I still can’t believe I get to say this… I won Bayou Star Search!
On Saturday, August 22, I was named the 2026 Bayou Star and took home the $10,000 grand prize at Bayou Star Search in Ruston, Louisiana.
And somehow, one of the most special parts of the whole experience is that I won performing a song I wrote called “Fast Train to Heartbreak.”
A Night I’ll Never Forget
Going into the competition, I truly had no expectation that I was going to win.
After all of the acts performed, the Louisiana Delta Ballet took the stage while the judges deliberated. Then all of the contestants were brought back onstage for the results.
Third place was announced. Then second.
And then host Ed Walsh called my name.
I was completely shocked.
It was one of those moments where it took a second for me to even process what was happening. I had just been named the 2026 Bayou Star!
Winning the competition would have been incredible no matter what I performed, but winning with an original song made the moment mean so much more to me.
Why “Fast Train to Heartbreak” Made It Even More Special
After the competition, my parents had the opportunity to talk with some of the judges and ask what made them choose me.
They mentioned my confidence onstage and professionalism, but they also talked about Fast Train to Heartbreak. Apparently, by the end of the song, people were already humming along.
As a songwriter, I honestly don’t think I could have asked for a better compliment.
I’ve performed Fast Train to Heartbreak live for quite a while now, and some of the people who have followed me since my TikTok Live days have been asking me to record it for what feels like forever. 😂
After Saturday night, I think the song has officially made its case.
It’s time to record Fast Train to Heartbreak. 👀🚂💔
I’m beginning to figure out what that process is going to look like, and I can’t wait to take y’all along with me as I bring the song to life beyond the version you’ve heard at my live shows.
More Than One Night
As exciting as Saturday night was, I also know that I didn’t suddenly become the performer who walked onto that stage overnight.
Over the last year especially, I’ve had the opportunity to play show after show around Northeast Louisiana and beyond. Every gig, every new venue, request, conversation with someone after a show, mistake I’ve learned from, and person who has encouraged me has helped me grow more confident in who I am as a performer and artist.
So to everyone who has come to a show, shared my music, bought merch, requested a song, followed me online, encouraged me, or given me an opportunity to play: thank you.
You were part of this win, too. 🤎
I’m also incredibly grateful to everyone at Bayou Star Search and Louisiana Delta Ballet for creating an opportunity like this for local performers.
Most of all, I’m thankful to the Lord for continuing to open doors that I never could have opened for myself.
This experience was a pretty incredible reminder that you never know what the Lord has waiting on the other side of trusting Him and taking a chance.
So… What’s Next?
That’s the exciting part.
I’m going to keep playing shows. I’m going to keep writing. And now, I’m going to start working toward getting Fast Train to Heartbreak recorded.
Winning Bayou Star Search feels less like reaching the finish line and a whole lot more like the beginning of something new.
I can’t wait to see where it leads. Here’s to whatever comes next. ⭐️
Alyssa
