JON Wayne Hatfield is a country singer-songwriter from Goshen, Ohio.
The 21-year-old appeared on American Idol on Sunday, February 26, 2023, and performed a song he wrote for his grandpa, Tell Me Ray.
Who is Jon Wayne Hatfield
Jon Wayne Hatfield is a 21-year-old country artist and songwriter, from Goshen, Ohio.
He released his debut single, What A Truck is For on November 6, 2020, and followed that with Strong Woman in May 2021.
Both songs have been streamed on Spotify more than 1,000,000 times each.
The singer has more than 295,000 followers on TikTok and has received more than five million views on YouTube for his cover of Elvie Shane's My Boy - girl version.
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On Sunday, February 26, 2023, he appeared on American Idol and performed his new single, Tell Me Ray, a song he wrote for his grandpa.
Who is Jon Wayne Hatfield's grandpa?
Jon describes his grandpa Ray as his "best friend" and "dad".
In his appearance on American Idol, the singer told how he was raised by his grandparents due to his mom's struggles with addiction.
Speaking to judges, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, he described his close relationship with his grandfather, who accompanied him to his audition.
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Moments before performing his original song Tell Me Ray the judges asked Jon to invite his grandfather to join them.
Katy told his grandfather, Ray: "I think he’s going to sing a song he wrote about you.”
As tears filled his eyes, Ray shared, “Yeah, I know. It’s a tough one.”
Jon went on to reflect on the loss of his grandmother and shared how the events following her death led him to write Tell Me Ray.
He said: "I lost my grandma about three years ago.
"After losing her, watching my grandpa was the hardest thing. He lost his best friend in 50 years.
"He wouldn’t talk to anybody for about the first year and a half, not even me, I didn’t see what he was actually going through."
After time, Ray revealed to his grandson that he was gay, and this was what inspired Jon to write a song about his grandpa.
Ray said: "It’s a big relief to stand here and be proud and say I’m gay and there’s nothing wrong with it.
"My grandson, he’s my rock."
What does Jon Wayne Hatfield sing?
Jon is a country singer.
His latest single Good For Nothin is a mix of traditional country fiddle with a modern country sound.
He describes the song on his website as having a "fun, care-free vibe".
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As well as his streaming successes with What A Truck Is For and Strong Woman, he has also enjoyed radio successes.
His single Growing Up Too Fast reached 58 on the Music Row Country Breakout chart in August 2021.
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