In the early 2000s, a new reality show hit the airwaves, promising to uncover the next big country music star. The show was “Nashville Star,” and it captured the hearts of viewers across America. Among the talented contestants vying for the title, one artist stood out from the start: Buddy Jewell. With his genuine charm and remarkable voice, he won over the nation, claiming the title of the very first winner of “Nashville Star” on the USA Network.
From the beginning of the competition, Jewell proved to be the true viewer favorite, earning an astonishing 65% of the nationwide vote. In a nail-biting finale, he outshone 11 other contestants, notably beating Miranda Lambert by a staggering 2 million votes. It was a defining moment that marked the beginning of Jewell’s love affair with America.
Following his victory, Jewell wasted no time. His self-titled debut album, released under Columbia Records, soared to the top of the Billboard Top Country Album charts. Notably, it achieved GOLD certification in the same year, a testament to the album’s widespread appeal. Two of his hit singles, “Sweet Southern Comfort” and “Help Pour Out the Rain (Lacey’s Song),” both earned spots in the top five on the charts and reached the milestone of one million radio airplays, recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Jewell’s talent and dedication did not go unnoticed. Over the years, he garnered recognition and acclaim from prestigious institutions like the Grammy Awards, the Academy of Country Music (ACM), the Country Music Association (CMA), ABC Radio Networks, International Country Music Association (ICMA), International Country Gospel Music Association (ICGMA) and Country Music Television (CMT). His exceptional skills as a songwriter were also celebrated, with his song “When Mama Prayed” securing the number one spot on the ICMA charts.
In addition to his numerous awards and nominations, Jewell remained an active advocate for various causes close to his heart. He lent his support to organizations like The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation, Compassion International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, showcasing his dedication to giving back to the community and beyond. Moreover, he served the nation by entertaining and supporting the troops both at home and abroad, participating in USO tours to remote forward operating bases in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.
Jewell’s impact and influence extended well beyond the borders of the United States. In 2011, he received international recognition, winning the ICMA awards for “Entertainer of the Year” and “Crossover Artist of the Year.” His heartfelt Christian Country hit, “I’m There,” earned the prestigious ICMA “Song of the Year” award in 2018, followed by the “Male Vocalist of the Year” award in April 2019.
As his career progressed, Jewell’s talent and versatility as a musician were further acknowledged. His song “When I’m Good and Gone” gained attention from renowned artists like Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White, who considered recording it. Notably, in 2019, Randy Travis released “One in a Row,” a song co-written by Jewell with Thom McHugh, marking Travis’ first new song in more than six years.
In 2020, Jewell continued to impress with the release of his newest album, “Bluebonnet Highway.” The album received critical acclaim from industry insiders and fellow musicians, including praise from Robert K. Oermann, Marty Raybon of Shenandoah and Patty Loveless. The album’s lead single, “Teardrop in the Gulf of Mexico,” debuted at an impressive No. 19 on the Bluegrass Today Top 20 Singles Chart, while “Bluebonnet Highway” itself reached No. 20 on RMR’s Americana Chart.
Amidst his achievements, Jewell has never forgotten his roots. A native of Lepanto, Arkansas, he has remained deeply connected to his home state throughout his career. His commitment to his values and community made him an ideal candidate for the Arkansas Walk of Fame. On a special day in May 2023, Buddy, along with five other esteemed recipients, received this honor for their significant contributions in their respective fields, national recognition and connections to Arkansas.
Grateful and humble, Jewell expressed his appreciation for the honor, thanking God, his wife, and all his family and supporters for their unwavering support. It was a poignant moment as Jewell joined the ranks of roughly 100 influential names in civil rights, wrestling, aviation, kickboxing and country music on the Walk of Fame.
Jewell continues to captivate audiences with his musical prowess and genuine personality. As a devoted father and husband, an outspoken follower of Jesus Christ and a proud American, Jewell remains an inspiration to many aspiring artists and a symbol of success, hard work, and giving back to the community.
For those who wish to keep up with Jewell’s journey, his official website, buddyjewell.com, serves as a valuable resource. Additionally, fans can follow him on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. To enjoy his music, Jewell’s songs can be streamed and downloaded from popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.
From a reality show winner to an esteemed country music icon, Jewell’s journey serves as a reminder that with passion and determination, one can achieve greatness and touch the hearts of many.
This copyrighted story by Claudia Johnson was originally published in Country Reunion Magazine and Country Reunion News.