Country singer-songwriter Marie Wise-Hawkins has kept up her southern charm since winning the 2014 KHTS Country Showdown in Santa Clarita.

“Win or lose, we have great expectations and have been striving to write and record great music for people to enjoy,” said Wise-Hawkins in 2013.

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The young country star had high hopes before the Country Showdown, never believing that her music career would launch so quickly. The Canyon Country native and California Institute of the Arts alumni has kept herself busy over the years with her music career.

Courtesy of Marie Wise-Hawkins Facebook

Now, Wise-Hawkins is celebrating her recently released debut EP “The Road Back to Me,” a five-song album.

“It’s about finding yourself and what makes you happy, and moving on from what doesn’t,” Wise-Hawkins said. “The song ‘Pickup Truck’ is about me moving out to Nashville.”

Related:2014 KHTS Local Winner Of Country Showdown Announced

The country artist moved to Nashville from Canyon Country to pursue her music dream, and recently performed live on “Today in Nashville” to promote her music.

Her debut EP has garnered praise for its unique blend of old and modern country, with a little spunk of rock as well.

Wise-Hawkins’ debut EP can be found on all streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and iTunes.

She is currently working on a full length album for next year and recording Christmas songs for this December.

Her next step in her career is planning a tour in the west and south.

“The dates will be available on my website,” Wise-Hawkins said.

She plans on returning to her hometown at some point to perform, presenting her latest tracks to those who supported her during her rising stardom.

“I want to say thank you for their support and love over the years and for supporting my music,” Wise-Hawkins said.

The country songstress grew up in Canyon Country and graduated from CalArts.

Despite being known for her traditional yet soulful style, Wise-Hawkins graduated with a BA in classical opera.

Shortly after, she portrayed Patsy Cline in “Always Patsy Cline” for 13 sold out shows, shattering previous sales record for the Los Angeles-based theatre company.

The following year she entered the Macaroni Grill National Opera Sing Off, where she swept the judges off their feet and won first place.

Related: Marie Wise-Hawkins, Band Competes In 2014 Country Showdown Nationals

When she took the floor to accept her prize, one judge asked her, “What do you plan to do with your career and prize money?”

Wise-Hawkins answered, “I’m going to pursue a country music career.”

Courtesy of Marie Wise-Hawkins Facebook

It was an unexpected response that left them in jaw-dropping shock.

In 2014, she was announced as the 2014 KHTS Santa Clarita Valley winner of the 33rd annual Country Showdown at Concerts in the Park. From there, she went on to the state finals at Knott’s Berry Farm.

One competition after another, Wise-Hawkins’ determination led her to win first place at the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

She later became a top five finalist in the Country Showdown, which took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and aired on national television all across the United States.

She has shared the stage with LeAnn Rimes, a country music artist that has showed her praise.

Wise-Hawkins was recently featured on a Nashville Fox News 17 segment as a singer to “Keep Your Eye Out For.”

News outlets like Tap Milwaukee and Journal Sentinel have also praised Wise-Hawkins for her successful history of competitions, performances and collaborations with industry legends like LeAnn Rimes, Pete Anderson, Charlie Mccoy and Danny Gokey.

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