Lady Antebellum Explains Surprising Decision to Switch Single to ‘Champagne Night’

Lady Antebellum seemed certain to have another No. 1 hit with their single, “What I’m Leaving For,” from their latest Ocean album. But after being part of the Songland competition, where they were paired with Madeline Merlo and hit songwriter –– and show mentor –– Shane McAnally, to write the song, “Champagne Night,” which helped Madeline win the competition, the trio decided to forego their current single for the uptempo summer tune.

“What I love so much about ‘Champagne Night’ is just how the song makes me feel,” Hillary Scott shared with their record label. “It’s just so happy and fun and makes me just want to have a great time with people I love. And I love the story of this song I love that Madeline Merlo got this big, huge chance to come on Songland and work with Shane McAnally, and that now we’re all celebrating the fact that this song got such a great response by the fans that it had to be the single.

“And so, I couldn’t be more excited for Madeline as an up and coming songwriter,” she added. “I just know that this is the first of many for her.”

Lady Antebellum, which also includes Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, previously shared on social media a video of them sharing the good news with a stunned Madeline.

“The response has been so overwhelming,” Charles said in the video of their decision. “When our team looks at all the numbers and the press and the people and the comments, it’s been so overwhelming. It was showing us to pivot right there, so we’re putting it out.”

In addition to being a songwriter on Lady A’s current single, Madeline also just dropped a trio of new songs, including “If You Never Broke My Heart,” “It Didn’t,” and her current single, “Kiss Kiss.” Download or stream “Champagne Night” at LadyAntebellum.com.