Gabby Barrett won her first ACM Award at this year’s 56th annual show, capping a massive breakout chapter with a New Female Artist of the Year trophy. That’s reason enough to celebrate, but the rising star also had another highlight on her mind.
Chatting with reporters backstage after the show, the “I Hope” hit maker explained that she’s deep in the joy and sleeplessness of new motherhood, having welcomed a daughter named Baylah May Foehner on January 18. So deep in fact, that she celebrated her New Female Artist win by stepping off camera to change a dirty diaper.
Barrett and husband Cade Foehner (who played guitar for the vocal powerhouse during a breathtaking ACM performance), may still be learning the ropes of parenthood, but luckily they’ve got some help. Barrett even says a certain country superstar has been there from the beginning.
“Carrie Underwood has been someone who’s been extremely nice to me, even when I was pregnant,” she said. “She’s just awesome and said ‘If you ever need any advice, just let me know.’ And of course I took her up on that because I need all the advice I can get. She’s been absolutely amazing with that and anybody else that hears this, I would love some more advice and some help on anything mommy related.”
Next up for Gabby Barrett is to head back out on tour — this time with ACM Male Vocalist of the year Thomas Rhett — and she’s already thinking about the trip in mom-mode. Her three must haves for the tour bus? “Chapstick, water and my pump.”
The 56th annual ACM Awards aired live on CBS April 18, taking place in Nashville for a second year due to COVID-19 concerns. Luke Bryan was crowned Entertainer of the Year, while Maren Morris took home Female Artist of the Year honors and Thomas Rhett was named the Male Artist of the Year. Check out complete coverage here, including a full winners list and videos of the night’s spectacular performances.
