Natalie Stovall still vividly remembers the moment she was asked to join Runaway June. The former contestant on The Voice was home because of COVID-19, never imagining how much her life and career would change while she was off the road. But when Hannah Mulholland decided to leave the trio she helped start, the remaining members, Jennifer Wayne and Naomi Cooke, knew there was only one person they wanted to ask.
“It was a wild phone call to get in the middle of quarantine,” Natalie recalled to CMT’s Cody Alan. “Jennifer called me and said, ‘Hey, what would you think about joining the band?’ and we all started talking. It was a little strange because we were all in different locations. Jen was in Malibu, Naomi was up in Maine, I was here in Nashville. We all started talking about it, and the more we discussed it and the more we started dreaming together, it just made so much sense.”
The phone call might have been a surprise, but as soon as the invitation was issued, Natalie knew she wanted to accept.
“It felt like what I was supposed to do, so I listened to that, and already I feel like it was the most beautiful and divine decision that I have made,” Natalie noted.
Both Jennifer and Naomi said their choice fell simply between becoming a duo or adding Natalie, never considering another female artist.
“We talked about being a duo and talked about what that meant, and we just really loved the three-part harmony,” Jennifer said on Bobby Bones Show. “And also, when we talked about adding a member, if we were going to add a member, we were like, ‘The literal only person we could ever see taking this part is Natalie, because she’s an amazing singer, she’s an amazing musician. Her presence on stage is insane.’ So we thought about being a duo or having someone that makes us better, and it was a no-brainer.”
Hannah announced on social media in May that she made the decision to leave Runaway June to pursue other endeavors.
“It’s with great respect and love that I must announce my departure from Runaway June,” Hannah said at the time. “We have spent 5 years chasing dreams, climbing mountains, conquering things we never imagined possible, and having lots of fun along the way. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had, and all of the amazing people I have met along the way. Our great team, supportive label, amazing fans, and all of our champions at country radio…You guys have changed my life forever.
“I’ve dreamt these dreams since I was 5 years old, and I feel so fortunate to have gotten these chances and been a part of this incredible journey,” she continued. “I wish everyone continued success and happiness. I hope you will continue to follow my creative endeavors and share in what the future has to hold. It is bittersweet, but I am excited to continue to evolve and grow, while keeping these memories near and dear to my heart.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of BBR Music Group / CeCe Dawson
