About Jillian
Jillian Cardarelli is a singer/songwriter originally from a small town in Massachusetts who is forging her own path in country music with her stunning vocals, captivating songwriting and girl next door quality.
Rolling Stone ranked Jillian at the top of their list of 10 New Country Artists You Need to Know and Nashville Lifestyles Magazine highlighted Jillian in their annual Music in the City issue as one of the Top New Artists to Watch.
Cardarelli released her self-titled EP in April 2022 with the title track “What’s It Gonna Take,” written by Jennifer Fielder and Adam Wood. The EP was produced by award-winning producer and hit songwriter Alex Kline. The EP includes:
1. I Never Do This - was named Best New Country Song by Rolling Stone in October 2019
2. Cool Girl - released in partnership with Radio Disney Country, in January 2020 to rave reviews
3. *Strong - featuring Charles Esten
4. If You Had a Heart - released in February 2021 and quickly become a fan favorite
5. Dropped - released on CMT
6. What’s It Gonna Take - New Single
*“STRONG" featuring actor/artist Charles Esten (ABC’s NASHVILLE and Netflix’s Outer Banks) released in 2020 to critical acclaim. Cardarelli and Esten co-wrote the song, inspired by Jillian’s mother’s battle with cancer, that was recognized as one of 2020's Most Powerful Songs by American Songwriter.
Cardarelli’s previous singles included:
“Souvenirs” aired on Radio Disney Country in March 2018 while the music video spent eight weeks in the Top 10 videos online on CMT.
"Rerun,” her debut single, was written by Grammy Award-winning artist Maren Morris, Tina Parol and Jordan Reynolds released in August 2017. The music video of “Rerun” spent two weeks at #1 and several weeks in the Top 10 videos on CMT.com due to fan voting.
Cardarelli delivered a stunning performance of a Christmas classic “O’ Holy Night” during The 98th Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Virtual Concert in December 2020. Jillian walked the Red Carpet at the CMT Awards in 2019 and 2018 before performing at CMA Fest on the Radio Disney Country stage.
In addition to performing, Jillian has found success with songwriting, landing her first major label cut with Australian artist Jody Direen on ABC Music and co-wrote Cort Carpenter’s single “What Were We Drinking,” with the music video surpassing 1.56 million views on YouTube.
She credits her grandfather, who was stationed in Georgia during World War II where he fell in love with the heartfelt words and melodies of country music and brought that love of country back home. At a young age, Jillian fell in love with country music herself, from hearing Merle Haggard and Patsy Cline playing from her grandfather’s living room stereo.
Jillian’s first solo performance took place at her church and, at the young age of four, Jillian knew what her life-long ambition would be. George Strait, LeAnn Rimes, Faith Hill and Shania Twain are some of her inspirations, with her biggest inspiration being the King himself, Elvis Presley.
In early 2017, Jillian’s talent captured the attention of William Morris Endeavor as they signed her to their roster.