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American singer-songwriter From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tiera Kennedy (née Leftwich; born July 24, 1998) is an American country music singer-songwriter. Kennedy is the host of Apple Music Country's The Tiera Show and is featured on Beyoncé's 2024 album Cowboy Carter as a vocalist on the track "Blackbiird".
Tiera Kennedy | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Tiera Leftwich |
| Born | July 24, 1998 Gardendale, Alabama, U.S. |
| Origin | Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
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| Years active | 2015–present |
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| Spouse | Kamren Kennedy |
| Website | tiera |
A native of Gardendale, Alabama, Kennedy grew up learning how to play the guitar from watching YouTube videos.[1] She grew up singing country music wherever she could, including restaurants like Chick-Fil-A and Buffalo Wild Wings.[2] While in high school, she met a group of bluegrass musicians which furthered her love for country music.[3] Her musical influences growing up included Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, and Kelsea Ballerini.[4][5]
Kennedy originally planned to enroll at Belmont University, but instead accepted a full-ride scholarship to University of North Alabama, where she spent one year.[6] During that time, she honed her songwriting skills at FAME Studios and ultimately decided to move to Nashville to pursue a career in music.[7]
In 2018, Kennedy gained national attention after being mentored by Shania Twain on the reality TV show Real Country. Kennedy won her episode, marking the beginning of her rise in the industry.[8] Kennedy made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry in 2021 and was honored to perform at the ACM Honors at the Ryman Auditorium.[9]
In 2022, she signed with Big Machine Music Group and released "Found it In You", a song she had first recorded as a demo years earlier.[10] She followed this with the release of "Alabama Nights", a song reflecting her roots.[11]
Kennedy was named on MusicRow's Next Big Thing in 2022 and was also listed as Pandora's Country Artist to Watch.[12] She opened for artists including Kelsea Ballerini and Danielle Bradbery. In 2023, she released the single "Jesus, My Mama, My Therapist", co-written by Eily Falvey, Trianne Anderson, and Emily Landis.[13]
In 2024, Kennedy was featured on Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album, performing on "Blackbiird" alongside other Black female country singers.[14] She also provided background vocals on the album track "Tyrant".[15]
After Kennedy parted ways with Big Machine Records, she self-released "I Ain't a Cowgirl" on April 26, 2024.[16] Kennedy's debut studio album, Rooted, was released on October 18, 2024, through her own Green Is My Color imprint.[17] Two further promotional singles – "Cry" and "Can't Help My Country" – were issued ahead of its release, and the album features a collaboration with Jordin Sparks.[17]
Kennedy married creative director Kamren Kennedy in 2021 after seven years of dating.[18]
| Title | Album details |
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| Rooted[17] |
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| Year | Award | Work | Category | Result | Ref. |
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| 2024 | People's Choice Country Awards | "Blackbiird" (with Beyoncé, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer and Reyna Roberts) | The Collaboration Song of 2024 | Nominated | [19] |
| The Cover Song of 2024 | Nominated |
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