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Maddy & Colton were named winners of the 2026 Old Settlers Music Festival Youth Talent Competition, marking a major milestone for the rising Texas duo. The finals were held on Sunday, April 18, 2026, following preliminary rounds hosted in Buda, Texas, during the Buda Birthday Bash. The Old Settlers Music Festival, held annually in Round Top, Texas, is one of the state’s most respected and long‑running festivals, known for celebrating musical excellence and investing in the next generation of artists.

More than 25 youth acts entered this year’s competition, with only three finalists advancing to the final round after an initial selection process. During the finals, Maddy & Colton performed three songs, including their originals “He Rose” and “The Start.” “The Start” is especially meaningful as their first true 50/50 co‑written song and is set to be released later this month. This marked their first time entering the competition—and their first win. Beyond the title, the duo described the experience as deeply rewarding, highlighting the opportunity to meet so many talented young artists and connect with a community passionate about supporting future generations of musicians.

Reflecting on the moment, Maddy shared:

Winning the Old Settlers Music Festival felt like a milestone for us because it’s one of the first things we’ve taken first place in. It was one of the best competitions I think we’ve been to—everyone who competed was so young and talented. This next year I’m most excited about growing our fan base. The faithful viewers we have on our TikTok lives are so sweet and supportive, and it’s amazing to see it grow over time.

Judges noted that while all three finalists were extremely talented, the stage presence of Maddy & Colton was well beyond their years, ultimately setting them apart. Their win earns them a full‑band performance slot at the 2027 Old Settlers Music Festival, including an extended 45‑minute set.

The recognition adds significant momentum to an already standout year. Maddy & Colton were recently notified of their selection to perform at the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival in Houston and are carrying that momentum forward as they pursue Young Artist of the Year and Duo of the Year honors at the 2026 Texas Country Music Association (TCMA) Awards. With growing audiences, expanding opportunities, and a clear creative vision, this win firmly positions Maddy & Colton as one of Texas’s most promising young acts.

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HOUSTON, Texas (Feb. 27, 2026) — Country sibling duo Maddy & Colton will release their debut single, “He Rose,” on Feb. 27 across all major streaming platforms, introducing their harmony-driven sound and faith‑influenced storytelling to a growing national audience.

Performed by siblings Maddy Grace and Colton James, the Houston-based duo has built a following through live performances and social media, where they have amassed more than 35,000 followers across platforms. A recent livestream drew more than 27,000 total viewers, with over 900 watching concurrently, reflecting the pair’s rapidly expanding audience.

The song blends traditional country influences with themes of redemption and hope, reflecting both the duo’s personal faith and their broader identity as emerging country artists.

“‘He Rose’ tells the story of sacrifice, redemption, and hope that stands at the heart of our faith,” Colton said. “It represents what we believe and who we are, and our hope is that listeners feel the same peace and strength from it that we felt while creating it.”

Maddy said the song reflects a deeper message behind the concept of heroism.

“Everyone has someone they look up to these days—a hero—but we know our one true hero is the man who came to earth 2,000 years ago and gave His life so we could have eternal life,” Maddy said. “That truth is the foundation of this song and the message we hope people carry with them when they hear it.”

“He Rose” was written by Ryan R. Reynolds, known professionally as Uncle Ryano, along with Maddy and Colton. The track was produced by Reynolds and Bryan Austin, who also mixed and mastered the song and performed the instrumental parts. Vocals were recorded in the Houston area, with final production completed in Nashville, Tennessee.

The release marks the duo’s first original single and a milestone in their transition from live and social media performances to recorded music distribution. Known for their natural sibling harmonies and emotionally driven vocal performances, Maddy & Colton are part of a new generation of country artists building audiences through authenticity and digital platforms.

“He Rose” will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and other streaming services beginning Feb. 27.

More information is available at https://maddyandcolton.com.

Media inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

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Welcome to MaddyGraceMusic.com! We’re thrilled to launch our new website and even more excited to introduce you to the heart and soul of our musical journey—Maddy Grace and Colton James. This blog will serve as your go-to for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and personal stories from the duo. Today, we kick things off with an introduction to these two talented siblings who are quickly making their mark in the music world.

The Beginning of a Musical Journey

From a very young age, both Maddy and Colton showed an unmistakable passion for music. Maddy could hardly talk before she began humming tunes, and Colton was not far behind, strumming on a guitar as soon as he could hold one. Growing up in a household filled with music, from classic rock to country, shaped their artistic inclinations. Each sibling found their calling early: Maddy at the piano composing melodies and Colton with a guitar in hand, exploring chords and riffs.

Maddy Grace – From Words to Melodies

Maddy’s musical journey took a definitive turn when she discovered Taylor Swift. Inspired by Swift’s storytelling, she sat down at the piano to learn her first song, “New Year’s Day,” which sparked her interest in songwriting. By the age of 12, Maddy was not just a singer but a budding songwriter. Her ability to weave intricate lyrics with clear, emotive vocals beyond her years makes her a standout artist. Her first composition debuted at 13, marking the start of her promising musical career.

Colton James – A Guitar and a Dream

For Colton, it all started with his first guitar lesson at age 7. Though he initially set the instrument aside, he picked it back up with vigor at 10, and it quickly became his voice. Influenced by the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd and John Mayer, Colton’s style is a blend of heartfelt ballads and intricate melodies. His talent for hearing a song and replicating it almost perfectly showcases his natural musical prowess. Now, alongside Maddy, he brings depth and harmony to their duo performances.

Crafting Harmonies Together

Maddy and Colton do not just share a familial bond; they share a creative synergy that is evident in their music. Together, they have crafted over 20 songs, each reflecting a fusion of their individual talents. Their music is a dialogue of melodies and lyrics, a harmonious blend that resonates with audiences everywhere. From local venues to larger stages, the pair have captivated listeners with their performances, earning acclaim for their maturity and authenticity.

What’s Next for Maddy Grace and Colton James?

As Maddy and Colton continue to grow and evolve, their music follows suit, finding new depths and reaching wider audiences. We invite you to keep an eye on our ‘Upcoming Shows’ tab for the latest information on where you can catch them live. Their journey is just beginning, and there’s much more to come.

Maddy Grace and Colton James represent the future of music—a blend of heartfelt storytelling, musical skill, and sibling harmony that stands out in today’s music scene. We invite you to explore MaddieGraceMusic.com, listen to their tracks, watch their videos, and stay updated by signing up for our newsletter. Join us at their next performance by checking the show dates in our ‘Upcoming Shows’ tab. We’re excited for you to be part of this journey and can’t wait for what the future holds for these remarkable musicians.