HOSTS HODA KOTB & JENNA BUSH HAGER SURPRISE COOKE WITH PLAQUE CELEBRATING RIAA GOLD CERTIFICATION FOR “NEVER TIL NOW (WITH BRETT YOUNG)”
COOKE DELIGHTS WITH PERFORMANCE “TASTES LIKE” OFF JUST-RELEASED DEBUT ALBUM shot in the dark
Ashley Cooke (center) is surprised by TODAY hosts Jenna Bush Hager (left) and Hoda Kotb (right) with a plaque celebrating her RIAA gold-certified single “Never Til Now” (with Brett Young) | Image courtesy of NBC’s TODAY / credit: Nathan Congleton | Download Here
NASHVILLE, TENN. – Big Loud’s country songstress Ashley Cooke impressed audiences today with her morning television debut on the fourth hour of NBC’s TODAY just one week after dropping her debut album, shot in the dark. Taking center stage in New York City this morning, Cooke delivered a mesmerizing performance of “tastes like,” the first track on her new record. To make the milestone moment even more unforgettable, hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager surprised Cooke with a plaque celebrating her first-ever RIAA gold certification for heartfelt love song “Never Til Now (with Brett Young).”
“I grew up watching the TODAY Show every morning, so when I started chasing my dreams, performing on this show was one of the first big picture moments I said out loud. Being invited to make my morning show debut with Hoda and Jenna was hard to wrap my mind around, but when they surprised me with a gold plaque… I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Cooke shares. “Thank you so much to the TODAY Show for an unforgettable morning, and one that made releasing this album as special as it gets.”
Cooke’s freshman record has already been making its mark, securing the No. 6 position in the Top 10 of Spotify’s Top Debut Albums USA. Spanning an impressive 24 tracks, the longest debut album from a female country artist to date, the album showcases her inherent writing abilities and personal storytelling. With each song, 20 of which Cooke co-wrote, the Billboard Rookie of the Month invites listeners even deeper into her world as she navigates the roller coaster of life through her sun-kissed melodies and genuine lyrics. Among the album’s highlights are collaborations with some of Nashville’s most sought after names including Jackson Dean, Colbie Caillat, Nate Smith, and Brett Young.
As Cooke’s “star on the rise” (The Tennessean) continues to shine, the standout female is set to perform on Luke Bryan’s Country On Tour for her second weekend before stopping at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Aug. 12. On Aug. 23, Cooke will embark on her first-ever headlining tour, shot in the dark Tour, in her home state of Florida in Panama City with rising acts Matt Schuster and Vincent Mason. Stay up to date with the latest news and more exciting announcements by visiting ashleycooke.com and following along on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok @theashleycooke.
ABOUT ASHLEY COOKE
With Big Loud / Back Blocks Music country artist Ashley Cooke, it’s best to know what you’re getting into – because this emerging star is the definition of more than meets the eye. A graceful exterior matched by a casual-cool nature. Skillfully crafted lyrics and a knack for unforgettable performance. Effortless vocal beauty and a bold sense of internal grit, freely mixing it up with the boys while she rallies the girls. And most important, a passion for capturing the magic between heartbeats, each moment as unique as she is. Still early in her journey, being herself has already served Cooke well. It has led to over 200M global streams with chart climbing hits like “Never Til Now” with Brett Young, Ryman and Grand Ole Opry debuts, national TV appearances on ABC’s “The Bachelorette,” tours with Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan and more.
Hailing from Parkland, Fla. and moved by emotional hit makers like Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Kelly Clarkson and more, Cooke embraces the energy of pop and depth of country, writing her first song by age 11. Cooke moved to Nashville at 18 and attended the prestigious Belmont University – but unlike so many others, she did not study music. After entering the schools revered Country Showcase on a whim and winning, Cooke decided to pursue music for a year. When the pandemic had other plans, Cooke went to TikTok where she built a thriving fanbase, writing and sharing country music on her own terms.
And now, the next chapter begins with her debut album shot in the dark. Unfolding as if they were ripped from pages of her personal journal, Cooke’s sun-kissed blend of two-lane pop country is on full display in the collection’s 24 tracks, inspired by true tales of love, heartbreak and all the moments in between. Fully capturing the essence of a daring twenty-something growing up, chasing her dreams, and taking risks, Cooke infuses heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies and raw relatability as she invites listeners to come along for the ride.
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Ashley Cooke performs “tastes like” on NBC’s TODAY | Image courtesy of NBC’s TODAY / credit: Nathan Congleton | Download Here
Ashley Cooke performs “tastes like” on NBC’s TODAY | Image courtesy of NBC’s TODAY / credit: Nathan Congleton | Download Here
Ashley Cooke | Image by Robby Klein | Download Here
