K. Michelle may have built a career in R&B, but the singer is now embracing who she is at her core: a country singer with a new album in tow.
The "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star has announced her first-ever country album, "Jesus & Whiskey," scheduled for release on Oct. 16, 2026. The title track, out now, showcases her harmony-rich vocals and deep country roots. For the first single, she worked with top Nashville names including steel guitarist Justin Schipper, known for his collaborations with Beyoncé, Tim McGraw, and more.
Her seventh studio album will feature tracks such as "Yodel," "Blame Tennessee," and "Jack Daniels."
While the Tennessee native from Memphis—who earned a music scholarship to Florida A&M University by yodeling during her
audition—has always stayed true to her country roots, her journey in the genre has ironically been anything but smooth.
"Being a Tennessee girl, [country] is my first genre of choice, and I was always told because of other reasons, I couldn’t sing that," Michelle, who previously found success as an R&B artist, told People while announcing the album. "When it came down to it, I am a country singer. It’s new to the world, but to everyone around me, they know it’s my whole life, so it’s time to do what it is I do, and I’m really excited about it."
Produced by Kristian Bush from the critically acclaimed country music duo Sugarland, the 9-track project is another chapter for Michelle as she reunites with her roots.
"I’m watering myself. I’ve had to dig into myself. I’ve had to hype myself up. I’ve had to, even in this long release, as I’m terrified, I have to look in that mirror and say, 'You’re going to be okay' and 'You can’t define my box.' You can’t define what my fairytale looks like inside. That’s what the album cover’s about," she continued.
Born Kimberly Michelle Pate, K. Michelle signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville in 2024. However, she has long been a prevalent name in music and the entertainment industry at large as a chart-topping R&B singer, longtime country music fanatic and reality TV star.
"When we first met K. Michelle, she radiated her passion for country music. It's the fabric of who she is because the lyrics represent truth. She's built an incredible fanbase with her unique vocals anchored with storytelling at its heart and that is what transcends genres," Katie Kerkhover, VP of A&R at BMG, told The Tennessean while announcing Michelle's signing.
Michelle makes it clear that her R&B and country eras are rooted in the same tradition of storytelling.
"I’m not an artist doing a country album. I’m a country artist. And it’s just amazing to see people go pull up old work and even hear the R&B albums, and they would tell me then, 'She sounds like a country singer. Why isn’t she?'" she told the magazine.
She has deepened her roots in Music City over the last few years with appearances at the Bluebird Cafe, CMA Fest and contributing to "A Tribute To The Judds" album in 2023, pairing with Jelly Roll to perform "Love Can Build A Bridge" alongside the Fisk Jubilee Singers. All together the same group closed out the 2024's Country Music Association Awards.
In August 2025, K. Michelle honored country music trailblazer Rissi Palmer at the 18th ACM Honors ceremony at The Pinnacle. On the current season of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," Michelle proudly claims her Southern belle identity, underscoring that she isn't just from the country; It's in her blood.
The title track and single, "Jesus & Whiskey," is out now.
Follow USA TODAY Network and The Tennessean music reporter Caché McClay on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: K. Michelle will release her first country album, and it's a homecoming
