Brant McCollough: From Dreams of Childhood to Stardom in Country Music

The musical career of Brant McCollough really took off when he was a young boy and inspired by his older cousin playing the guitar with "Sweet Child O' Mine." He got his first acoustic guitar at the age of eight and further learned the basic chords of D, C, and G. He learned how to play his first song, "Sweet Home Alabama," via YouTube, and hasn't put down the guitar since.

His musical influences are Keith Whitley and Brantley Gilbert, both of whom helped in molding Brant into the musician he has become. He combines these influences into his performances and songwriting, finding a voice somewhere between traditional and modern country music.

Some of the major points among many highlights in Brant's career included publicity from American Idol and the cool people one got to meet. Another memory that really stood out to him was when, at The National Peanut Festival in Dothan, Alabama, he was pulled from the crowd to perform "Flower Shops" with country artist Earnest. Next, share the stage with rising country artist Colin Stough at a festival in Geneva, Alabama; open for Megan Moroney and Them Dirty Roses; and just recently, it was awesome to be part of the "Jim Beam" Battle of the Bands in Panama City Beach, Florida, competing for Gulf Coast Jam 2024. Placing third out of nine bands, most of which were based out of Nashville, was an exciting accomplishment for Brant and his band—especially considering they had been together for five months.

Among the many accomplishments of Brant, he won on American Idol and thus had the opportunity to perform in front of the judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. He won the Hank Williams Sr. Talent Showcase in Georgiana, Alabama. That lets him get into a recording studio and get his music on the radio and streaming platforms.

His latest single, "Til Then," does not fail to demonstrate his power as a songwriting genius and dedication to the music game. The song really encapsulates the message of his journey musically and the hopes that he has for the future.

Deeply spiritual, Brant attributes his success to his faith. Among more significant moments for the artist was taking his guitar and himself to the church to be blessed. He feels this act of faith has played an extremely big role in his success with music.

In the future, Brant hopes to have sold-out shows and meet new musicians who have the same interest in music. He wants to overwhelm fans' experience by bringing high energy to the performance by involving the audience—by pulling people on stage to sing with him—and making it personal with a high five among other interactions."