Country music artist Laura Bryna is no stranger to the spotlight, but her upcoming performance on the CMA Fest Spotlight Stage feels especially surreal.

For the small-town Maryland native, it’s a full-circle moment. One she once dreamed about as a young girl, not fully knowing how far that dream would take her.

Now, as she gears up for the big stage, Laura Bryna is embracing every part of the journey with open arms… Glitter, grit, and all.

“It’s one of those pinch-me moments,” she told The Blast during a candid sit-down in a cozy restaurant in Nashville. “As a kid, you dream of moments like this, but you never really think they’ll happen.”

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Bryna, who is set to release her new single “Blue Jean Crazy” this weekend, says the moment reflects not only her growth as an artist but also as a woman finding her voice. Loud, proud, and unapologetic. “This is the most authentic I’ve ever felt,” she shared. “I’ve been getting into songwriting more and really expressing all these different sides of myself.”

Whether it’s through rocking glitter eye makeup or crafting bold anthems, Bryna says she’s leaning into exactly who she is, even if not everyone approves. “There’s always someone on the internet who’s going to criticize you,” she said. “But instead of giving it energy, I’d rather write a song and turn it into something empowering.”

Her latest release, “Blue Jean Crazy,” is a perfect example.

Inspired by her small-town roots in Maryland and the sense of community that defines country music, the song radiates Americana pride and down-home heart.

“It’s not just flag-waving,” she said. “It’s about people taking care of one another, showing up for each other. Like Charlie at the liquor store or Bonnie at the diner. That’s what I come from.”

In fact, Bryna got emotional while talking about how tight-knit her fan base, affectionately known as the Bryniacs, is. “It’s the country music community, it’s like everybody takes care of each other,” she said. “It’s real.”

Bryna, who has flown in F-16 fighter jets to support the Air National Guard and regularly gives back to military causes, also touched on her passion for philanthropy.

“I wouldn’t be here without our service members,” she said. “When I perform, I’m thinking of them.”

She later added, “I want to give back however I can, whether that’s visiting hospitals, working with St. Jude, or building homes. It all matters.”

Her love of giving is something instilled by her late brother, who battled a brain aneurysm as a teenager and once turned down a Make-A-Wish opportunity so someone else could benefit. “He lived life to the fullest,” Bryna recalled. “Everything I do, I do with him in mind.”

As for dream collaborations, Bryna is wide open.

“I’m loving what Jelly Roll is doing right now,” she said. “He’s real, he owns his past, and he wants to inspire people to be better. That’s what I connect with: artists who are true to themselves.”

When she’s not on stage or in the studio, Bryna jokes that she lives out of her suitcase. Still, she makes time to enjoy the little things.

For Laura Bryna, music isn’t just about melodies. It’s about meaning. Every lyric, every note, every glittery outfit tells a story of where she’s been and who she is now.

“I always say, if you come to a Laura Bryna show, you’re going to see someone who’s doing it her way. Loud and proud, baby,” she said with a laugh. “I’m not trying to be anybody else. This is me.”

That unapologetic spirit carries into her fashion choices as well. “People always ask, ‘Why don’t you wear ripped jeans?’ and I’m like, I love ripped jeans, but I also love being feminine,” she said. “And if I want to show up in sparkly boots and red lipstick, that’s what I’m gonna do.”

That attitude is woven into her songwriting, especially in tracks like her upcoming collaboration “Rise,” which she says is about resilience in the face of chaos.

“It’s like, when the sh-t hits the fan, you pick yourself up, put on your best boots, and keep walking,” she said. “It’s a reminder that nobody’s going to save you. You’ve got to save yourself.”

And even in the chaos of constant touring, writing camps, and red-eye flights, Bryna still finds moments to appreciate the madness. “Every day I get to do this is a gift,” she said. “I have an amazing team, incredible fans, the Bryniacs, and I’ve learned to just take it all in. The good, the bad, the messy, the beautiful. That’s what makes it real.”

While Bryna’s CMA Fest weekend is packed with performances, meet-and-greets, and media stops, she’s still a fan at heart, and she’s got her festival routine down.

“I never go anywhere without my Ready Whip,” she confessed with a grin. “People think I’m joking, but no. That’s my thing. My dad got me hooked. It’s my vice!”

When asked about her dream day at CMA Fest as a fan, Bryna didn’t hesitate. “I’d stop at Hattie B’s for some Nashville hot chicken and definitely check out Whiskey Jam.” And as for who she’d love to see live? “Blake Shelton, hands down. He’s the real deal, so talented, so giving. I love when artists give back, and he does that.”

Even in the chaos of CMA Fest, Bryna stays grounded by remembering the bigger picture. “You have to live every day to the fullest. Tomorrow’s not promised,” she said. “So wear the glitter, sing your heart out, and don’t forget to say ‘I love you.'”

With her new single “Blue Jean Crazy” out this weekend and a schedule full of tour dates and writing sessions, Laura Bryna isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.