Gretchen Wilson is reviving her “scrappy” country music career in honor of her iconic debut.
The singer released a new song, “Redneck S–t,” on May 1, which is reminiscent of her first hit single, “Redneck Woman.”
“For over 20 years, I’ve watched guys in the audience sing ‘I’m a redneck girl,'” Wilson exclusively told Page Six ahead of Country Thunder Florida’s performance at Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida. “And I thought, ‘Someday I have to write something for everyone, not just women.'”
“This song is really for anyone and everyone, no matter where you’re from, who you are, or what your life has been like,” she continued. “If you’ve ever wanted to just get silly and get muddy and have a party in the backyard, this is your song!”
The 52-year-old went on to describe the song as one of the “raunchiest, redneck songs available right now” that people can listen to and get excited about.
Wilson went so far as to call the song “the song of the summer” while performing it at a waterfront venue last Saturday. She told the audience that they were among the first audience members to hear the song live.
The songwriter concluded her lively set with “Redneck Woman,” the beloved hit that catapulted her to fame 22 years ago.
At the time of its groundbreaking release, “Redneck Woman” broke the stereotype that female country music artists had to be sophisticated.
For many, it turned the word “redneck” into a word of pride rather than an insult.
The song also won the 2005 Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, raising Wilson’s profile.
“Redneck Woman” was released in May 2004 as the lead single from Wilson’s debut album, Here for the Party, and quickly rose to the top of the country music charts.
Wilson is currently re-recording “Here for the Party” as a star-studded duet project, to be released on his own Redneck Records.
Confirmed co-stars include Tanya Tucker from Country Girl and Cody Johnson from When to Cheating, with Miranda Lambert, Travis Tritt and Ella Langley also rumored to be in attendance.
Wilson performed in Country Thunder, Florida, as part of his current “Still Here for the Party” tour, which continues throughout the summer.
Wilson has stayed true to his country roots all these years. Despite working in the music industry for decades, she credits her lack of a big break early in life for keeping her feet on the ground.
“I think people really relate to me because[I’m]not trying to give any kind of vibe. What you see is what you get, and people like that,” she told Page Six.
As for some of the most “redneck” things she’s ever done?
“My uncle used to catch snapping turtles in cages and clean them to make mulligan stew, a turtle soup. It was really disgusting,” she playfully recalled. “We always do the redneck thing.”
In line with that, Wilson has been promoting “Redneck St” by encouraging fans to show off their redneck side.
“Tag me in your #RedneckSh. 😉🤟🏼,” she challenged her Instagram followers last week with a clip showing behind-the-scenes footage from her new music video.
But playing Wilson’s new songs wasn’t the only highlight of Country Thunder Florida.
Festival goers enjoyed musical performances all weekend from May 8th to May 10th while taking in panoramic views of Clearwater Harbor in the heart of downtown Clearwater.
Taking to the stage last Sunday, Dasha exclusively told Page Six how excited she was to perform her biggest hits in a “beautiful” venue. That created a “good vibe” for her set.
The country singer also opened up about her pre-show rituals, which include meditation and working out.
“I like to center myself, because the character I feel like I become on stage is different from who I am in real life,” she exclusively told Page Six. “You’re kind of tapping into a larger-than-life version of yourself. And the more grounded you are, the better.”
Dasha added that for her as an artist, “10 minutes before going on stage” is “really important.”
“We do a huddle and everyone puts their right foot out. I do kind of a speech, and depending on the show, I take shots,” she shared. “Then we get on stage and make a fuss!”
The festival also featured headliners Gavin Adcock, Zach Top, and Kane Brown, as well as a lineup of breakout country stars including Elizabeth Nichols, Max McNoone, and Braxton Keith.
In last Sunday night’s performance, which was an energetic conclusion to the festival, Brown brought his wife, Caitlin Jay, on stage to perform the duet “Thank God” in honor of Mother’s Day.
Shabouzy was another highlight, brightening up the stage with his performance, performing fan favorites like “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” “Good News,” and “Blink Twice.”
The musician also gave an emotional Mother’s Day speech and prayed for all the mothers in the energetic audience.
