Fans of country music have watched Avery Anna quickly emerge as one of the genre’s fastest-rising young stars over the past few years. From going viral on TikTok as a teenager to collaborating with major artists and earning her first ACM Award, the 22-year-old singer-songwriter has continued building momentum in Nashville.
Now that Avery Anna has officially been named the ACM’s New Female Artist of the Year, many fans are eager to learn more about the rising country star. With that in mind, here are five fast facts to know about Avery Anna.
1. Avery Anna Released Her Debut Album in 2024
Avery Anna was just a teenager when the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world. Like many teens, she turned to TikTok at the time. However, this was a decision that would have a lasting impact on her life, as she soon went viral on the app after posting a cover of her singing Christina Aguilera’s “Say Something.”
Matt Thomas of Parmalee saw Avery Anna’s viral TikTok and sent it to David Fanning, who signed the teen to a talent manager, which led to the start of her professional music career.
Now, 22 years old, Avery Anna released her debut album, “Breakup Over Breakfast,” on July 19, 2024. Her sophomore album, “Let Go Letters,” was released on May 16, 2025.
2. Avery Anna Co-Wrote “Indigo” With Sam Barber
The 22-year-old rising star has also collaborated with fellow country music star Sam Barber. The duo’s 2024 single “Indigo” peaked at number 8 on Billboard’s US Country and number 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Along with co-writing and featuring on “Indigo,” Avery Anna also collaborated with Sam Barber on “Restless Mind” and “Fear in God.”
3. Avery Anna Won Her First ACM Award in 2026
Avery Anna won her first ACM Award in 2026. While the 61st ACM Awards were held on May 17, 2026, the ACM announced the winner of the “New Female Artist of the Year” category on April 26, 2026. Anna was presented with the award by fellow artist Sam Barber during her performance at the Lone Star Smokeout festival in Arlington, Texas.
After being presented with the award and the opportunity to perform during ACM Awards night, Avery Anna told Country Now, “I am feeling like there’s so much going on I can’t even process it. I still can’t believe I’m here. I don’t even know how to feel.”
The country star added, “I’m just so excited and nervous all at the same time, and getting to perform on the ACMs is way beyond my wildest dreams. I watched it all growing up, and I mean, I think I’m just honored to be embraced by the country music industry, especially because I lean a little outside of the genre sometimes, and so to be taken in with love and understanding is just really beautiful.”
Avery Anna was up against MacKenzie Carpenter, Dasha, Caroline Jones, and Emily Ann Roberts for the award.
4. Avery Anna Moved to Nashville When She Was 17
Avery Anna graduated from high school in May 2021. Like many teens her age, she finished virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. However, shortly after graduation, she moved to Nashville to continue building her music career. The following year, she signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville in June 2022.
5. Avery Anna Is From Flagstaff, Arizona
Avery Anna was born on March 3, 2004, and grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona. Her full name is Avery Anna Rhoton. Her mother, Tess Nelson Rhoton, is a volleyball coach at Coconino High School, while her father, Brian Rhoton, owns Capstone Homes in Flagstaff.
Anna also comes from a large family with three siblings. She has one older sister, Taylor Rhoton Anderson, along with two younger siblings, Clayton Rhoton and Paisley Rhoton.
With her ACM win, growing fanbase, and rapidly expanding music career, Avery Anna is continuing to establish herself as one of country music’s fastest-rising young stars. Fans can catch the singer-songwriter at the 61st ACM Awards on May 17, 2026, as she celebrates one of the biggest milestones of her career so far.
