WATCH: ‘American Idol’ Winner Laine Hardy Performs Unreleased Song, Debuts New Look
Fans are going crazy for the East Baton Rouge native’s acoustic performance.
Laine Hardy; Photos via Instagram
Laine Hardy returned to social media on Monday (April 17) with an acoustic performance of “Rope Swing” and a new look.
The Season 17 American Idol winner performed an acoustic rendition of the song “Rope Swing,” which was co-written by Laine Hardy alongside Jordan Minton and JT Harding. The trio of songwriters wrote the tune in 2019.
Sporting tall muck boots, jeans, a camo shirt, and a ball cap, Hardy gave fans a taste of the unreleased tune from an outdoor deck.
“I remember that rope swing / hanging over that river / coming out of the water / and given me shivers / I remember that two-piece / the same color as your eyes / for a moment I was all yours and baby you were all mine,” he sang on the first verse.
“If I could go back I swear that I would / it happened so fast but it was so good / summertime kiss as sweet as honey / cinnamon legs right on the money / I was hanging on you / you were hanging on me / we were tangled up together under that oak tree / a little Led Zeppelin and your tan bare feet / I’m holdin’ that memory like you were holdin’ that rope swing,” he added on the chorus.
Watch Laine Hardy Perform “Rope Swing”
Several fans praised the song in the comments section, begging for him to release it.
“I’ve missed you Laine… It’s time to Party with a Hardy… Get back in the saddle and make music…” one of his followers said, while others added, “I hope you go on tour soon,” “I love Rope Swing. I hope it is released soon for a download,” “Love Rope Swing! You sound amazing as ever” and “Sounding great Laine. Love your voice.”
“New Beginnings”
Fans were quick to notice the Louisiana’s new look as this is the first time he’s been seen with a shorter hair cut and a mostly clean-shaven face in quite some time.
“New beginnings and you look, and sound great! 👏” one fan added, while another shared, “Got a good one there Laine [and] got a haircut too looking good guy! God bless!❤️❤️🙌”
Laine Hardy Previously Teased & Performed “Rope Swing”
He previously teased “Rope Swing” on his socials in September of 2022 and December of 2021. Laine Hardy also performed the tune live in 2019, according to fans.
The 22-year-old singer/songwriter has also teased other unreleased tunes on social, which you can hear below.
“Songs About You”
“That Man”
“Me Meeting You”
“Party I Can Play”
While Laine Hardy has yet to announce a new project or release date for new music, he previously revealed in October of 2022 that he has been “writing new music.”
These new tunes follow the release of Laine Hardy’s debut album, Here’s To Anyone, which dropped in the fall of 2021. The album, produced by Michael Knox, features 11 tracks, including “Memorize You,” “Tiny Town,” “The Other LA,” and “Let There Be Country.”
In the fall of 2022, Laine Hardy parted ways with his record label. He revealed the news to fans via a statement posted to social media.
“I was just 17 years old when I first tried out for American Idol, and at the time, I couldn’t have ever imagined where I was headed. Since then, I’ve been able to tour across America, play for our Troops in Asia, and make new fans in Europe. I had to grow up quickly and I am still learning more about myself every day,” he wrote.
“The teams at 19 Entertainment and Disney Music Group have given me so much support and guidance, and I will forever be grateful. And now it’s time for me to take my career in a new direction and I am figuring that out. Stay tuned for what’s coming next.”
Returned To Where It All Started
Laine Hardy recently returned to American Idol alongside fellow Season 17 contestant, Laci Kaye Booth. The pair appeared on the current season of Idol where they spoke with the judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, about their respective careers.
In 2022, the country singer ran into legal troubles when he was arrested and accused of spying on an ex-girlfriend. According to Louisiana’s WAFB Channel 9, Hardy may avoid jail time as he entered a pre-trial program through the District Attorney’s Office.
Currently, Laine Hardy has no tour dates on the books. Fans can stay tuned to his official website for show updates.
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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