Born to sing and following her dream is Maryland raised artist Devon Nickoles. Graduating from high school at the young age of 16, after experimenting with the art of horseback riding, Devon turned her focus towards her music career. Devon’s music, inspired by strong storytellers of country music in the likes of Jennifer Nettles, Taylor Swift, Reba, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, and Miranda Lambert, is written to inspire and empower her listeners. An artist who sees country music as we do here at Next Women of Country, Devon’s song “Circus” reflects her personal experience with the high and lows of her musical journey, reminding herself and every dreamer out there to never give up.
A woman dedicated to her music, but also her love of animals and giving back to her community, Devon has has rescued and adopted 7 horses, 2 roosters,1 hen, 5 cats, a turtle, 2 dogs, various fish, hermit crabs, a duck, 2 pygmy goats, 1 sugar glider, a rat, and a pot belly pig. This drive and ambition reflects in her music and she hopes to reach out and inspire more to do the same in the future. Similar to many up and coming artists, Devon also wishes for a chance to attend an awards show both receiving recognition for her work and having the honor to perform in front of country’s greatest stars. Knowing the music business as a difficult one to enter into, Devon plans to help support women of country helping make it easier for women to enter the country music scene in the future.
Working with top notch music producers from Marty Rifkin to Howard Willing to Craig Wilson and Jay Tooke, Devon has released five self written and performed singles, including her newly released hit “Perfume” available on Spotify, I-Tunes, and on her website at www.devonnickoles.com. Check out her music if you haven’t already and make sure to listen in to hear the rest of her story by following her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @devonnickoles.
Photo credit to Naturally Vivid Photography
1. Love -Jana Kramer
With the final season of American Idol coming to an end, the artist count is diminishing and the disappointment begins to set in. Emily Brooke is one of the top 24 artists from a pool of over 25,000 artists who auditioned for American Idol's Farewell Season, an accomplishment for sure, and though tonight’s episode was the final night for this young artist she’s proved to America that nothing can stop her now. Entering the competition as young girl from a small town, Emily was quick to make a name for herself, not just with the judges but with the viewers as well. Found receiving an abundance of airtime and much praise from the judges, many viewers began to place Emily as a favorite to win it all. It was not until Emily’s performance of Cassadee Pope's “I am Invincible” where viewers first heard any sign of disappointment from the judges. Emily later posted a successful rehearsal video of her performance to ensure viewers that she hadn’t lost her spark. But things didn't end there. Emily performed a powerful duet with women of country artist Lauren Alaina to end her time on the American Idol stage and though voted off soon thereafter, there’s no doubt that this girl has a big future ahead of her and we're dying to see what's to come next. 
Emily Brooke cannot only belt out amazing women of country covers such as Raelynn’s song ‘Careless’ and Cassadee Pope’s song ‘I Wish I Could Break Your Heart,’ but she has shown America that she can perform any country music favorite with the ease and perfection of even the greatest country music legends. On her way to the top 24 Emily finished up Hollywood Week of American Idol with a cover of the Rascal Flatts hit ‘What Hurts the Most,’ a soulful and heartwarming performance that placed a smile across the face of every judge. It’s been obvious along the way from the judges comments and the amount air time Emily has received that she’s a favorite, but that doesn’t mean the nerves and the chance of going home aren’t still a thought in the back of Emily’s mind. This season may be hers and making it to the top 24 means things are looking up for this young country artist, but things aren’t final yet and that’s where we have to come in. Because Emily not only represents country music, but women of country and every artist out there just trying to be heard, it’s up to us to help Emily win the final season of American Idol by making sure to vote each week. So tune into American Idol every Wednesday and Thursday on FOX at 8/7c and don’t forget to vote for women of country’s Emily Brooke!
Artists from everywhere are contacting Next Women of Country with stories to tell and music to share. My next artist shoutout goes to New Jersey raised artist, Leanne Weiss. Leanne, the daughter of two supportive parents, used her childhood as an opportunity to try a little bit of everything. From soccer to basketball, dance and singing Leanne did it all. Feeling out of place as a young teenager, Leanne turned to music and songwriting as a way to express her feelings to those around her. Vocalists from every genre including Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion inspired Leanne through the early stages of songwriting. After high school, Leanne attended Montclair State University majoring in theatre. Alongside her roles on the stage she also performed with a wedding band and in a cabernet.