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, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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