By Judy Shields
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 05/08/2026 – “Keeping the Faith is about always believing that good things will happen and then trusting that they will,” says Waldrup. “It’s about waking up every day with hope in your heart, even when you can’t yet see the outcome. Faith isn’t always easy, but sometimes it’s the only thing that keeps you moving forward and reminds you that better days are ahead.”
Karen Waldrup, known for her powerful voice, viral videos, and creative spirit, is excited to release her new single “Keeping The Faith,” today!
Karen announced her new album “No Way Back” with the first single “Keepin’ the Faith” releasing today, May 8th. She explained their unconventional approach of touring and releasing the album before its official release, which she described as a “backwards” strategy that aligns with current social media trends of sharing content early.
The single delivers a powerful message about perseverance, hope, and trusting the journey through life’s most uncertain moments. For Karen Waldrup, “Keeping The Faith” is a deeply personal reflection of trusting God’s plan while navigating major life changes, including a difficult divorce, and believing that no matter the challenges, heartbreaks, or unexpected turns life may bring, there is always something brighter ahead for those who continue to believe. Through heartfelt lyrics and an inspiring message, the song reminds listeners that even in difficult seasons, unexpected blessings often arrive right when they are needed most.
To view the premiere with GodTube, visit HERE.
To purchase/stream: hypeddit.com/
Karen discussed how the song was co-written with Darcy Morin and selected through a comprehensive song evaluation process, emphasizing its powerful message about maintaining faith during difficult times. She shared personal stories about finding her new dog Rica through a prayer, her musical journey from Louisiana to Nashville, and her approach to social media engagement. The interview also covered Karen’s charity work with Mission of Hope in Haiti, her all-female band, and her love for performing at Louisiana festivals, particularly those featuring local cuisine and outdoor settings.
“Before I left for Puerto Rico, I prayed and asked God that if one of His children—human or not—needed a home and someone to love them, to send them my way,” says Waldrup. “While I was gone, this sweet little soul showed up at my house and never left. Rica has completely stolen my heart, and I truly believe she was sent to me for a reason.”
Music Release and Personal Blessings
Karen discussed her new approach of releasing music online before its official release, with “Keeping the Faith” being the first song to come out. She shared her gratitude for receiving a new dog as a blessing, explaining how she found the pet through a prayer and neighborhood efforts to find the original owner. Karen attributed her positive experiences in 2025 to maintaining faith, mentioning both her new record and new dog as significant blessings.
Keepin’ the Faith” Song Release
Karen explained that the song “Keepin’ the Faith” was inspired by a friend, Darcy Morin, and was selected from hundreds of songs through a ranking process where the team evaluated each song’s impact. The song will be released for Mother’s Day weekend, with plans for a video featuring slideshow photos of people with their mothers. Karen shared that she recorded the song while going through a difficult time, including a divorce, which she believes contributed to the emotional connection it makes with audiences.
Balancing Music and Social Media
Karen discussed the challenges of balancing online engagement with fans while maintaining productivity and mental well-being, particularly for musicians who also function as influencers. She shared a strategy from her friend Mandy to protect one’s mental health by unfollowing social media accounts that create negative feelings or promote content without substance. The conversation then shifted to music, with Judy expressing her love for traditional country music and songwriters, while Karen revealed she has a Dolly Parton-themed room in her home.
Karen’s Musical Journey in Nashville
Karen shared her musical journey, beginning with childhood memories of singing in the shower and being placed in church and high school choirs by her mother. She discussed moving to Nashville and getting involved in the local music scene by attending writers’ nights and open mic events at venues like Douglas Corner and the Commodore. Karen emphasized the importance of building community through kindness, noting that the same people who were supportive when she first arrived in Nashville remain part of the community today.
Karen Waldrup’s Music Career Discussion
Karen Waldrup discussed her music career and advice for young artists, emphasizing the importance of being nice to people and treating them with respect. She shared her Louisiana roots and love for New Orleans, describing how the city’s culture influenced her as an artist. Karen also talked about her upcoming album “Keeping the Faith,” with the first single releasing May 8th, and her charity work, particularly her efforts to support Haiti through Mission of Hope.
Enjoy our conversation:
MAY 31 – The Troubadour / Nashville, Tenn.
JUN 04 – CMA Music Fest Fan Fair X / Nashville, Tenn.
JUN 05 – CMA Music Fest Martin’s BBQ / Nashville, Tenn.
JUN 06 – CMA Music Fest Fan Fair X / Nashville, Tenn.
JUN 10 – Waldrup Wednesday Facebook LIVE
JUN 26 – Texas Club / Baton Rouge, La.
JUN 27 – Ground Zero Blue Club / Biloxi, Miss.
AUG 08 – Chief’s on Broadway / Nashville, Tenn.
AUG 22 – Moonless Film Festival / Franklin, Tenn.
SEP 11 – Private Event / Aurora, Ind.
SEP 12 – Butler County Music Festival / Saxonburg, Pa.
SEP 13 – Butler County Music Festival Worship Sunday / Saxonburg, Pa
OCT 08 – Infinity Music Awards / Nashville, Tenn.
More About Karen Waldrup:
Karen Waldrup is an internationally recognized Country Soul artist with over 1 million fans online and more than 400 million video views. A Top 5 finalist on Season 25 of NBC’s The Voice, she’s been featured in major outlets like Billboard, Rolling Stone, PEOPLE, Netflix, The Hallmark Channel, and more. She’s a BMI songwriter, a member of the Recording Academy (NARAS), CMA, and a proud partner with Mission of Hope: Haiti. Waldrup has won twelve Nashville Industry Music Awards, received the 2019 Torch Award from the Keith Whitley Fingerprint on Country Music Awards, and was named a 2023 Top 5 Artist to Watch by Country Evolution. With seven studio albums and over 50 songs released worldwide, she continues to make her mark on the country music scene.
Her debut album JUSTIFIED, produced by Garth Fundis (Trisha Yearwood, Don Williams, Alabama), appeared on four Billboard charts and featured “Sometimes He Does,” which was praised in Rolling Stone and named “Disc of the Day” by Robert Oermann. Waldrup has performed in over 15 countries, blending classic country with Louisiana soul. Her 2022 album Kendall County Road, produced by Grammy winners Paul Worley and Biff Watson, includes songs written with WWII veteran Jim Martin and a duet with Wendy Moten. She recently released “Louisiana Hurricane” and “Fix It,” and her latest single, “Blue Cowboy Boots,” is out now.
