By continuing to use this website you agree to our terms and conditions. If you don't agree with our terms and conditions, you are not permitted to continue using this website.
Table of Contents
Fans ofGabby Barrettknow her as the powerhouse voice behind country hits like “I Hope” and “The Good Ones.”
But her recent announcement about releasing a single to Christian radio has sparked rumors: Is she stepping away from country music?
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in Gabby’s career and whether she’s really leaving her country roots behind.
About Gabby Barrett
Gabby Barrett, one of eight kids born to Blaise and Pam Barrett, started singing when she was just nine years old.
In 2014, she won the Kean Quest Talent Search, and at fourteen, her dad encouraged her to sing in an all-black choir, which led her to join the Lamb of God Christian Ministries in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
She later auditioned forAmerican Idolin Nashville and made it all the way to the Finale before getting voted off.
Gabby married fellowIdolcontestantCade Foehneron October 5, 2019.
They now have three children: a daughter born on January 18, 2021, a son born on October 27, 2022, and their youngest daughter born on February 17, 2024.
Gabby Barrett: A Rising Force in Country Music
Gabby Barrett’s debut single, “I Hope,” made an immediate impact, becoming the first Top 10 Hot Country Songs debut by a solo female artist since 2017.
The song’s success extended beyond country, reaching the top three on theBillboardHot 100 and earning a 7× platinum certification from the RIAA.
Barrett’s debut album,Goldmine, released on June 19, 2020, further established her as a powerful new voice in the genre.
Source: Instagram/gabbybarrett
Gabby Barrett’s First Christian Single: “Jesus on a Train”
Ahead of the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards, Gabby Barrett shared some big news—she’s releasing her first Christian single, “Jesus on a Train,” to Christian radio on October 14.
This is a song from her most recent album,Chapter & Verse, and it has deep faith-driven themes that are very close to Gabby’s heart.
The track, written withcountry musicheavyweightsRoss Copperman, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne, is an acoustic, introspective piece that questions how we might react if we encountered Jesus in everyday life.
The song’s lyrics, like “If I saw Jesus on a train / Would I even ask His name / Or just use it all in vain,” show Gabby’s thoughtful approach to faith and life.
Fans of her music won’t be surprised—she’s been open about her faith from the start, and this new release seems like a natural extension of that.
How Does This Affect Her Country Career?
With the release of “Jesus on a Train” to Christian radio, some fans are wondering if Gabby is about to make a permanent switch to Christian music.
After all, her second album,Chapter & Verse, didn’t hit the same commercial highs as her debut albumGoldmine, which produced the smash crossover hit “I Hope” (especially after the Charlie Puth remix) and fan-favorites like “The Good Ones” and “Pick Me Up.”
But Gabby’s not abandoning country music—at least, not anytime soon. In fact, she’s been pretty clear that this isn’t an either/or situation.
In a recent interview, she mentioned that she’s still very much in love with country music, but as a Christian, her faith plays a huge role in her life and her music.
“I don’t know exactly what it looks like for me,”she said, explaining how she’s exploring both genres.
“Anne Wilson’s a good example of balancing that seesaw of country and Christian.”
Balancing Faith and Music
Gabby has always been upfront about her faith, and it’s shown up in her music before.
In fact, her debutalbumGoldminehad hints of her spirituality, butChapter & Versetakes it a step further with its more obvious Christian themes.
The album even closes with a duet featuring contemporary Christian artistPhil Wickham, called“The Verse: Doxology (Amen).”
This shift isn’t really a surprise—it’s more of a natural evolution for her as an artist who’s deeply connected to her beliefs.
“My identity is in Jesus,”she has said, which reflects how integral her faith is to her music.
It’s a core part of who she is, and she’s committed to expressing that in her songs. But that doesn’t mean she’s turning her back on the country.
Christian Radio: A New Challenge, Not a Departure
It’s not unusual for country artists to dip their toes into Christian music.
Hillary Scott of Lady A famously released a Christian album during a Lady A hiatus, even winning a Grammy for it, all while continuing her country career.
Carrie Underwood has also released severalfaith-based songs alongside her country catalog.
Gabby’s move to Christian radio might seem like a major shift, but it’s more about expanding her reach than leaving country music entirely.
Barrett has spent six or seven years in the country music scene, and it’s evident that her love for the genre remains strong.
She’s simply using this time to explore her creative and spiritual boundaries. As she said,“I fell in love with country music, but being a Christian is my identity.”
Source: Instagram/gabbybarrett
What’s Next for Gabby Barrett?
So, is Gabby Barrett leaving country music? The short answer is no—or at least, not right now.
She’s passionate about both country music and her faith, and for now, she’s figuring out how to balance both worlds.
Her new single, “Jesus on a Train,” will be released to Christian radio, but that doesn’t mean she’s shutting the door on her country career.
If anything, this move shows her willingness to grow as an artist and connect with a broader audience.
Fans of both country and Christian music can look forward to seeing where thisjourneytakes her.
For Gabby Barrett, this seems to be more of an expansion of her artistry rather than a departure from the country music world she loves.
This table highlights Gabby Barrett’s impressive award wins across major music platforms
Cade & Gabby Barrett (Wedding Video)
Conclusion
Gabby Barrett’s leap into Christian music with “Jesus on a Train” is an exciting move, but it doesn’t mean she’s leaving her country roots behind.
Rather, it shows her desire to broaden her horizons and explore new ways to express her faith, all while maintaining her strong connection to country music.
Like other artists who’ve successfully blended genres, Gabby is discovering how to embrace both sides of her musical identity.
For now, fans can expect to see her continue navigating this journey, delivering heartfelt country hits alongside meaningful Christian songs.
Whether in country or Christian spaces, Gabby Barrett’s music will always reflect her values and her ability to thrive in both genres shows her talent and authenticity.
Last Updated: October 11, 2024
