Judge Simon Cowell predicted big things for Chapel Hart after their star-making turn on “America’s Got Talent.”
Since their top-five finish on AGT, the Mississippi singing sensation has made his prophecy come true. Composed of sisters Danica Hart and Devynn Hart and their cousin, Trea Swindle, Chapel Hart has captured the hearts of audiences across America and beyond.
But as they made clear at their November show at Biloxi’s Ground Zero Blues Club, no matter where life and superstardom may take them, there is
no place like home. All three hail from the South Mississippi town of Poplarville — more specifically, a little community called Hart’s Chapel.
“We’ve been singing together most of our lives, but we got our start together as Chapel Hart in 2018,” Devynn explains. “When we transitioned from being a cover band, we wanted a name that really meant something to us, so we wound up inverting the name of the place that cultivated us into the women we are today.”
INSPIRING ‘THE CONGREGATION’
Before AGT introduced Chapel Hart to a global audience, Trea says the group had been growing its fan base “the old-school way” by going town to town.
“Now we’re getting requests to play
all across the country and abroad as well,” she adds. “Never would we have imagined getting emails from San Antonio to Switzerland, Kentucky to Kenya, from newfound fans who say they were moved by our music.”
The Congregation, as Chapel Hart affectionately calls their fans, relate
to their music and respond to its authenticity. Their songs tell stories of life’s defining moments, from breakups and loss to love and triumph.
“(Our fans) are some of the most genuine people from every imaginable background who are unrelenting in their support, and that’s really all an artist an ask for,” Danica says. “Truly, they all eventually become much more than fans; they become a part of our family.”
The congregation came out in force
to Ground Zero, where Chapel Hart electrified the audience with performances of their original hits, including “You Can Have Him Jolene,” “Glory Days” and “The Girls Are Back in Town.” They also teared up while paying tribute to their grandmother, Beatrice Hart, who died on Nov. 16.
In a Facebook statement, the group wrote, “Our worlds will never be the same. One thing we know for sure the hospitality section in heaven is about to be through the roooof! Gran, rest well. You deserve it. 86 years as a gift to the world … we are truly blessed to carry on your name.”
One of the values the matriarch instilled in her granddaughters was a sense of community —as well as pride in who
they are and where they come from. Despite not looking or sounding like the prototypical country act, the trio pressed on through hard times — believing in the value of their voices.
“It has taken a lot of hard work, late nights, tears and a whole lot of ‘nos’ to get us to this point,” Devynn says. “In spite of all that, we kept on going and pushing through, and I think that has made all the difference in the world.”
RISING TO THE TOP
There’s no arguing with the results, as Chapel Hart has racked up success after success. Aside from winning the golden buzzer on AGT, they’ve been inducted into CMT’s Next Women of Country, played the Grand Ole’ Opry, received the keys to three cities, been nominated in multiple categories by the British CMAs and earned accolades from no less than Dolly Parton herself.
And although Chapel Hart faced an obstacle earlier this year when Danica underwent vocal cord surgery, it’s clear that there’s no stopping their meteoric rise. They’ve released a new single with one
of their idols, country star Darius Rucker, and are gearing up for their “Glory Days” Tour in 2023, which will take them to more than 60 cities from coast to coast.
“We want to take this ride all the way
to the top!” Danica says. “In doing so, we hope to continue to be a beacon of hope
for all of the dreamers around the world, reaching as many people as possible with our music and spreading love every step of the way.”