Country artist Craig Campbell momentarily stepped away from promoting his latest single, “Missing You,” to support his 15-year-old neighbor, Mattie Pruitt, during her American Idol audition. The aspiring singer from Eagleville, Tennessee, took center stage alongside Campbell, who played piano for her performance in front of the star-studded judging panel featuring Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.
A Special Bond Between Campbell and Pruitt
Pruitt, a talented young artist, shares a close connection with the Campbell family and frequently performs at their coffee shop and music venue, Grindstone Cowboy, in Eagleville. As she stepped onto the Idol set, Bryan immediately recognized Campbell, greeting him with, “You brought a friendly ol’ friend with you.” The country star had previously played keys in Bryan’s band before launching his solo career.
Mattie Pruitt’s Golden Ticket Moment
For her audition, Pruitt delivered an emotional rendition of Jessie Murph’s hit “How Could You.” The judges praised her heartfelt performance, ultimately awarding her a golden ticket to Hollywood. The touching moment further solidified her rising talent and showcased Campbell’s unwavering support for young artists.
Watch Craig Campbell and Mattie Pruitt’s American Idol Audition
Craig Campbell’s surprise appearance on American Idol not only brought back memories of his time with Luke Bryan but also highlighted his commitment to fostering new talent. With Mattie Pruitt’s golden ticket win and Campbell’s continued success with “Missing You,” it’s clear that both artists have exciting journeys ahead. Watch the full segment now!
Craig Campbell’s Continued Success with “Missing You”
As Campbell cheered on his young neighbor, he also remains focused on his own music career. His single “Missing You” was one of the most added tracks at country radio last week. Written by Jonathan Singleton, Barry Dean, and Dave Barnes, the song first appeared on his 2018 album See You Try. With over 16 million streams across platforms and one million UGCs on TikTok, Campbell recently re-recorded the fan-favorite track and released a brand-new music video.
Craig Campbell’s Road to Success
Craig Campbell has built a career on perseverance and authenticity. Born in Lyons, Georgia, he started his journey playing piano in church before working as a corrections officer. In 2002, he moved to Nashville, where he paid his dues as a demo singer and Lower Broadway performer. His big break came when he joined Luke Bryan’s band as a keyboardist, later touring with Tracy Byrd before securing his own record deal.
Breakthrough Hits and Industry Resilience
Campbell’s debut single “Family Man” reached the Billboard Top 15 in 2011, followed by hits like “Outta My Head” and the viral “Fish.” His career-defining song, “Keep Them Kisses Comin’,” climbed the charts despite the unexpected closure of his label. Thanks to relentless grassroots support, the song landed in the Top 10—an extraordinary feat for an independent artist.
His later releases under Red Bow Records included “Tomorrow Tonight” and the poignant ballad “Outskirts of Heaven.” In 2020, Campbell launched his independent label, Grindstone Recordings, where he continues to release music and support emerging talent. His recent projects include The Lost Files: Exhibit A & B, Class of ’89, and Almost Greatest Hits.
A Passion for Community and Giving Back
Beyond music, Campbell and his wife Mindy fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Grindstone Cowboy in 2022. The coffee shop, restaurant, and music venue has become a community staple, even earning a feature on Tennessee Crossroads. A second location is in development in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Campbell is also dedicated to philanthropy, founding the Kenny Campbell Foundation in memory of his father, who passed away from colorectal cancer at age 36. Through his efforts, he has raised over $1 million for cancer research and support organizations.
