The last two years of Lauren Alaina's life have been defined by tragedy and joy, one right after the other. And on her new album, Stages, the country star shares her story.
Katie Kauss
Created during a reflective period of "soul searching and really trying to realize what matters," the new album follows the unexpected death of Alaina's father and the birth of her daughter, Beni. Both shook the 31-year-old singer-songwriter to her core, but they also kicked off a new life stage she has been calling "definitive." The album arrives Aug. 28.
"I feel like I've just finally landed in my place," Alaina tells Nashville Lifestyles. "I feel like most of my 20s I was looking for where I was meant to land, and I found it. I really did."
Known today as the only solo country female artist in history featured on a Diamond-certified song, for "What Ifs" with Kane Brown, the former American Idol contestant grew up in the public eye, building a career while absorbing the bruises that come with it. She endured high-profile breakups and battled an eating disorder while also scoring No. 1 hits and becoming a Grand Ole Opry member.
On Stages, her honesty is the most striking element, along with one of country's most confident vocals. Across 16 songs, she covers the messy truth of family life, "sewing my wild oats," and the genesis of the project. Alaina's father, J.J., passed away in 2024 after a relapse with alcoholism, and one month later, she learned she would become a mom. The songs came fast and now unfold over three "stages," which will be especially clear on the album's vinyl edition.
Her song "Babies Raising Babies" features a duet with her brother, Tyler. "Walking on Broadway" is a post-breakup callback to "Walking in Memphis." The country-trap anthem "All My Exes," featuring Chase Matthew, is climbing the charts, and Alaina reunites with Kane Brown for "Never Been in Love," all about finding a life she had written off. Then, after "Little Things" makes peace with her father's passing, "Heaven Sent" welcomes new life.
The theme is ambitious and pulled off with glowing country charisma, and Alaina believes it could push her to the next level. But none of it would be possible without a journey she couldn't control.
"Becoming a mom has changed everything about how I see myself," she admits. Part of that is the obvious change in role. Alaina went from being laser-focused on her career to something else entirely.
"You live your whole life being this person, and then your life becomes about someone else completely," she says. "I live my life for my daughter now."
But it also came with the reawakening of old challenges. Alaina wants her fans to know they don't have to look or feel like a mom influencer, and that maturity shows up in the songs.
"I just look different, but I'm proud of my body in a whole new way, and I've definitely had to deal with that," she explains. "I'm trying to speak on that for women, too, because my body probably will never quite look the same again, and that's okay."
She'll showcase the whole experience by headlining The Stages Tour this fall, which culminates with her debut at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 12. Even that is more proof of her growth.
Fifteen years after her first album, Wildflower, Alaina admits her Ryman moment is long overdue. But until now, she was too "scared" to go for it.
"It is time for me to do it. It's probably been time before now, but it is my time to do it," she says. "I am so excited. Nashville shows are the scariest shows, but I'm ready. I'm so ready."