Who Is Tanner Adell? 5 Things To Know About The Burgeoning Country Star

The 23-year-old rose to fame last July when she released her album Buckle Bunny, and the song with the same name began circulating on social media. Adell's success catapulted when it was announced that she would be one of the many Black country stars featured on Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album. Adell, alongside Tiera Kennedy, Brittney Spencer, and Reyna Roberts, was on Beyoncé's cover of "Blackbird." "Blackbird" was initially released by The Beatles in 1968.
In light of Adell's achievements, xoNecole is unveiling five facts about the "See You In Church'' crooner, including her family life, the inspiration behind her songs, and her struggles with social anxiety.
Adell Was Adopted And Raised Mormon
Before her success in the music industry, Adell had humble beginnings. The singer was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on June 27, 2000. Shortly after her birth, Adell was adopted and raised by a Mormon family.
Over the years, the "Love You a Little Bit" singer split her time between her family home in Manhattan Beach, California, and Star Valley, Wyoming, as she spent summers with her grandmother.
In an interview with BET, Adell revealed despite no longer identifying as a Mormon, her faith remained a pillar of strength and guided her through dark times.
"I've always had very strong faith in a higher power and the patience to understand that there's a plan and timing for everything, "she explained. "Having a spiritual foundation has gotten me through those really hard moments."
Adell Reveals That Her Biological Father Is An Atlanta Rapper And Shares How Her Unique Journey Influenced Her Music
Although there is limited information about the songstress' biological and adopted parents, Adell told BET that she met her biological father and described him as a "rapper in the nineties in Atlanta."
Adell has incorporated her unique journey with her biological and adoptive parents into her music. In a feature with Flaunt Magazine last year, Adell shared that her music is influenced by her experiences growing up as a mixed woman in California and Wyoming.
"I finally tried to fuse both sides of myself, and I've always been half and half. I'm half Black and half white," she said. "I was adopted, so it's like I have half of my biological family and half of my adoptive family. I've always been right in the middle, back and forth between California and Wyoming. I finally just kind of accepted that in myself. And I think you can hear that in my music."
Adell Joked About Becoming A Country Singer
The “Trailer Park Barbie” songstress shared during an interview with The Jennifer Hudson Show that she began to take her craft more seriously after receiving a rave review from a friend for a song she wrote.
"It's definitely been a bit of a journey. But I kind of used to joke about it. I've always loved country music, and I'd say, you know, maybe I should do a country song, and then me and my friends would be like, 'me, no, I could never,'" she recounted.
"But it kind of just got to the point where I sat down and was like, I'm going to purposely write a country song, and I sent it to my best friend, and he was like, 'Why are you not making country music? You should be making country music.' And I said, 'I think you're right, and so I started making country music.'"
In addition to taking her songwriting abilities seriously, Adell shared that her career began to take off when she decided to move to Nashville.
"Got a call from a friend who lived in Nashville; I had never been. And he said, I think you should come out here and write with some people, and I just knew in my heart that was where I was supposed to be. Packed up all of my stuff in a couple days and sold everything I had to go to Nashville, and I guess the rest is history."
Adell’s "Whiskey Blues" Is Based On A True Story
In the same interview with Jennifer Hudson, Adell detailed how a real-life scenario inspired her song “Whiskey Blues” and highlights her “healing process” following a failed relationship.
“It’s a true story, the reason why I love country music so much is it’s real people with real stories, and I have a lot to say,” she said. “‘Whiskey Blues’ was a relationship that went south that I didn’t quite cope with the way that maybe I should have. I was born in Lexington, Kentucky so like bourbon and whiskey, it’s just in my blood. It gets to me sometimes. But that’s where it kind of comes from, is just my healing process.”
As for the “Whiskey Blues” video concept, Adell revealed that even though the rage room theme wasn’t the original idea, it all came together because she was able to add an emotional aspect to it.
“We shot a music video for it. I just wanted to go to a rage room,” she said. She later continued, “I just called up my girls, and I was like, ‘I had all these ideas for a music video, but I really just want to go break stuff, and so we headed on over to the rage room. The whole video is us smashing things.”
Adell Used To Suffer From Severe Social Anxiety
Over the years, as Adell worked diligently to make a name for herself, she also attempted to overcome anxiety. In a discussion with Utah Valley University, her alma mater, Adell, shared that she developed social anxiety at a young age despite the praise she received for her singing abilities.
"Although my singing performances and encores reverberated throughout the house, I was extremely shy," she said. "If a family member walked in on me playing the guitar or singing, I would clam up, fall silent, and stare at them until they left my room."
Adell credited enrolling in Utah Valley University's commercial music program and her vocal coach, Nancy, with giving her the confidence to pursue her dreams.
“Throughout the experience, I held on to what Nancy said in my first few voice lessons: A lot of famous singers suffered with performance anxiety, but as soon as they grew fully confident in their vocal ability, they rarely had any problems. I kept remembering her words with each performance, and eventually, my anxiety just faded away.”
She added, “[Utah Valley University's] commercial program is very special. It gave me a foundation to build my confidence and heighten my ability as a musician.”
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Michael Hickey/Getty Images
This Is How To Keep 'Holiday Season Stress' From Infecting Your Relationship
Hmph. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like there is something really weird happening in the fall season air (because winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21) that cuddle season is in full swing while break-up season is as well. In fact, did you know that break-ups are so popular during the holiday season that December 11 is deemed Break-Up Day?
The reasons why relationships shift around this time vary; however, I did both roll my eyes and chuckle when I read that a very popular one is because it’s an easy way to get out of getting one’s significant other a Christmas present. SMDH.
Anyway, I personally think that the less shallow folks out here may contemplate calling things “quits” or they at least distance themselves a bit from their partner (and what I’m referring to is serious relationships) due to all of the stress and strain that oftentimes comes with the holidays whether it be financial, familial, due to their tight schedules or something else.
Listen, I would hate for you and your man to miss the fun and happiness of experiencing this time of year, all because you are so overwhelmed or irritated that you can’t really enjoy it. That’s why I have a few practical tips for how to avoid allowing the typical holiday season stress from INFECTING your relationship.
Manage Your Expectations
GiphyUnmanaged expectations. If there is a main reason why the holiday season tends to be so stress-filled for so many people, I’d bet good money that this is the cause. And when you’re in a long-term relationship, expectations can manifest themselves in all sorts of cryptic and/or unexpected ways. You might have relatives who assume that you are going to be with them for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you have other plans in mind. You might be thinking that you are going to spend one amount for presents while your man is thinking something totally different. When it comes to scheduling, your signals may be crossed.
And you know what? To all of these scenarios, this is where clear and consistent communication come in. Don’t assume anything. Don’t dictate anything either. From now until New Year’s, mutually decide to check in once a week, just to make sure that you are both on the same page as it relates to the holidays and what you both are thinking will come along with it. The less blindsided you both feel, the less stressed out you will be. Trust me on this.
Set (and Keep) a Budget
GiphyOkay, so I read that last year, 36 percent of Americans incurred some type of holiday-related debt. Hmph. Last year, there was still some sense of normalcy in this country, chile, so I can only imagine what finances are gonna look like over the next several weeks. That said, since I don’t know a lot of people who don’t find being broke stressful, make sure that you and your bae set a budget and then stick to it this year — no ifs, ands or buts.
Because really, y’all — it doesn’t make sense to deplete savings and/or max out credit cards for a few days of giggles only to be damn near losing your mind because you don’t know how to make ends meet come Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
And by the way, this tip doesn’t just speak to things like food and gifts; I also mean travel. If it doesn’t make a ton of sense (or cents) to be all over the place this year — DON’T BE.
Keep Matthew 5:37 at the Forefront
GiphyIf off the top of your head, you don’t know what Matthew 5:37 says, no worries, here ya go: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” That verse right there? Oh, it’s a boundaries lifesaver! I say that because do you see “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” in there? Nope. LOL. It says that you should tell people “yes” or “no” and leave it at that — and that complements Anne Lamott’s quote, “’No’ is a complete sentence” impeccably well. Yeah, you’ve got to remember that anything beyond a yes or no to a request is privileged information; you don’t owe anyone details or an explanation.
Besides, if you are really honest with yourself, when someone asks you something and you give a “Umm, let me think about it” kind of reply, more times than not, you already know what your answer is going to be — so why not let you both off of the hook? Give your response. Commit to that. And let everyone (including yourself) get on with their lives and schedules.
I promise you that when it comes to those holiday parties, you are pissing more folks off by not RSVP’ing or doing so and not showing up than just saying, “Thank you but not this year” off the rip.
Remember That Your Personal Space Is Privilege Not a Right
GiphyA friend of mine recently bought a new house and invited me over to come see it. He’s a single man with no children, so as I was taking in all of the space that he had, especially as I walked through his finished basement, I joked about relatives coming to live with him. “Hell no” and “absolutely not” were pretty much his immediate responses as he went on to say that some folks even had the nerve to be offended when he told them that he had no intentions on taking DNA in.
Ain’t it wild how people think that your stuff is their right? And yes, that brings me to my next point. Your home is your sanctuary space. If you want to host folks this year — cool. If not, ALSO COOL. Please don’t let folks (family included) guilt you into how they want you to act or even into what they would do if the shoe was on the other foot. You are not them — and as one of my favorite quotes states, “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (A man by the name Larry Dixon said that.)
Hell, my friends? They know that I am good for sending them random things that they need or even want all throughout the year. Coming over to hang out at my pace, though. Uh-uh. Chalk it up to being a card-carrying member of the ambivert club yet I like keeping my living space personal — and I sleep like a baby, each and every night, for feeling that way.
Always remember that your space, your time, your resources, your energy and shoot, yourself period (including your relationship), are all things that are your own. You get to choose how, when and why you want to share them. The holiday season is certainly no exception.
Cultivate Some “You Two Only” Traditions
GiphyIt’s not uncommon for some couples to hit me up after the holiday season to “detox.” Sometimes it’s due to the financial drama (and sometimes trauma) that they experienced. Sometimes it’s because they allowed their relatives (especially in-laws) to get more into their personal business than they should’ve. More than anything, though, it tends to be because they didn’t get enough quality time together and so ended up feeling “disconnected.”
Please don’t let that happen. Listen, I’m not even a holidays kind of woman and yet, I will absolutely sit myself down with some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy a Hallmark holiday film or two. Aside from the fact that most of them are lighthearted and sweet, I also like that they usually focus on couples loving on each other amidst all of the holiday beauty and ambiance — which is something that all couples should set aside some time to do.
Maybe it’s a vacation. Maybe it’s a staycation. Or maybe it’s my personal favorite, A SEXCATION. Whether it’s for a few days, the weekend or even overnight — don’t you let the holidays go by without setting aside time for you and your man to celebrate one another. Don’t you dare (check out “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry 'Christmas Sex'?”).
GET. SOME. REST.
GiphyI once read that 8 out of 10 people get stressed out over the holidays and 3 out of 10 lose sleep during to it — and when you’re stress-filled and sleep-deprived, that can absolutely lead to hypersensitivity, making mountains out of molehills and even not being in the mood for sex.
Your relationship can’t afford to go through any of this, so definitely make sure to prioritize rest. I don’t care how unrealistic it might seem during this time, sleep should never be seen as a luxury; it will always and forever be a great necessity.
That said, try to get no less than six hours of shut-eye in (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”) and even ask your bae to take a nap with you sometimes (check out “Wanna Have Some Next-Level Sex? Take A Nap, Sis.”). Not only will sleep help to restore your mind, body and spirit but, when it’s with your partner, it’s an act of intimacy that can make you both feel super connected, even in the midst of what might feel like chaos.
___
Holiday season stress is real. Still, never give it the permission or power to throw your relationship off. Put you and your man first and let the holidays be what they are gonna be, chile.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Dreaming Of A White Christmas? These 7 Winter Wonderland Destinations Are Perfect For The Holidays
While most people opt for a tropical vacation during the winter months, there are still many people who want to fulfill their winter wonderland fantasies, which are more than likely centered on watching snow by the fireplace while sipping some hot cocoa.
With Thanksgiving vastly approaching and Christmas a little under a month away, there is still time to ditch the traditional Christmas home to visit family or friends.
Whether you’re looking to put a new stamp on your passport and keep things domestic with a destination in the States, xoNecole has you covered with a few hotspots for those itching to go somewhere cold (but with cozy vibes) this holiday season.
Aspen, Colorado
Our Christmas queen, Mariah Carey, has been taking an annual trip to this snowy destination since 1997, just three years after dropping the track that would make her the unofficial (but official to us) ambassador of the winter holiday.
Aside from being a key vacation spot for one of the culture’s greatest musicians, Aspen also offers travelers access to world-class skiing and snowboarding and four distinct mountains that provide the perfect backdrop for a winter vacation.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Home to the largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb, this destination is located in the Coast Mountain Range and is about 75 miles north of Vancouver.
From luxury spas like Scandinave Spa Whistler to Olympic Park, this is another top winter vacation spot that offers a unique experience for people who love snow and the thrill of a good adventure.
Western Massachusetts
Dubbed the place for a magical holiday escape, Springfield, Massachusetts, blends the warmth of small-town charm with unforgettable experiences like Grinchmas at Springfield Museums, Winterlights at Naumkeag in Stockbridge, Historic Deerfield’s Winter Frolic, and many others.
This destination offers something for all ages, and it’s close to home, making it all the more reason to place on your radar for a winter getaway.
Rovaniemi, Finland
If you want to really get into the Christmas spirit, this just may be the place for you. As the official home to Saint Nick himself, Rovaniemi, Finland offers reindeer sleigh rides, the opportunity to stay in a glass igloo, as well as an opportunity to experience the Santa Claus Village.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Who says that visits to the lake house are only reserved for summer vacation? A winter trip to Lake Tahoe is equipped with stunning lake views and top-notch ski resorts, including Heavenly and Northstar.
Chamonix, France
Sitting at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix, France, is known for its skiing and mountaineering. This destination is home to the Aiguille du Midi cable car, the charming Alpine village, and is also close to various other European ski destinations.
Northeastern Pennsylvania
This area of the U.S. state is home to the Poconos Mountains, whose renowned ski resorts include Camelback Mountain, Blue Mountain, and Jack Frost Big Boulder. Whether you’re a ski expert, a beginner, or just there for the vibes, this destination makes for a winter vacation that balances fun adventures and cozy getaways. Additionally, Pennsylvania is home to the Christmas Tree Capital of the world.
Feature image by Shutterstock
Originally published on November 23, 2024









