Carly Pearce Says 'Every Single Dream and More' Has Come True Ahead of Second Grammys Appearance (Exclusive)

The singer, who is nominated for best country duo/group performance, says the moment comes “full circle” after her first appearance at last year’s ceremony

This year’s Grammy Awards is a “full circle” moment for Carly Pearce.

As she enters her second year in a row as a nominee — after taking home the trophy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Ashley McBryde at last year’s ceremony — Pearce says he’s looking forward to Sunday’s festivities.

After all, a year ago she linked up with Chris Stapleton for a duet on her song “We Don’t Fight Anymore” — a song that earned her another nomination in the same category this year.

“I found out Chris was going to sing with me the night before I won my first Grammy,” Pearce, 33, tells PEOPLE. “So to see this all come full circle, and to head out there again, just as a nominee, but especially with this song is really exciting. I feel very simple, happy and ready for it.”

What Chris Stapleton Brought to Their Duet, Says Carly Pearce, ‘Blew My Mind’ (Exclusive)

Besides the Grammys, Pearce has a lot to look forward to this year.

Her next album is finished, and although the musician has not yet revealed a release date, she has given a few hints about what’s in store.

Chris Stapleton and Carly Pearce perform at the CMA Awards in November 2023.

Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty

“Well, I’d have to say I’ve hinted at three or four different events going on in my life, which is fun,” she says of a recent Instagram post that sparked speculation from fans ranging from a collaboration with Dolly Parton to the name of an upcoming album. “And people are really smart, I’ll say that. And he won’t have to wait much longer. I’d say in the next few months they’ll know all the answers to the clues.”

The new album, she says, is the culmination of what life has brought her in the years since she released it 29: Written in stone — her 2021 album that chronicled her divorce from musician Michael Ray.

“Obviously, it’s been a long time since I released an album and so many things have happened in front of people, but also privately that I’ve been holding back on sharing,” she says. “I think this is the most exciting I’ve ever been to release music. And I wasn’t quite sure if I could say it afterwards 29but I really feel that way.”

And while it’s a big year for the country star, who speaks at PEOPLE’s Women in the Mix panel Feb. 1 hosted by The Recording Academy and Sephora, she looks around and feels proud of the country music genre as a whole and the women who are making their mark.

“You see women taking over country music now and in a really authentic way,” she says. “In a way that everyone somehow has their own path, their own point of view.”

Carly Pearce.

Allister Ann

“I’ve been doing this at this level for seven years and I’ve always kind of had a more optimistic perspective…Women ruled the radio in the ’90s for country music and I felt like we were going to start focusing on the integrity of the music and the artistry that would turn it in our favor again, ” she added. “And I think you’re seeing that now with people like Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney and just these women who are really interested in who they are.”

We celebrate women in music all year long

And as for his own career, Pearce says it’s all a dream come true.

“All little Carly wanted to do was country music,” she says when asked how her younger self would have reacted to all she’s accomplished. “I always say that knowing what you want to do as a child is the greatest blessing and the greatest curse, because ‘What if it doesn’t work out?’ “What if it’s not in the cards?” But I would just tell her that every dream of hers will come true and more than she ever wanted. So buckle up because it’s pretty crazy.”

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Source: HIS Education