From singing in Nashville International Airport to American Idol
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This is a big week for rising star, Payton Taylor, as she not only has a new single, “American Born” added on Spotify’s “New Music Nashville,” but the country singer from New Jersey also returns to American Idol this Sunday night at 8|7c on ABC.
Inspiried by seeing the beautiful countryside from a tour bus window, Payton co-wrote “American Born” with Wade Kirby (George Strait’s No. 1 “I Saw God Today,” Blake Shelton’s No. 1 “Doin’ What She Likes)” and Phil O’Donnell (George Strait’s No. 1 “Give It All We Got Tonight,” Clay Walker’s “She Won’t Be Lonely Long).” Payton said, “When my mom texted me at 3:45 a.m. in all caps ‘YOU GOT ON A SPOTIFY PLAYLIST,’ we had a pajama happy dance in the kitchen!” Listen on Spotify HERE.
Last year on American Idol, one audition turned into two golden tickets as Payton (22) who was there only to accompany her younger sister, Taryn Coccia (17) on acoustic guitar and was unexpectedly asked to audition as well. After hearing Payton’s rendition of “Angel From Montgomery,” the judges’ suspicions were confirmed and both sisters were offered their own golden ticket with Katy Perry saying, “I see the artist in you, Payton.” This unconventional occurrence immediately turned into a media frenzy trying to portray the siblings in a competitive way. Ultimately, sisters Payton Taylor and Taryn Coccia, with nothing but love and support for one another decided it was in their best interest to decline the invitation to move forward to Hollywood week.
With a reputation as one of the hardest working independent artists in Nashville, Payton has nearly 21k followers on Instagram, performs at more than 230 live events per year, and is currently doing a run of shows at Poppy’s Southern Recipes in Austin, Texas during SXSW week.