| Full Name | Racheal Lynn Woodward |
| Stage Name | RaeLynn |
| Birthday | May 4, 1994 |
| Age | 29 |
| Hometown | Baytown, Texas, United States |
| Spouse | Josh Davis (m. 2016) |
| Height | 5‘ 4" |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
RaeLynn is an award-winning country singer-songwriter who rocketed to fame after competing on NBC‘s The Voice. With her powerful vocals, confessional songwriting, and blend of country and pop, RaeLynn has become one of music‘s brightest new stars.
Early Life & Musical Influences
RaeLynn was born and raised in the small town of Baytown, Texas, located just east of Houston. She grew up in a musical household – her father sang and played guitar while her mother loved singing gospel music. Some of RaeLynn‘s earliest influences were country stars like LeAnn Rimes, Faith Hill, and the Dixie Chicks. "I wanted to be the next LeAnn Rimes," RaeLynn told Country Rebel. "I would wear cowgirl boots and sing and yodel all the time."
By age 7, RaeLynn was already performing at local fairs and rodeos in Texas. Her parents encouraged her musical talents, bringing her to singing lessons and talent competitions throughout her childhood. Though shy off-stage, RaeLynn lit up in front of a crowd. She immersed herself in country music and knew from an early age she wanted to be a singer.
Competing on The Voice
After graduating from high school in 2012, RaeLynn auditioned for season 2 of The Voice, singing Pistol Annies‘ "Hell on Heels." Her rendition impressed judges Blake Shelton, CeeLo Green, and Adam Levine. "You’re a badass!" exclaimed Shelton. Levine called her voice "electric" while CeeLo praised her natural stage presence. RaeLynn ended up picking Shelton, a fellow country artist, as her coach.
On Team Blake, RaeLynn delivered stunning covers of songs like Jason Aldean‘s "She‘s Country" and The Wreckers‘ "Leave the Pieces." Shelton considered her a frontrunner, amazed by her vocal control and precision. "RaeLynn has the ability as a vocalist to do things that almost nobody else that I‘ve worked with on The Voice can do," he said.
RaeLynn made it to the live Top 8 shows before being eliminated. Though she didn‘t win, her time on The Voice introduced the world to her immense talent and personality.
Breakout Success
After her star-making run on The Voice, RaeLynn was signed to Big Machine Label Group‘s Valory imprint in early 2013. She headed into the studio to work on her debut single, "God Made Girls," which was released in July 2014.
Backed by clever lyrics and a radio-friendly production, "God Made Girls" showcased RaeLynn‘s vocal range and signature belt. The track shot to #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart that October, making then-20-year-old RaeLynn the first solo female country artist to top the chart without the help of an established act since Wynonna in 1994.
"I could not stop crying tears of joy," RaeLynn told People Magazine of achieving her first #1 song. "It is every artist‘s dream." The inspiring "God Made Girls" went on to be certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Debut Album & Grammy Nomination
Buoyed by the breakout success of "God Made Girls," RaeLynn headed back into the studio to record her full-length debut album. She worked closely with producer Joey Moi to shape a collection of songs that captured her artistic evolution from reality show contestant to mature singer-songwriter.
The resulting album, WildHorse, arrived in March 2017. RaeLynn co-wrote each of the 11 tracks, many inspired by her own experiences with love, loss, and growing up in the spotlight. The set debuted at #1 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart and earned praise for RaeLynn‘s raw, personal songwriting. She scored a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album, though the trophy ultimately went to Chris Stapleton.
Recent Projects
RaeLynn spent the next few years touring and readying new music. She landed several high-profile collaborations, teaming up with Florida Georgia Line on the 2017 track "Smooth" and joining Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, and more for the 2019 Girls Night Out Tour.
In February 2022, RaeLynn finally unveiled her anticipated sophomore record, Baytown. Laced with fiddle and pedal steel, the album explores her small-town Texas roots through coming-of-age anthems and nostalgic ballads. Singles included the cheeky ode to a wild child past, "Keep Up," and the marriage-focused "Bra Off." Baytown peaked at #6 on the Top Country Albums chart and #1 for country female artists.
Musical Style & Songwriting
RaeLynn has crafted a sound that fuses country storytelling with pop production and empowering messages. Her rich, raspy vocals instantly command attention, while lyrics dive into personal topics like relationships, self-love, and overcoming adversity.
As a songwriter, RaeLynn is praised for cutting straight to the heart with vulnerability and wisdom beyond her years. "I‘m very open in my music. I don‘t feel like anything should be hidden," she told CMT. RaeLynn frequently holds co-writing sessions in Nashville with hitmakers like Nicolle Galyon, Jimmy Robbins, and Emily Weisband.
Charity Work & Advocacy
Beyond the studio and stage, RaeLynn dedicates time to giving back. She frequently partners with animal rescue organizations, using her platform to help find foster and forever homes for shelter dogs. "My heart is so full of love for animals," she shared on Instagram. RaeLynn often brings rescue dogs on tour with her to help promote pet adoption.
RaeLynn has also used her voice to speak out on female empowerment and overcoming body image struggles as a curvy woman in the entertainment industry. "Love yourself first," she advises fans on embracing their uniqueness.
Fun Facts
- Has over 15 tattoos including one memorializing her late dog Daisy Mae
- Childhood nicknames were "Piggy" and "Hippo"
- Appeared on remixes for Florida Georgia Line and Chris Lane hits
- Eloped with husband Josh Davis in 2016 at a local courthouse
- Enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking – anything outdoors
- Supports charity Donate Life and became an organ donor in 2018
- Has a goat named Elvis who travels with her on tour
With undeniable talent and passion, RaeLynn has cemented herself as one of country music‘s most inspiring new voices. As she continues nurturing her songwriting and evolving her sound, there‘s no doubt RaeLynn will be serenading and uplifting fans for many more years to come.