Who Is CMA Awards Performer Madeline Edwards?

The CMA Awards are are best known for glamorous designer gowns and glitzy performances from the biggest, most-famous stars in country music, but one of this year’s most buzzed-about moments will feature a name you may not recognize.

Set for Wednesday (November 10), the 55th Annual CMA Awards will include a trio performance by Mickey Guyton, Brittney Spencer and total newcomer, Madeline Edwards. So who is she?

Well, with a newly released track called “Best Revenge,” we get a bit of an idea.

A Texas native born in Souther California but now based in Nashville, Edwards is a singer-songwriter who’s website notes her blend of “West coast jazz and Southern soul,” with lyrics meant to “challenge and encourage” listeners toward authenticity.

With “Best Revenge,” Edwards shares what she describes as her “first country song” — a laid-back getting-over-him anthem showing off soft-touch vocals, a classic-soul sound and just hint of attitude. It’s got a bit of a smoky, cocktail lounge feel to it, and some sophistication, too.

“This year has been a freaking whirlwind and I can’t believe this is finally happening,” Edwards wrote about the release on Instagram. “Thank you to my incredible team for making this happen and for the people here in Nashville that have seen me and have decided to take a chance on this Texas girl.”

“Best Revenge” follows Edwards’ soul-pop single, “The Road,” along with critical acclaim from outlets like NPR and CMT and a guest spot on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way tribute record with The Highwomen.

On November 10 at 8/7c on ABC, she’ll take CMA Awards stage live with Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer in a celebration of country’s emerging voices of color, marking her CMA debut. Guyton has experienced the biggest success of her long career in the last two years, and is nominated for New Artist of the Year, while Spencer is continuing to turn heads. Perhaps Madeline Edwards is on her way, too.