Are you a ‘Heartbreakaholic’? Lauren Watkins says maybe you are.

Are you a ‘Heartbreakaholic’? Lauren Watkins says maybe you are. Are you a ‘Heartbreakaholic’? Lauren Watkins says maybe you are. The Nashville-native country singer played a sold-out show at Exit/In on Oct. 8 for her “If I’m Being Honest Tour.” By Naomi Alvarado, Staff Writer & Photographer 14 hours ago Lauren Watkins sings and plays on the acoustic guitar, as photographed Oct. 8, 2026. (Hustler Multimedia/Naomi Alvarado) Naomi Alvarado With a vintage country rasp, sharp lyrics and neo-country tones, Lauren Watkins serves as a reminder that the new generation of country music is in good hands. Fans of Morgan Wallen, Ella Langley and Megan Moroney can most certainly find a new favorite country musician in Watkins, as evidenced by her sold-out Oct. 8 performance at the Exit/In.   Watkins first rose to popularity with her two EPs “Introducing: The Heartbreak” and “Introducing: Lauren Watkins.” From the release of her highest-streaming single, “Anybody But You,” Watkins was then catapulted to the main stage, opening for artists such as Morgan Wallen, Riley Green and Lainey Wilson. Now, with the release of her third album, “If I’m Being Honest,” Watkins reflects on married life, achieving her musical goals, comparison and the complications of love.  Before Watkins took the stage, a familiar voice resonated through the speakers. None other than social media sensation and local Belmont University alum Jordan Cobb had taken the stage. This was a pleasant surprise as I had recently stumbled upon her on Instagram Reels and was struck by her raw vocals and catchy songwriting.   Cobb covered a Florida Georgia Line song “Anything Goes” and sung unreleased songs, such as “Yours or Mine” and “Friday On.” In true girlhood fashion, her sorority sisters were screaming every word, creating an energizing and carefree environment. Currently, Cobb has one released song, “You Got That,” which highlights her ability to seamlessly blend stories about being young and in love with a chorus that makes you want to dance.  “I hope my music feels like a shot of energy in your ear,” Cobbs said.   Taking the energy to the next level, Watkins made her way to the stage. She kicked off her set with the song “Pulling Weeds” from the September release of her third album, “If I’m Being Honest.” The sold-out show was especially meaningful for Watkins as her close hometown friends and family were in attendance. In honor of this, Wakins played “Mama, I Made It.”  Adding a country twist, Watkins also covered Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need,” followed by a stripped-down acoustic set of the fan-requested songs “Shirley Temple,” “Average Joe & Plain Jane” and “Daydream.”   “This past year has been so crazy, but one of the biggest things I learned is to just appreciate the simple moments in life. We just let the mundane pass by and those are the best moments in life,” Watkins said.  Through songs like “Convenient” and “Main Street,” Watkins showcased her ability to create detailed stories from those simple moments in life.  In “Main Street,” Watkins created an immersive narrative of the secrets the “perfect American family” keep behind closed doors. The song was inspired by the suburban neighborhoods Watkins spent hours staring at while on the road touring.  “1942 Victorian / He’s out of town, she’s three in / Fighting tears while she’s cleaning off the baseboards / She found the Motel 6 evidence on his credit card / She daydreams about the day she’ll leave this nightmare on Main Street,” Watkins sang.  Bringing back Cobb on stage, Wakins performed a duet of her song “What I Think About You.” This moment was especially meaningful for Cobb, who had listened to Watkins since high school and now found herself sharing the stage with her in the city of country music, surrounded by friends, family and music executives. Watkins also took a moment to praise Cobb’s tone and talent at such a young age, making the duet all the more special.   The natural ease of Watkins performance made it clear that country music is where she belongs. In a world that can feel stressful and overwhelming, Watkins music serves as a reminder that maybe the blessings we seek aren’t always behind or ahead of us, but right here in the present. The stories we hope to tell aren’t simply waiting to happen, they are unfolding around us, in the moments we’re living now. A special talent like Watkins notices it.  Whether it is from her own personal experience or from creative imagination, Watkins’ performance reaffirmed that country music is first and foremost a genre of storytellers. The sold-out audience at Exit/In would likely also share that sentiment.   View Story Comments 0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story Tags: concert concert photography country music Leave a comment About the Contributor Naomi Alvarado, Staff Writer and Photographer Naomi Alvarado (‘27) is from Connecticut and majoring in Medicine, Health & Society with a minor in Business. She enjoys playing guitar, drinking iced lattes and listening to the same music playlists. Around Nashville, you can find her at a country music concert or running in Centennial Park. She can be reached at [email protected]. More to Discover More about concert POWELL: Taylor Swift is not the problem Ryan Beatty’s performance at Ryman Auditorium was truly a ‘Sweet Fortune’ New Nashville event venue The Truth opens More about concert photography IN PHOTOS: Paris Paloma dazzles under the fairy lights of Marathon Music Works at “The Fatal Flaw” tour IN PHOTOS: Dylan Gossett and Charles Wesley Godwin headline a night of grit and vulnerability PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: Jumping into action More about country music The Bends get loud on ‘If You Insist’ Brooks & Dunn shine bright under the 'Neon Moon' at Bridgestone Arena Kacey Musgraves takes listeners to the ‘Middle of Nowhere’ on new album