Feb. 10—Two former American Idol contestants, billed as “rising country artists,” are now slated to perform at the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair.
Grange Fair organizers announced Friday morning that taking the grandstand on the night of Aug. 19 will be Season 19 (2021) third-place finisher Alex Miller and HunterGirl, who was the Season 20 (2022) runner-up.
Grandstand shows are free, but admission to the fair is required.
Miller released a post-Idol record just last year, titled “Miller Time,” and he’s since performed at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and opened for acts such as Hank Williams Jr. Country star Luke Bryan, who boasts 27 No. 1 hits, once exclaimed, “Boy, you can sing!” Bryan, an American Idol judge, likewise complimented HunterGirl and referred to her as the “new age Miranda Lambert.”
HunterGirl grew up in Tennessee has performed at some of Nashville’s most famous venues, from Tootsies Orchid Lounge to Rippy’s Honky Tonk. According to her website bio, she’s shared the stage with superstars such as Charlie Daniels and Trace Adkins. And her single “Red Bird” was a top-10 hit on the iTunes overall chart.
Grange Fair organizers plan to announce a different grandstand act at 10 a.m. every Friday. This was organizers’ first such announcement.
HunterGirl has performed on “Good Morning America” and “Live with Kelly & Ryan.” She released a five-song EP last year that one critic said was a “true testament to what modern country music is all about.” She’s often been praised for her songwriting, which she’s been doing since the age of 9.
Miller’s sound has been referred to as “fiercely traditional” with an “up-tempo swing approach.” He was born in 2003 and is recognized for his baby-face and 6-foot-5 frame.
The 2023 Grange Fair is set for Aug. 18-26. It is the only remaining tenting fair in the nation, according to its website.
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