When Lisa McHugh moved from Glasgow to Ireland in 2010, she had a dream of becoming a country music singer. Little did she know that she would soon become one of the most successful and acclaimed artists in the Irish music scene. With her distinctive voice, her catchy songs and her charismatic personality, Lisa McHugh has won the hearts of millions of fans and critics alike. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Lisa McHugh, the Scottish star who conquered Irish country music.
Early Life and Influences
Lisa McHugh was born on 16 August 1988 in Glasgow, Scotland, to Irish parents. Her father is from Castlederg in County Tyrone and her mother is from Falcarragh in Cloughaneely, a district in the north-west of County Donegal. Lisa grew up in a musical family and was exposed to country music from a young age. She said: “I tried all different kinds of songs, I always kept going back to country music, I just felt most comfortable in those songs”. Some of her early influences include Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire.
Lisa developed a passion for singing and performing and participated in various talent shows and competitions. She also learned to play the guitar and piano and wrote her own songs. She said: “I always loved singing, it was something that came naturally to me. I used to sing in front of the mirror with a hairbrush as a microphone”. Lisa dreamed of pursuing a career in country music and was inspired by the success of fellow Scottish singer Isla Grant, who had made a name for herself in Ireland.
In June 2010, Lisa decided to take a leap of faith and move to Ireland, where she felt there was more opportunity and appreciation for country music. She said: “I knew it was a big risk, but I also knew it was something I had to do. I wanted to follow my dream and see where it would take me”. She settled in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, and put together her own band. She started touring around the country and performing at various venues and festivals. She also recorded her debut album, Old Fashioned Girl, which was released in October 2010.
Lisa’s move to Ireland proved to be a wise decision, as she quickly gained popularity and recognition for her talent and charisma.
She said: “I was overwhelmed by the response I got from the Irish people. They were so welcoming and supportive. They made me feel like I belonged here”.
Lisa’s career took off and she became one of the leading figures in the Irish country music scene. She has since released six more albums, won several awards, performed at prestigious venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, hosted her own television show and collaborated with other artists such as Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan.
Rise to Fame and Success
Lisa McHugh’s career took off after she released her second album, Dreams Come to Life, in 2012. The album featured two hit singles, “The Court of Love” and “Why’d Ya Come in Here“, which showcased her vocal range and personality. She also received her first award for Female Vocalist of the Year at the Irish Country Music Awards that year.
Lisa continued to release successful albums and singles, such as A Life That’s Good (2014), Wildfire (2015), #Country (2016) and Who I Am (2017). Her albums reached the top 10 in the Irish charts and her singles topped the iTunes country charts. She also collaborated with other country stars such as Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan and Daniel O’Donnell.
Some of her most popular songs include “Hey I’m a Woman”, “Apple Jack”, “Hillbilly Girl”, “Mean”, “Favourite Boyfriend of the Year”, “You Can’t Make Old Friends”, “Bring On the Good Times”, “High Cotton”, “Satisfy You” and “Girl with the Fishing Rod”.
Lisa also gained recognition and acclaim for her live performances and her television appearances. She performed at prestigious venues such as the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, where she received a standing ovation and praise from country legend Garth Brooks.
She also hosted her own television show titled On the Road with Lisa, where she showcased her life as a touring musician and interviewed other artists. She also appeared on other shows such as Keepin ‘er Country on BBC Northern Ireland, The Late Late Show and The Ray D’Arcy Show.
Lisa McHugh is not only a singer, but also a podcast host. She launched her own podcast, The Lisa McHugh Podcast, in December 2020, where she interviews some of her favourite names in music and the public eye.
Lisa has won several awards for her talent and achievements, such as Female Vocalist of the Year five times, Female Artist of the Year three times and Best Country Single for “Who I Am” at various country music organisations. She also received the Outstanding Achievement on the World Stage award in 2012 when she performed at the Grand Ole Opry. She has been described as Ireland’s leading country pop singer and has a loyal fan base that supports her every step of the way.
Lisa married her partner Nathan Khan, an amateur footballer, in a beautiful wedding in Gortahork in June 2022. They welcomed their first child, a son named Milo, in January 2023. Lisa said that becoming a mother was the best thing that ever happened to her and that she was looking forward to balancing her family life and her music career.
She said: “I’m so grateful for everything I have in my life. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful son and a wonderful career. I couldn’t ask for more”
Lisa plans to release a new album in 2023 and continue to tour and perform for her fans.
Lisa McHugh – No Slowing Down
Lisa McHugh is a remarkable country music singer who has achieved great success and fame in Ireland and beyond. She has released seven albums, won numerous awards, performed at iconic venues and hosted her own tv show. She has also balanced her music career with her family life, marrying her partner Nathan Khan and becoming a mother to their son Milo. She is an inspiration to many aspiring singers and a role model for her fans. Lisa McHugh is the Scottish star who conquered Irish country music and shows no signs of slowing down.