A Look Back On Drake Milligan’s Musical Journey Following His Successul Run On America’s Got Talent
Here’s what the country crooner has been up to since appearing on ‘AGT.’
Drake Milligan performs at CRS in Nashville
Drake Milligan made a name for himself following his standout run on America’s Got Talent in 2022 where he finished in third place. Since his time on the hit show, the Texas native has made incredible strides in his country music career, solidifying his place as an artist on the rise within the genre. Here’s what Drake Milligan has been up to since appearing on America’s Got Talent.
What Has Drake Milligan Been Doing Since He Was On AGT?
The Stoney Creek recording artist released his debut album, Dallas/ Fort Worth, amid his time on AGT. Upon its release in September of 2022, the project dominated iTunes, charting back-to-back No.1 hits on the iTunes Country Songs Chart, #1 on the iTunes All-Genre Chart, and reclaimed the No.1 spot on the iTunes Country Albums Chart. Milligan simultaneously held positions 1, 2, 3, and 5 on the iTunes Country Video Chart. Additionally, the project landed in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Albums Sales Chart.
An enthusiast of classic country music, infused with the charisma of early Rock ‘n’ Roll, this Fort Worth, Texas native is a dynamic performer inspired by musical legends George Strait and Elvis Presley – the King of Country and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Milligan’s distinctive blend of traditional Country has won over fans, peers, and the media, with notable appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the Grand Ole Opry, CMA Fest, and Stagecoach.
Another milestone moment for Milligan came in 2023 when he earned a Canadian Country Radio No.1 with “Honky Tonkin’ About” with The Reklaws.
A Massive Homecoming Show
Milligan recently delighted a hometown audience of almost 4,000 fans on during his debut headline performance at Billy Bob’s Texas, earning a spot on the infamous “Wall of Fame” within the venue. Following this success, he received an invitation to headline the venue’s extensive New Year’s Eve concert in 2023, marking a triumphant conclusion to another significant year in his career.
New Music On The Horizon
With a new year on the horizon, Milligan shows no signs of slowing down. On February 16, he will release the Jukebox Songs EP. The four-song project will continue to introduce fans to his boot-stomping brand of country music. Crafted under the production of fellow Texan Trent Willmon, the EP will once more showcase Milligan’s velvety and resonant baritone vocals.
“Jukebox Songs is exactly what it sounds like,” Milligan shares. “My goal for this EP was to write and find songs that feel classic and memorable – the kinda tunes would fit right in on some old Rock-Ola in the corner of a smoke-filled bar on the outskirts of nowhere Texas. It’s a continuation of the old-meets-new Country sound I’ve always gone for, and this time with my friend Trent Willmon at the reins as producer, I’m very excited to keep this honky tonk train rollin.’”
The traditional country star gave fans an early taste of the project with the release of “Don’t Leave Me Loving You.” Penned by Bobby Pinson, Matt Rogers & Ben Stennis, the track is a timeless, classic-country style ballad.
“Don’t Leave Me Loving You”
NBC’s Fantasy League
With the new EP on the horizon, Milligan also has plans to return to primetime TV. The rising star will soon compete on NBC’s America’s Got Talent spin-off show, Fantasy League. The show officially premiered on Monday, January 1, and features judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Terry Crews as well as previous Judge Mel B, who is returning after four years. In a format reminiscent of fantasy sports drafts, the judges will individually select a roster of their preferred acts. Breaking new ground in the show’s history, the judges will actively compete alongside the contestants, providing guidance to their chosen acts throughout the competition. Their aim is to earn bragging rights and witness a champion from their team in AGT: Fantasy League. The victorious act will be awarded a grand prize of $250,000.
In addition to competing on Fantasy League, Milligan will also join Cody Johnson for 10 dates on his area tour this winter.
To see a complete list of Drake Milligan’s tour dates, click here.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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