Country music standout Hailey Whitters has officially announced the release of her upcoming album Corn Queen, due out June 6 via Pigasus Records / Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters. The Iowa-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter is once again showcasing her Midwest roots, blue-collar grit, and powerful storytelling across 16 fresh tracks.
Featuring collaborations with Charles Wesley Godwin, Molly Tuttle, and The Wilder Blue, Corn Queen builds on the strong momentum Whitters has cultivated over the past few years — from critical acclaim to chart success.
New Single & Music Video: “High On A Heartbreak”
To celebrate the album announcement, Whitters dropped her newest single “High On A Heartbreak,” a dreamy, neon-lit track about finding unexpected joy in heartbreak. The song’s video, filmed at East Nashville’s iconic pink palace, the House of Adora, mirrors its vibrant and nostalgic vibe.
Whitters explains the inspiration behind the track:
“I wrote this song with David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey and Jessie Jo Dillon. I wanted to write the antithesis of a heartbreak song, one about a heartbreak feeling good vs. feeling bad – almost like a guilty pleasure. This song feels like something you’d put on to get ready for a fun night on the town after a breakup. It feels like owning the heartbreak rather than feeling sorry for yourself.”
Earlier this week, she also released “High On The Hog,” a rollicking album opener that sets the tone for Corn Queen and reminds listeners that all that glitters isn’t gold.
Watch the Video
A Celebration of Small-Town Roots
Recorded in Nashville with longtime collaborator (and now husband) Jake Gear, Corn Queen paints a vivid picture of small-town life — full of highs, heartbreaks, and hard-earned happiness. With whip-smart lyrics and a sound that blends classic country, contemporary flair, and a hint of bluegrass, the album cements Whitters’ place as one of country music’s most authentic voices.
“Fans started calling me the ‘Corn Queen’ because I’m from Iowa,” says Whitters. “At first, it seemed kind of silly, but the more I thought about it, the more I loved the duality of it. Corn is this simple, humble crop, and ‘queen’ implies royalty passed down through blood… I’ve been out here for over a decade brushing my teeth in truck stop bathrooms, sleeping on hotel floors, driving myself from gig to gig. It’s not glamorous, but I’m proud of it. I like the idea of a queen with a little grit and elbow grease.”
Early Releases & Critical Praise
Ahead of the full album, Whitters has already released two standout tracks:
- “Prodigal Daughter” (feat. Molly Tuttle) – Named one of the Best Songs of 2025 (So Far) by Vulture, and praised as “Hailey at her best” by All Country News.
- “Casseroles” – Acclaimed as a “Song You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone, and described as a “nuanced reflection on grief and recovery” (Billboard), “a beautiful and striking tune” (Whiskey Riff), and “proof she’s only getting better” (Wide Open Country).
“Casseroles” was Whitters’ first new music since her 2023 EP I’m In Love, which earned accolades from American Songwriter, Billboard, and Stereogum.
A Rising Star with Awards and Accolades
2023 was a landmark year for Whitters. She won the ACM Award for New Female Artist of the Year, earned a CMA nomination for New Artist of the Year, and made her late-night TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Her breakout hit, “Everything She Ain’t”, went platinum, cracked the Billboard Hot 100, and became her first Top 20 country radio single.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Hailey Whitters is hitting the road in support of Corn Queen with a string of exciting festival appearances:
- May 16 – Sand In My Boots Festival – Gulf Shores, AL
- June 28 – SilverLakes – Norco, CA
- June 29 – Country Summer Music Festival – Santa Rosa, CA
- July 19 – Under The Big Sky Festival – Whitefish, MT
- July 25 – Ohio Expo Center & State Fair – Columbus, OH
- Aug. 7-10 – Voices of America Country Music Fest – West Chester, OH
- Aug. 30 – Field of Dreams – Dyersville, IA
- Sept. 12 – Country Night Gstaad – Saanen, Switzerland
Corn Queen Tracklist
- High On The Hog
- Prodigal Daughter (feat. Molly Tuttle)
- Shotgun Wedding Baby
- Helluva Heart
- High On A Heartbreak
- It’ll Do
- Hearsay
- Anything Like Me
- I Don’t Want You (feat. Charles Wesley Godwin)
- The Nail
- Casseroles
- Wagon
- Wholesome
- White Limousine
- Corn Queen
- DanceMor (feat. The Wilder Blue)
About Hailey Whitters
A GRAMMY-nominated, platinum-selling artist, Hailey Whitters hails from Shueyville, Iowa. Since moving to Nashville, she’s carved out a reputation as a fearless songwriter and performer. In addition to her solo success, Whitters has written for icons like Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Brandy Clark, and Alan Jackson.
She’s toured with Luke Combs, Shania Twain, Eric Church, and more, and has played festivals like Bonnaroo, Coachella, and C2C. Her breakout album Raised was named Rolling Stone’s #1 Country Album of the Year and earned year-end praise from more than 15 outlets.With Corn Queen, Whitters continues to blaze her own trail — unapologetically heartfelt, proudly rooted, and ready for the next chapter.
