HunterGirl: 5 Things To Know About The Country Standout In ‘American Idol’s Top 3

Avery Thompson

May 22, 2022 2:50PM EDT

HunterGirl is a country singer with a bright future. Season 20’s first Platinum Ticket winner has made it to the finale. Here’s what you need to know about HunterGirl.

HunterGirl has been a contender to win American Idol season 20 since her debut in the premiere. The 20-year-old contestant wowed during her audition and walked away with this season’s first Platinum Ticket. She’s facing off in the season 20 finale against fellow top 3 finalists Noah Thompson and Leah Marlene.

So, who is HunterGirl? Throughout season 20, HunterGirl has consistently shown she’s got what it takes to be the next big thing in country music. HollywoodLife has rounded up 5 key things you need to know about HunterGirl.

HunterGirl during the ‘American Idol’ top 3 performances. (ABC)

1. HunterGirl got the first Platinum Ticket.

HunterGirl made her American Idol debut in the season 20 premiere. She impressed the judges with her rendition of “Riot” by Rascal Flatts. Luke Bryan told HunterGirl that he wrote top 10 on the paper in front of him. He said that she’s a “new age Miranda Lambert” and his “favorite female country voice” that he’s heard in 5 years. She received the first Platinum Ticket of season 20, which sent her straight to the second round of Hollywood Week. She is the only Platinum Ticket winner to make the season 20 finale.

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AMERICAN IDOL – “519 (Grand Finale)” – Season 20 of “American Idol” concludes in epic fashion with the Top 3 each hitting the Idol stage in hopes of securing America’s vote, including one round dedicated to “The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen. In the end, one winner will be crowned the next American Idol. In addition to the finalists, there will be showstopping performances by superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as well as superstars James Arthur, Sara Bareilles, Gabby Barrett, Michael Bublé, Deana Carter, Earth, Wind & Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Ben Platt, Thomas Rhett, Tai Verdes and more. Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest hosts “American Idol,” LIVE, coast to coast, SUNDAY, MAY 22 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT/6:00-9:00 p.m. MDT/5:00-8:00 p.m. PDT), on ABC. (ABC/Eric McCandless)
NOAH THOMPSON

2. HunterGirl is her stage name.

HunterGirl’s real name is Hunter Wolkonowski. She is from Winchester, Tennessee. HunterGirl spends most of her time working on her music in Nashville.

3. HunterGirl works with veterans.

The singer told the judges that she works with veterans in music therapy when she’s not working on her own music. She works with many veteran organizations like Freedom Sings USA, Operation Song, and more.

4. HunterGirl is a college graduate.

HunterGirl earned her college degree from Middle Tennesse State University’s music business school. While she was in college, HunterGirl won several songwriting contests, according to her official website. She has opened at music events for performers like Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, and Sara Evans.

HunterGirl during her ‘American Idol’ season 20 audition. (ABC)

5. HunterGirl has released her own music.

HunterGirl released her first single in 2018, “We’re Not In Kansas Anymore.” She dropped an EP in 2022 titled One Day that features 5 original songs. She recently released the single “Red Bird.”