Teddy Swims Addresses Ex Who Inspired Hit Song 'The Door' at 2024 CMA Awards: 'Thank You for Breaking My Heart' (Exclusive)

Teddy Swims doesn’t live in the past, but that doesn’t mean his past hasn’t helped him make a living.

The singer, 32, who just performed his high-octane hit love song “Lose Control” alongside pal Thomas Rhett at the CMA Awards, talked to PEOPLE on the red carpet about his breakout year and his beloved breakup anthem that’s been blazing the charts .

“I feel fulfilled and vindicated and loved and seen,” Swims said of what a tumultuous year this has been for him and his career, adding that he’s “really grateful.”

Raiche Wright and Teddy swim at the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Party 2024 in February 2024 in Los Angeles.

Christopher Polk/Billboard/Getty

These days the star is in a great position both professionally and personally. “I’m in love and I’m happy,” he says of going out with girlfriend and fellow singer Raiche Wright, who joined him in his seats at the awards show on Wednesday night. – Everything is exactly where it should be.

Fans know that the joy he has now is a far cry from how he felt before, with an unnamed ex-girlfriend. But Swims said he used that past experience to fuel his creativity and thus his success.

Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims turn heads with Soulful Medley at the 2024 CMA Awards.

Teddy Swims performs in Austin, Texas in October 2024.

Rick Kern/Getty

He poured the details of that ill-fated romance into songs like “The Door,” which includes the aching line, “I said I’d die for you baby/ But I can’t take this pain anymore/ I thought I was ready / But tonight I saved my life when I showed you the door.”

Looking back now, “I have nothing but gratitude to that person,” Swims said, “because I was able to take some of that trauma and express it in a way that I can now celebrate it among other people with the same problem, so thank you very much.”

Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims perform on stage at the CMA Awards on November 20, 2024 in Nashville.

Theo Wargo/Getty

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Thomas Rhett took the opportunity to chime in, saying “Thanks for breaking my heart,” to which Swims replied, “That’s hot! Let’s write it!” The pair, who hit the CMA stage with their new duet “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman,” seem to have their next hit.

As for Swims’ happy new love story, he confirmed his romance with Wright back in July 2024 in an episode of Show Kyle & Jackie O. He told how the same career helped their connection.

Teddy Swims and Raiche Wright.

Raiche Wright/Instagram

“She does the same thing as me, which is great,” he explained. “Because it’s maybe 3 in the morning and I call her and she says ‘Yeah, yeah, I’m in session. I’m recording vocals.’ And I’m like, ‘Girl, yeah, mind your own business, baby.’ ”

Earlier this year, the couple not only tattooed each other, but inscribed their names on each other’s arms. Swims has “Raiche” tattooed on her index finger, while Wright has “Jaten” (Swims’ real name) tattooed on the top of her wrist.

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Source: HIS Education