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Billboard Music Awards Winner Gabby Barrett ‘Had No Idea’ She Would Experience So Much Fame After ‘American Idol’

Gabby Barrett didn’t realize that she would become famous following American Idol.

On Sunday (May 23), the pop-country crossover singer took home three Billboard Music Awards. She won for Top Country Female Artist along with Top Country Song and Top Collaboration for “I Hope.”

Gabby Barrett spoke with Entertainment Tonight after her big wins. She said that it is “overwhelming but in the best way.”

“This is one of those things where it’s hard to put into words because it doesn’t really feel real,” she explained. After working hard to become an artist and it actually happens, it’s hard for her to “switch gears” after reaching her goals.

Following her time on Season 16 of American Idol in 2018 and getting third place, she has been steadily releasing music. In the past year, she got her first two No. 1 singles, signed on for a Thomas Rhett tour, won CMT and ACM awards and welcomed her first child, Baylah. She describes the time as a “crazy roller coaster” and is on cloud nine.

“I had no idea this was going to happen. Ever since getting off American Idol and hitting back at the ground, moving to Nashville and diving into everything and working hard to get a record deal, writing songs, and really getting into the community, the music industry has been absolutely wonderful towards me,” she said. “Which is extremely humbling. I’m very blessed for that.”

Gabby Barrett on Being a New Mom

Gabby Barrett and her husband Cade Foehner are ready to have their newborn experience music in more ways than one.

“My husband likes classic country, and he likes Christian music, and so do I,” she told CMT. “So, we will probably bring her up with a lot of that.”

Gabby Barrett noted that she was influenced by those genres of music as her parents played it around the house growing up. She owes her influences and style to them. She added, “So, I imagine what music you play around your kids or in the car influences their style of music.”

Baylah will be on the tour bus and the road with her parents.

“She will definitely be with us,” Barrett confirmed. “I’m really excited for her to kind of be able to watch us on the side of the stage, and as she grows, become more aware of what we do and songs and things like that. And then eventually we can write songs about her and it will just be so sweet.”