Country singer Lauren Alaina attributes her strong work ethic and faith to her upbringing in Rossville, Georgia, lessons she carries as she prepares to release her fourth studio album, "Stages." Alaina said in a recent interview that she comes from "a long line of hardworking people and believers" whose influence shaped her perspective.
Alaina, 31, told Fox News Digital that her family members, despite having different careers, all demonstrated a dedication to hard work and maintained strong faith. "I do think my work ethic definitely came from watching every one of my family. My mom worked really hard, my dad worked really hard, and my grandparents," she said. She emphasized the importance of not only working hard but also of "being kind to people, and if you work hard, it pays off."
The upcoming album, "Stages," is described by Alaina as a "deeply personal album" that explores three distinct phases of her life. "It feels like it represents me fully because I feel like I finally landed in the place of who I am supposed to be in this stage of my life," she explained. The album delves into challenging moments, including her parents' divorce, heartbreak, and the loss of her father, as well as brighter periods such as meeting her husband and welcoming her daughter.
One of the songs, "Heaven Sent," is particularly meaningful to Alaina as it addresses her father's passing and his perceived role in helping her heal and move forward. "The songs about my dad are definitely the hardest. It's the biggest loss I've ever gone through," she admitted.
Alaina's career began when she was a teenager as a contestant on the 10th season of "American Idol" in 2011. Reflecting on her younger self, she expressed gratitude for the decision to pursue the show, stating, "Thank you so much because this decision you're making changes your life so much." She noted that while the journey involved highs and lows, it ultimately led to the fulfillment of her dreams, including her career success, a supportive husband, and a daughter.
"Stages" is now available.