Young country star making waves with heartfelt new cover

CASTLEDERG girl Lexi Rose may still be in primary school at 11 years-old, but this young country music star is already turning heads, touching hearts, and building her own musical journey, one heartfelt song at a time.

After releasing two self-penned tracks, this talented little girl has taken a new step by covering one of her all-time favourites: 'Who Left the Door to Heaven Open'.

This isn’t just any cover. Originally released in 1974 by Hank Thompson and written by Betty Duke, the song has been recorded by many over the years, but never, as far as she knows, by a female vocalist. Until now.

“I just love the melody and the beautiful words,” Lexi Rose said, accompanied by her mum, Olivia. “It’s one of the most played songs on my country playlist. It’s such a lovely, emotional song, and I thought I could give it a bit of a different spin!”

And that she did. When she heard the backing track recorded at the Sound Garden in Drumquin, she said she knew instantly that "this was the one".

"The lyrics are so touching about someone who was so heartbroken finding love from an angel heaven sent," explained Lexi Rose. "It is quite an emotional song! I hope people will enjoy it! It feels slightly different from other songs I have released.”

It’s a song that brings out deep feelings in both the singer and her listeners.

“The first time I sang it to granny Rosie and granda Jim they were so emotional and it has gotten a great response and a lot of people have told me it is definitely a song which pulls at the heartstrings," Lexi Rose recalled.

Her favourite line in the song is: “Someone must have known that I was lonely, that’s why they sent you to me from above.” It’s a line that says so much in just a few words, and one that she carries close to her heart.

“If heaven really had a door, I think so many people would want to reach out and touch someone they’ve lost. That’s what makes this song so special, it speaks to anyone who’s ever missed someone," Lexi Rose said.

She may be young, but her love for country music runs deep.

She’s already made waves with her original songs, and even more music is in the works.

"I have a couple of new self penned songs which need some fine tuning and lyrics aren’t just completed," she shared.

And that’s not all, she also has plans to record a few gospel tracks in the future.

Her musical idols? “I really look up to Claudia Buckley,” she said excitedly. “She’s such an inspiration to me. I also love Philomena Begley, Dolly Parton, and Owen Mac, they’re all incredible artists.”

And if she could sing Who Left the Door to Heaven Open as a duet with one person?

“Matt Leavy!” Lexi Rose exclaimed. “What an honour that would be! He’s a true country artist and such a big influence.”

But behind the songs and the stage lights, she’s still your regular hard-working schoolgirl.

“I always prioritise my school work,” she added, making sure to mention she’s currently in her final year of primary school.

Outside the classroom, she attends singing and drama classes at Much Ado Stage School and is learning piano with musician David Doonan, who also happens to be the one recording her music.

“He’s been so great,” she said. “He has recorded all my music to date and I am grateful for that!"

She’s also always writing.

“I carry a wee book around with me all the time,” Lexi Rose stated. “Sometimes when I’m in the car or just walking around, I’ll think of a line for a song and I’ll write it in and come back to it then."

The cover image for her new single came from a photoshoot last year with photographer Sharon H. Stronge.

“I picked from a great selection of photographs,” Lexi Rose said.

And while this new single is a big step, she knows none of it would be possible without the support of those closest to her.

“I would like to especially thank my mum and dad for all their support and input and my grandparents. I would also like to thank the Sound Garden for recording my songs and believing in my ability."

With such heartfelt passion, a strong voice, and a love for all things country, it’s clear that this rising star is just getting started.

Her version of Who Left the Door to Heaven Open is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

To follow along with her music journey, visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/19bbxLGz4Z

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