Castlederg's rising star Lexi Rose wins Song of the Year and releases new cover song!

TWELVE-year-old Lexi Rose, from Castlederg, has struck a major chord in the country music world after winning Song of the Year at the Country NI Awards in Corick House, Clogher, and she’s already following up the success with the release of a beautiful new cover song.

The awards ceremony, held at the Castle Inn on Sunday, November 2, celebrated the best in country music as voted for by the station’s loyal listeners. Lexi was nominated in several categories but was overjoyed to take home Song of the Year for her self-penned track 'I Just Wanna Be Me'.

Speaking after her win, Lexi said she was thrilled to see her heartfelt song resonate with so many people.

“I was so delighted this song won as it was one I wrote myself last year about just being yourself, and for me, that means singing country music,” she said. “Even though I’m very young, that’s what I want to do. My dream is to sing at the Grand Ole Opry, and sure, you have to dream! Seeing Gareth Hamilton, from Castlederg, achieve his dream of singing there made me realise it’s okay to dream, because sometimes they really do come true.”

A lifelong lover of country music, Lexi says she’s inspired by both traditional and modern artists. Her favourite singers include Claudia Buckley, Cliona Hagan, and Matt Leavy.

Lexi shared how special it was to attend the awards ceremony again this year: “It was great to catch up with some singers I’d met before and meet new ones too. I loved chatting to people who had voted for me and to the DJs. I was delighted to see Katelynn Marie and Lauren Eva Rose; they’re great role models for me.”

The young singer admitted that the moment her name was called came as a shock.

“I was genuinely shaking when they called my name out, I didn’t expect to win! After getting my award, I had to sing straight away, so I had to get myself composed quickly again!”

Her mum, Olivia Clarke, couldn’t have been prouder.

“As Lexi’s mum, I am so proud of her. She really loves singing, and to see her grow in confidence is absolutely amazing. Her granny, granda, and some friends were there too, and they were so thrilled for her, we might even have had a wee tear in our eyes!”

Following her big win, Lexi has released a new cover of 'Old Flames', a song made famous by Dolly Parton, one of her biggest musical heroes. Recorded at the Ivory Sessions in Slane, the track features a stripped-back piano accompaniment by Mark Cahill, highlighting Lexi’s pure, heartfelt vocals.

“I first heard 'Old Flames' when Cliona Hagan sang it and added it straight to my playlist,” Lexi explained. “When the opportunity came to pick a song to sing at the Ivory Sessions, I knew it would sound beautiful with just piano. It was recorded live and came together perfectly on the first take.”

This follows her earlier success with her rendition of 'Coal Miner’s Daughter,' a tribute to the late Loretta Lynn, which was warmly received earlier this year.

Lexi is already back in the studio, recording another acoustic song for release soon, and says the Ivory Sessions team always makes it fun.

“It’s always good fun and we get a good laugh with Mark and Aidan!”

Looking ahead, Lexi plans to release a lively original country song next, with several more of her own songs in progress. On top of her musical ambitions, she’s also preparing for her Grade 4 Musical Theatre exam next month.

Lexi expressed her gratitude to all those who support her dream: “Special thanks to my parents and grandparents for everything they do, to Rois at Much Ado Stage School, and to David Doonan at The Sound Garden for teaching me guitar and piano and recording my songs, especially 'I Just Wanna Be Me', which we recorded in Drumquin.”

With her talent, drive, and unmistakable passion for country music, Lexi Rose is proving that age is no barrier to chasing your dreams. Lexi's new cover song, 'Old Flames' is out now on all major streaming platforms to listen and download.