Virginia-born, globally tuned. I turn quiet truths into timeless melodies—the kind that live with you, gently and for keeps.
You decide who will win $50,000, appear in Rolling Stone, and perform at the Global Citizen Festival!
Who will perform at the Global Citizen Festival, appear in Rolling Stone, and take home $50,000?
Who or what is your musical inspiration?
I resisted my folk roots for years, but l've come full circle-diving back into the sounds of Virginia with fresh perspective. Living in Montréal helped me reconnect. Now I blend acoustic storytelling with a pop sensibility. My debut album is a homecoming-and a tribute to my grandmother, who recently passed. Sometimes you have to leave home to hear its melody. That's what brought me back to mine.
How would performing at the Global Citizen Festival impact your career?
Performing at Global Citizen Festival would amplify everything I stand for-music as connection, introspection, and quiet rebellion. It would bring my voice to a global stage where purpose and art meet, and allow me to honor my roots while reaching listeners I'd never reach otherwise. It's not just a milestone-it's a chance to turn personal storytelling into collective momentum.
What would you do with $50,000?
I'd invest in building a sustainable creative practice-funding the release of my debut album with proper visuals, touring independently across North America, and setting up a home studio to write and record long-term. I'd also create a mentorship space for young women songwriters, especially those who, like I still do, are figuring out how to take up space.
Links provided are for convenience. America’s Next Top Hitmaker cannot take responsibility for pages maintained by external providers. Please contact our support team to report any inappropriate, offensive, or broken content.
Help Olivia Ridgely become America's Next Top Hitmaker while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make even more of an impact when you vote by donation supporting Global Citizen in their mission to end extreme poverty now.
You decide who will appear in Rolling Stone, win $50,000, and perform at the Global Citizen Festival in NYC.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like America’s Next Top Hitmaker, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.