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AGT Finalists Chapel Hart and Drake Milligan Just Notched Major Career Updates

The country music world recognized the Season 17 Acts in a big way!

By Jackie Manno
Drake Milligan and Chapel Hart Perform with Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi | NBC's AGT Finale 2022

America’s Got Talent Season 17 Acts Chapel Hart and Drake Milligan are surely going far: After dazzling AGT audiences and Judges with their incredible musical talent, and making it to the Season 17 final this fall, the two Acts are both making strides in the country music world. Chapel Hart and Drake Milligan are two of the 20 artists named to CMT's Listen Up Class of 2023, CMT announced on Thursday, December 8. Listen Up is an initiative that highlights and supports some of the "brightest rising stars in country music."  

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The two country Acts both made in far in Season 17 in 2022. Girl group Chapel Hart — made up of sisters Danica and Devyn Hart and their cousin, Trea Swindle — ultimately placed fifth, while Drake Milligan came in third. Each Act blew the Judges away with their auditions; Chapel Hart received the (second-ever) group Golden Buzzer from all four Judges and Host Terry Crews during Week 7, and even impressed Dolly Parton with their original song: a revamped rendition of Parton's “Jolene” with a modern day twist. Milligan performed his original song "Sounds Like Something I'd Do" during the second audition episode, and went on to be named "the new Elvis of Country" by Judge Howie Mandel.

When it comes to their recognition from CMT, the stars were both highly honored with their accomplishments in the country music world, according to their social media accounts.

“Y’all we are so blessed and honored to be apart of CMT’s Listen Up Class of 2023!! We could not have gotten this far in our career without the grace of God and the support from each and everyone of you! We hope y’all are ready for 2023 because we are about to bring y’all some amazing stuff!! Thank you all for being apart of this crazy ride with us ️ We love y’all SO MUCH!!! 🫶🫶🫶 #CHTTT” Chapel Hart gushed on their official Instagram page.

Milligan expressed similar sentiment. “It was just announced that I'm a part of the #CMTListenUp Class of 2023! I'm in some great company and am so honored. Thank you @CMT!” he posted.

For more from veteran AGT Acts, check out the upcoming series AGT: All Stars, which brings 60 Acts from around the world together for the ultimate competition. AGT: All Stars premieres January 2 at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock. 

Watch AGT on Peacock and NBC.