ARTIST TO WATCH: Ingrid Andress

Listen up, YH readers, we have found country music's newest star -- Ingrid Andress! This rising artist grew up in Denver, Colorado, where her passion for music blossomed. She was inspired and mentored by her teacher and pop songwriting icon (and former "American Idol" judge) Kara DioGuardi at the Berklee College of Music. Ingrid also appears to have a knack for covering any song in any genre. Check out her acoustic cover of Rihanna’s “Needed Me”!

She is currently signed to Universal Music Publishing Group and Arthouse Entertainment and her debut single “The Stranger” is available on iTunes. It’s an emotional track based on a couple trying to keep their relationship alive. This country ballad, which Ingrid co-wrote alongside Ryan Lafferty, is relatable on so many levels, and her use of the piano is absolutely breathtaking.

The piano-driven track has been featured on CMT Music from their Artist Discovery Initiative, which you can check out here! Ingrid’s music has so much soul and truth behind the lyrics, and her open and honest point of view is what makes her music stand out from the rest. We expect big things from her in the near future!

Want to find out more about Ingrid? Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and check out her official website!

(Image via Riley Taylor)

- Brittany Taormina, YH Contributing Writer