On Beat: Carrie Brockwell

Photo Courtesy of Emily Garver

 From Opryland to Hollywood, singer and songwriter Carrie Brockwell has rocked the stage in American Idol, The Opry Studio A and The Bluebird Cafe.  

Brockwell has been singing since she can remember, from the age of preschool graduation and church talent shows.  

She was inspired by her father’s cover rock band that playedfor 15 years in their house.  

“I remember hearing my dad’s band practice through the floors in my room, I just remember their lead singer having such a powerful voice. And I was like, I want to be like that.” Brockwell said.  

Transitioning into middle and high school, Brockwell started musical theatre to tell other people’s stories on stage. 

But then a switch flipped.  

She wanted to tell her own stories.  

That’s when she discovered songwriting. 

When COVID-19 hit, Brockwell picked up her dad’s guitar and started writing.  

She then performed her first gig in Oct. 2020.  

Just one year later, Brockwell auditioned for American Idol.  

Her audition in 2021 was conducted via Zoom because of COVID-19 regulations still in place. 

Brockwell performed in front of multiple producers online that day and continued to be pushed through the rounds.  

“They had me film three videos and send them in right there.” She said.  

Three weeks later, Brockwell received an email to audition in Austin for Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry in Austin, Texas.  

Being in a supportive environment and working with professionals from the music industry enhanced her networking abilities and allowed her to meet people from all backgrounds of performance and music, she said. 

“That was probably my favorite memory of my life,” she said. “Everyone is there to cheer on each other. I made some of my best friends that I still talk and write with to this day”.  

Advancing to the next round in Hollywood, California, Brockwell performed on her largest stage yet. 

With no outside audience due to restrictions, she still received immense support from her fellow contestants and friends.  

But the support didn’t stop there. 

Back in her hometown in Richmond, Virginia, the local community members extended their support from over 2,500 miles away.  

“People were putting yard signs in my lawn that said ‘You’re Going to Hollywood.’ It was the sweetest thing ever,” she said.  

After a brutal hour and a half of performances and anxiously waiting for results, Brockwell was cut from the competition.  

But that didn’t stop Brockwell from continuing her music career. 

A few years later in 2023, Brockwell’s EP “Impressions” won a Josie Award, which gave her the opportunity to pack up and perform in Nashville. 

One year later, her album “Dear Nashville” won the 2024 Josie Music Awards.  

She was also able to perform in the Opry House and said she found herself impressed by the welcoming ambiance and surreal experience.  

“It felt like a step closer to my dream,” she said. 

As a freshman music business major, she plans to continue her studies at Belmont and return to her hometown to perform a Holiday Showcase with the Richmond Symphony.  

On top of performing, Brockwell also plans to keep songwriting in her life, writing as much as she can balancing her life at Belmont and her upcoming career.  

She also plans to release another EP early in the new year.  

Although her experiences on Idol and the Opry were compelling achievements, the impact her music has made on the world is the biggest reward of them all.  

“I just love connecting with audiences and seeing how my music moves people, it’s just the coolest thing ever,” she said. “It's so cool how different perspectives can be put into many different lights”. 

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 This article was written by Emily Garver