For country artist Karen Waldrup, music has always been about more than performing. It is about connecting with people, sharing stories, and finding the emotion behind every song. After gaining national attention on The Voice, Waldrup continues to build her career through touring, songwriting, and recording, carrying with her lessons that have shaped not only her artistry but also her outlook on life.
Looking back on her time on The Voice, Waldrup credits one important lesson from her coach, Reba McEntire, as something that continues to influence every performance. Rather than simply singing one song after another, Reba taught her to step into each song as a character and connect it to a specific person. Whether she is singing about her mother, an ex-boyfriend, or someone from her past, giving every song a personal connection allows the emotion to come naturally. It is a philosophy that has transformed the way she approaches the stage and brings a deeper level of storytelling to her music.
That emotional connection is especially clear in songs like “Just in Case,” written by Becca Rae Green and Ava Page. The song, which features the perspective of a father sharing important life lessons with his daughter, resonated with Waldrup enough to become part of her new record. She also revealed that her upcoming project includes three songs connected to Ava Page, including “Look at God,” written with Lance Carpenter, and “I Love You,” which Waldrup co-wrote with Page. Her admiration for Page as both a songwriter and person is evident, and the two are looking forward to sharing the stage together during songwriter rounds at the Blast on the Bay Songwriter Festival.
Waldrup's musical influences stretch well beyond country music. One of her earliest childhood memories involves listening to Diana Ross and the Supremes, particularly “You Can't Hurry Love.” Growing up in a family with four daughters, Saturday mornings meant cleaning the house while music played in the background. Those memories helped shape her work ethic and created a lasting connection between music and family. When it comes to a favorite slow dance song, she points to Ronnie Milsap's “Lost in the Fifties Tonight,” while also expressing her love for the timeless soul music of Otis Redding.
Although her music has taken her around the world, one experience stands out above the rest. During a trip to Haiti, Waldrup witnessed communities facing tremendous hardships while maintaining an inspiring sense of faith, generosity, and togetherness. Traveling from town to town with an acoustic guitar, saxophone, and simple percussion, she experienced firsthand how powerful music could be without elaborate production or a large stage. The people she met changed her perspective on everyday life and the things so many take for granted. Returning to the United States brought what she described as reverse culture shock, making her reflect on how easily people can overlook their blessings. The experience strengthened her faith and reminded her that the gift of music can mean far more than entertainment.
That sense of resilience and gratitude is also reflected in her own songwriting. Waldrup discussed “Fix It,” a song that took on a much deeper meaning as she navigated personal challenges, including a divorce. What began during a period of home renovations eventually became a reflection of rebuilding herself and finding a way forward after difficult experiences. She described reaching the other side of that chapter with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, recognizing how much strength it took to get there.
Her single “Keeping the Faith” carries an equally personal story. Recording the song while going through her divorce was emotionally difficult, but she believes that vulnerability ultimately gave the performance its power. The experience taught her that sometimes the most meaningful vocal performances happen when an artist is genuinely living the emotions behind the lyrics. Rather than trying to manufacture a particular feeling in the studio, she learned to embrace the moments when life itself brings that emotion forward.
Beyond the music, Waldrup's appreciation for her craft extends to the instruments and musicians that help bring her songs to life. She typically plays a Gibson J-45 acoustic guitar and prefers Elixir strings in 11-gauge, which she finds offer a softer sound than the 12-gauge strings she previously used. Living in Nashville has also allowed her to collaborate with talented local musicians and explore different sounds, blending country influences with a more powerful, rock-inspired edge.
When asked what song she would dedicate to the world, Waldrup chose Dolly Parton's “I Will Always Love You.” For her, the song represents love and appreciation for the people who have supported her and helped make her dreams possible. She also spoke about Dolly's lasting legacy, generosity, and faith, qualities that continue to inspire her.
From her early memories of singing along to records at home to performing for audiences around the world, Karen Waldrup's journey has been shaped by music, faith, and personal growth. Her time on The Voice helped her discover new ways to connect with songs, while her experiences beyond the stage have given her an even deeper appreciation for the stories she gets to share. Whether performing an emotional ballad, writing about overcoming hardship, or simply picking up her guitar, Waldrup continues to find meaning in the connection between music and life.