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 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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