understand it can literally happen overnight. Every Little Thing changed my entire life in 12 hours,” Pearce shared in the same TikTok video.
3. “I was told that I was dated, because I sang country music.”
This critique came during the peak of the bro-country era, a time when the airwaves were dominated by beer, trucks, and a lineup of mostly male voices.
Pearce, on the other hand, was singing traditional-leaning country music with emotional depth and steel guitar. At the time, that sound was considered “old-fashioned,” even though it was authentic to who she was as an artist.
In hindsight, Pearce’s dedication to staying true to herself helped usher in a new wave of female voices in country who leaned into storytelling and rootsy instrumentation. And now? That “dated” sound is exactly what fans are hungry for.
4. “I took a job working for Lucy Hale as a backup singer and was told that was going to kill my career, but that actually started to help me gain fans.”
Before she was headlining her own shows, Pearce was singing backup for the successful actress Lucy Hale known for her role in Pretty Little Liars.
At the time, some insiders warned her that being in the background would set her career back. But instead, that gig turned into a blessing. It allowed Pearce to tour, perform on real stages, and connect with new audiences. The visibility gave her a chance to build her name, even if it wasn’t from center stage just yet.
5. “I was once told that I was old news, because I had lived in Nashville for eight years and everybody knew who I was.”
They don’t call it a “ten-year-town” for no reason. Perhaps one of the hardest pills to swallow was the idea that simply being around too long without a breakout hit made her less desirable to the industry.
But if anything, Pearce’s story is proof that persistence pays off. Eight years of showing up, writing, performing, and refusing to quit eventually led her to the spotlight and to an audience who recognized just how real and relatable she was.
Every Little Thing wasn’t just a hit, it was a huge turning point for Pearce. Released in 2017, the emotional ballad quickly gained traction on SiriusXM’s The Highway, before climbing all the way to #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
Its success led to her first album, national tours, and a seat at the table in an industry that had once doubted her. Since then, she’s earned multiple CMA and ACM Awards, a GRAMMY, and the respect of peers and fans alike.
The heart of Pearce’s TikTok message is this: rejection is part of the process, not the end of it.
Other artists were quick to show their love and support in the comments. Kelsea Ballerini chimed in with, “reason 48193782 why i love you,” while Aussie star Casey Barnes added, “LOVE THIS MATE.” Fellow country singer Tori Darke wrote, “We are so lucky you didn’t listen to them. We love you and you give us all hope that our dreams will become reality.”
For anyone chasing a dream, especially in a town like Nashville, Pearce’s journey is a powerful reminder: the people who say “no” today might just be the ones watching you succeed tomorrow.
Countrytown brings you Australia’s best country music news, interviews, charts and more every week! This post was authored by Countrytown and originally published on the Countrytown website. It has been re-published with permission.
