Parlaying her social media presence into a full-fledged career, Willow Avalon is certainly one to watch on the country music circuit. Inking a deal with Atlantic Records, the 26-year-old Georgia native celebrated the release of her debut album, Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell, with a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Avalon (born Willow Martin) hit another milestone in April when she teamed up with Zach Bryan on his Grammy-winning hit “I Remember Everything” during his Stagecoach headlining set. However, that one has had some online repercussions for the “Drivin’” singer.
Videos by American Songwriter
Willow Avalon Say Zach Bryan “Has Only Been Kind to Me”
During the past couple of years, Zach Bryan has found himself at the center of online controversy. One of the most public examples came during last year’s split from podcast host Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia. Apparently, Willow Avalon found herself in the splash zone after filling in for Kacey Musgraves during Bryan’s Stagecoach performance of “I Remember Everything.”
“Not the Zach Bryan collab,” one TikTok user commented. “I’m so sad. Get that bag I guess.”
Speaking with the Whiskey Riff Raff podcast, the “Homewrecker” singer admitted that the criticism “hurts my heart”—for her critics, that is.
“Go outside and touch grass. Have a beautiful life,” Avalon said, urging the haters to avoid living “in this negativity, especially towards people that you do not know.”
One TikTok user wrote, “It’s crazy what money buys considering you agreed with his ex that he was abusive too lmao.” However, Avalon says the “Pink Skies” hitmaker “has only been kind to me,” and pointed out that her team has been friends with Bryan’s “for a long time.”
“We’re very grateful to be on tour with him and to be able to play those shows,” she said. “Stagecoach was crazy, and like I said, he’s only ever been kind… I’m just basing things off of… like I said, the internet is a really intense place. You never know what’s true. Anyone that’s talking about me, 99% of it is not true.”
In any case, the up-and-comer is taking the high road. “I’m just going to give people the same grace that I would like to be given to me,” Avalon said.
Featured image by Lorne Thomson/Redferns
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.