Lauren Alaina’s Journey Since American Idol
In 2011, country music star Lauren Alaina competed on the 10th season of American Idol. At just 16, Lauren was one of the youngest contestants to make it to the finale, competing against fellow country artist Scotty McCreery.
Since then, Lauren has gone on to have a wildly successful career, releasing hits including “Road Less Traveled,” “Ladies In The ‘90s,” “Thick As Thieves” with Lainey Wilson, and “The Other Side.”
Lauren achieved a childhood dream and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Trisha Yearwood in February 2022.
Along with her music, Lauren has navigated many personal highs and lows over the years.
Lauren lost her father, J.J., in July of 2024. She has found ways to honor his memory in every way that she can. The singer has shared sweet tributes, including a special video of her and him singing a worship song together years ago.
Lauren also married her husband Cam Arnold on February 4, 2024, in a wedding ceremony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
The wedding consisted of about 450 guests, including some of Lauren’s country superstar friends, such as Jason and Brittany Aldean, HARDY and his wife Caleigh, and Shay Mooney from Dan + Shay.
Just a few months after her father’s passing, Lauren and Cam announced they were expecting their first child! A week later, they revealed the gender of their first child in a black-and-white video that showed them painting their pet’s feet and placing their prints on a canvas.
When the video turned to color, it revealed that the paw prints were pink for a baby girl! The couple welcomed Beni Doll Arnold on June 11, 2025. Beni was born at 8:44 am, weighing 7 lbs 13oz and measuring 19 inches long.
“The right words are hard to find to describe how parts of my heart that I didn’t even knew existed were unlocked at 8:44 am when they laid you on my belly for the first time,” Lauren said of Beni’s arrival. “I will never be the same. You, to your dad and me, are absolute perfection. We are honored God chose us to be your parents. Thank you to everyone for all of the love, prayers and support for our precious daughter.”
Lauren Alaina Reflects On The 15-Year Anniversary Of Her Idol Audition
15 years after making her Idol debut, Lauren reflected this week on where it all began.
In a new video shared on social media, she compiled footage from the past 15 years, documenting her growth year by year.
“15 years ago today, I introduced myself to you for the first time on your tv screen. If you voted for me and have stuck with me on my journey over the last 15 years.. I owe it all to you. Thank you for letting me live this dream. Here’s to another 15 together🤍,” Lauren captioned the video.
Fans flooded the comment section, sharing with Lauren just how devoted they are to her and her music.
“i can’t believe it has been that long i watched your journey on American idol ❤️🙌,” one user said.
“15 years since i saw the girl audition with the same name as me and ive been obsessed with your music since!! can’t wait to see you live on friday!!,” another commented.