MUSIC

Billy Gilman Turns "Soldier" On Its Head With Acoustic Rendition

A talented singer with the ability to reinvent himself.

Billy Gilman had an ear for crafting radio-friendly hits long before he was a stand out on The Voice.

His 2000 debut album, One Voice, was certified double platinum, and Gilman was included in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the youngest singer to reach #1 on the Billboard Country chart. Now, at 28, he's reinvented himself as a crossover success, fusing pop melodies with his veteran country sensibilities. He's since been nominated for two Grammys, four ACM awards, and three CMA awards. He was additionally a stand-out talent on season 11 of The Voice, and almost clinched victory before being beaten by the equally-as-talented Sudance Head.

The second place finish didn't set him back at all. Gilman's new single, "Soldier," is a powerful arena-ready anthem, and is a drastic shift from his earlier sound. The track's acoustic version, which premieres exclusively on Popdust, turns the song into a slow-burning ballad. "I love creating big dramatic drum loops and commanding sounds to sound as strong as the lyrics," Gilman said of the song. "However, when you have the chance to sit back and just sing the words and let the message be heard, that is just as powerful." Check out the new song below, as well as Gilman's exclusive performance.

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