Alexandra Kay: A Decade of Music, New Beginnings, and Life on the Road

Alexandra Kay has spent over a decade navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, but nothing could have prepared her for the excitement and energy of performing alongside some of the biggest names in the business. Last year, Kay, 33, opened for Jelly Roll on his Beautifully Broken Tour, a surreal experience that left her starstruck as she crossed paths with legends like Morgan Wallen, Snoop Dogg, Kelsea Ballerini, and even Jon Bon Jovi. “Within a matter of minutes, I was passing all these iconic artists,” Kay shared with Us Weekly. “It was like, ‘Is this real life?’ Everybody was there!”

Now, Kay is stepping into the spotlight as a headliner with her Cupid’s a Cowgirl Tour, which kicked off on Sunday, February 23. The tour is a celebration of her new single, “Cupid’s a Cowgirl,” a fiery, upbeat anthem about embracing the single life. For Kay, this tour is a milestone she wasn’t sure she’d ever reach. “There was a part of me that had been at it for so long that I didn’t know if I’d ever get to put on a show like this,” she admitted. “I am so grateful, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.” Fans can expect performances of four new songs from her upcoming record, a taste of what’s to come as Kay continues to evolve as an artist.

From Heartbreak to Happiness: The Inspiration Behind “Cupid’s a Cowgirl”

The release of “Cupid’s a Cowgirl” on Friday, February 21, marked a turning point for Kay, who had previously focused on themes of heartbreak and divorce in her music. Just a year prior, she had split from her ex-husband in 2022, and her album All I’ve Ever Known reflected that pain. However, Kay was determined to move forward and embrace a new chapter of her life. “I was in a really happy place and still am,” she revealed, reflecting on the writing process for her latest single. “I wanted to create something fun and happy, something that felt like a departure from my divorce record.”

The result was “Cupid’s a Cowgirl,” a raucous, empowering track that kicks off with the lines, “She’s got a pistol in her pocket / Outlaw in her blood / Peekin’ out from that Stetson / Yeah, she’s lookin’ for a stud.” Kay described the writing session as a blast, recalling how she and her collaborators were “jumping on couches, screaming, having fun. We probably disturbed every other session in the studio that day, and I’m totally fine with that.” The song’s energy is Infectious, and it perfectly captures Kay’s newfound confidence and joy.

Life on the Road: Pre-Show Rituals and Post-Show Indulgences

Tour life is a balancing act of preparation, performance, and self-care, and Kay has developed a set of rituals to keep her grounded and ready to shine. “I have a nebulizer to warm up my vocal cords, and I drink, like, 10 bottles of water before I perform,” she shared. She also makes time to connect with her fans by going live on social media while doing her makeup. “People in the crowd will message me like, ‘When are you coming out?’” she laughed. “It’s a fun way to build anticipation.”

When the curtains close, Kay’s post-show routine is all about indulgence. “I eat—I stuff my face!” she confessed. Chicken wings are her go-to after-show treat, and she’s even been known to joke about wanting nothing more than a good wing joint while on tour. “It sounds crazy, but that’s just what I want after performing,” she said.

The Craziest Tour Experience: Backstage with Jelly Roll

Touring with Jelly Roll last year introduced Kay to a whole new level of excitement and unpredictability. One of the most memorable moments came during a stop at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. “Within a matter of minutes, I was passing Morgan Wallen, Snoop Dogg, Kelsea Ballerini, and Ernest,” Kay recalled. “Was that the night Jon Bon Jovi was there? I can’t even remember because everyone was there!” The backstage area was a Who’s Who of music and comedy legends, including Bert Kreischer and Jeffree Star. “It was just like, ‘This is the craziest experience to have all of these people in one place,’” she said, shaking her head in disbelief. “But that’s just Jelly. Everybody loves him, you know? So you never know who you’re gonna run into.”

Nerves, Prayers, and Lucky Charms: How Kay Stays Grounded

Despite her years of experience, Kay still gets nervous before every performance. “I pray every single time,” she shared. “It doesn’t matter if it’s three people or an arena—I get nervous because it means I still care. When you stop getting nervous, it’s a sign that you’re kind of getting numb to it, and I’m far from that.” For extra reassurance, Kay carries a cross with her at all times—either as a physical token or in the form of a tattoo on her wrist. Additionally, her boyfriend, Rocko Beall, who doubles as her musical director and guitar player, is always by her side. “I guess you could say I have my lucky charm on stage with me every night,” she said with a smile.

Favorite Performances, Embarrassing Moments, and Cherished Souvenirs

Performing live is where Kay truly comes alive, and no song resonates with her quite like “Everleave,” a deeply emotional track about her divorce. “There’s a universal healing that happens in the room when I play that song,” she explained. “You can hear a pin drop every single time. It heals me a little bit more every time I sing it.” Kay has worked hard to move past the pain of her divorce, and performing “Everleave” allows her to connect with fans on a raw and honest level.

Not every moment on stage has been perfect, however. Kay shared a laugh about a particularly embarrassing experience during her time on the Jelly Roll tour. “He last-minute asked me to sing a song I’d never performed before, and I went up there and botched it,” she admitted. “I came in at the wrong part of the song, and it was all over the internet the next day. That one’s on me!”

Offstage, Kay cherishes the memories of her time on the road, but not in the way you might expect. “I always get a magnet from everywhere we go,” she said, revealing her quirky collection of souvenirs from Germany, Holland, and other tour stops. She and Rocko also make it a point to see Broadway or Off-Broadway shows wherever they are. “We’re total theater nerds,” she confessed. “Now my fridge is covered in magnets from all the shows we’ve seen!”

As Kay continues her Cupid’s a Cowgirl Tour, she’s ready to bring her energy, passion, and authenticity to fans across the country. With a new chapter unfolding in her music career, there’s no doubt that Alexandra Kay is here to stay.