Sixteen-year-old Kelbi Watkins is stepping into Christian Country music with the release of her debut single, “Christian Country Girl,” written and produced by Rick Schweinsberg. Although she may be a new name to Christian Country listeners, Kelbi has been singing in church for as long as she can remember. Her grandfather is her pastor, and her father, Christian Country artist Ryan Watkins, serves as worship leader. Kelbi gave her heart to the Lord at age eight and has continued using her gift of music to share her faith. Her journey has included winning a National BETA Club talent competition with her best friend, Alexa, performing “The Truth I’m Standing On,” as well as appearing alongside her father at The Ark Encounter’s Forty Days and Forty Nights events.

Kelbi’s story is also one of faith through adversity. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at just two years old, she experienced severe swelling and difficulty walking while her family traveled regularly from their home in Ider, Alabama, to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. Her parents prayed and trusted God through an uncertain season, and months later Kelbi returned to the doctor running and playing, something her family has always regarded as a miracle. Today, the singer, pageant winner and varsity basketball player brings that same determination to “Christian Country Girl.” Kelbi says she connected with the song because it reflects both her personality and her willingness to stand firm in her faith, even when doing so isn’t easy. For Kelbi Watkins, this first release is more than the beginning of a music career—it’s another opportunity to share the faith that has shaped her life.

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