Gabby Barrett’s name has become one of the brightest to emerge from the long list of American Idol stars. From her early days singing in talent shows to topping country charts and building a solid fan base, Gabby has turned her reality TV moment into a real music career. Her estimated net worth now stands at $4 million, and she keeps adding to it with new music, tours and even an acting debut. Here’s how she made her mark and built her wealth so young.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Gabby Barrett was born on March 5, 2000, in Munhall, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a big family with seven siblings, Gabby showed her passion for singing at an early age. She attended Serra Catholic High School in McKeesport but later switched to Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School to focus more on music.
Long before American Idol, Gabby was already winning talent shows. One of her early big moments was in 2014 when she won the Kean Quest Talent Search. This win set the stage for what would come next.
American Idol Breakthrough
Gabby’s big break came when she auditioned for the 16th season of American Idol in Nashville in late 2017. Her strong, soulful voice and stage presence took her all the way to the finals. She delivered powerful performances like “Rivers Deep,” “Little Red Wagon,” and a crowd favorite cover of “Don’t Stop Believin’.” She finished the season in third place, behind winner Maddie Poppe and runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson.
While she didn’t win, the exposure was priceless. Idol gave Gabby a huge audience and the push to launch her own music career.
Hit Singles and Albums
After Idol, Gabby wasted no time. In 2019, she self-released “I Hope.” This debut single became her breakout hit, catching the attention of Warner Music Nashville, who picked it up for an official release. The song went on to top the Hot Country Songs chart and crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three when she re-released it featuring pop singer Charlie Puth.
Her next single, “The Good Ones,” proved she wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. Released in 2020, it topped the Hot Country Songs chart and reached number 19 on the Hot 100. Both songs were featured on her debut album “Goldmine,” which came out in 2020. The album hit number four on the Top Country Albums chart and number 27 on the Billboard 200.
“Goldmine” was a success at award shows too, winning Favorite Country Album at the American Music Awards while “The Good Ones” took Favorite Country Song. These hits helped establish Gabby as one of the top country artists of her generation.
New Music and Steady Growth
Gabby didn’t stop with her debut. In 2023, she dropped the single “Glory Days,” the first song from her second album, “Chapter & Verse.” Released in early 2024, the album reached number 39 on the Top Country Albums chart and added more hits to her catalog, including “Dance Like No One’s Watching” and “Jesus on a Train.”
Showing her versatility, Gabby also put out a holiday album, “Carols and Candlelight,” in late 2024. Fans got to hear her version of classics like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “O Holy Night,” adding another layer to her career and boosting her net worth even more.
Gabby Barrett Steps into Acting
In 2025, Gabby expanded her career by stepping into the acting world. She appeared in the musical psychological thriller “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” directed by Trey Edward Shults. The film starred big names like Abel Tesfaye (better known as The Weeknd), Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. It served as a companion piece to Tesfaye’s album and marked Gabby’s first big acting gig, showing she’s open to exploring more than just music.
Personal Life and Family
While her career has soared, Gabby has kept her family close. In 2019, she married Cade Foehner, who she met during her time on American Idol. The couple shares a love for music and performing, often seen supporting each other’s projects.
They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Baylah, in 2021. In late 2022, they had their son Augustine, and in early 2024, they celebrated the birth of their third child, a daughter named Ivy. Balancing a busy music career and a growing family hasn’t slowed Gabby down, but it does show how grounded she stays despite fame.
How She Built Her Net Worth
Gabby Barrett’s estimated net worth of $4 million is no surprise when you look at her hit songs, album sales, touring revenue and endorsements. Her biggest money-makers have been her chart-topping singles and albums, streaming numbers, live performances and merchandise sales.
Signing with Warner Music Nashville gave her career strong backing, but it’s Gabby’s consistency and relatable songs that have kept fans streaming her music and buying tickets to her shows. Her dive into acting could also open more doors for her earnings in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
At just 25, Gabby Barrett has already done what many artists dream of. From local talent shows to reality TV fame, from chart-topping hits to big tours and now acting, she keeps growing her career and net worth through hard work and smart choices.
With her voice, strong fan base and dedication to both her craft and family, Gabby Barrett’s story proves that American Idol can still launch stars who stick around for the long run.