AGT’s KAMERON ROSS is at the Heart of the Texas LGBTQ community

It has been almost three years since we featured country singer Kameron Ross in GED Magazine. Hot off the heels of getting a unanimous “yes” from the panel of America’s Got Talent (yes, even from Simon Cowell), his star was quickly on the rise. Well, glad to report that his journey has not slowed down. He has been growing his brand in the music industry as well as the LGBTQ community, with appearances and media coverage throughout the nation. With a new album on the horizon and a major life announcement, he’s ready for the next stage of his career.

Having been inspired by seeing Shania Twain perform and starting a country music career early on, Kameron took his experience and auditioned for America’s Got Talent with his debut episode premiering in 2020. In some ways, his AGT journey seems like a faraway memory, and in other ways, it is still very fresh in Kameron’s mind and how he approaches his career in the present day.

The most important lesson I took away from my experience on America’s Got Talent is the importance of living in the moment. It taught me to fully immerse myself in each opportunity as they come, recognizing that they can often be a once-in-a-lifetime type of thing. I learned to manage nervousness and perform to the best of my ability, leaving no room for regret. Rather than allowing the pressure of highlighting my known strengths to overshadow the unfolding moments, I focused on embracing each moment as it unfolded, allowing the magic of the experience to shine through.

Breaking out of his shell from his home in Texas, his journey has taken him around the United States, with Pride appearances, concerts, award ceremonies, and pop-up nightclub performances, his boots have had little time to rest. All his journeys have changed the way he sees music.

This experience has been transformative, boosting my confidence and comfort level in expressing myself through my music. I’ve noticed a shift in my musical style and craftsmanship—it’s become more authentic to who I am. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists and genres, I’ve honed my sound, allowing me to create and perform music that resonates deeply with my passion and identity.

Since gaining traction, my approach to writing music has evolved. Feeling more confident, I’ve learned to express myself freely and authentically. Whether it’s writing about love or personal experiences, I prioritize staying true to who I am. Making music isn’t just about me; it’s about creating something that resonates with others. I believe in the power of representation and connection, and I aim to offer a voice that people like me can relate to.”

His early hit, “If I Could Go Back,” is a bittersweet look at small-town living and loving. The hit has been remixed and followed up with other singles such as “Sway,” “Sounds Like Love,” and his fresh off the mixing board single, “I Can’t Forget Him.” Being a fresh hit on the scene may seem easier than having to follow up a hit with more successes. Does he feel the pressure to one-up himself music-wise?

Yes, there’s definitely a bit of pressure to keep raising the bar creatively, but hey, that’s the name of the game! Keeps things interesting! I guess you could say I’m always on my toes, creatively speaking. Gotta keep those creative juices flowing and avoid getting too comfy in the old routine!

After coming out professionally, his gigs came to a standstill and his management left him. His career post-AGT is all him, his hustle, hard work, and commitment to living his truth. The music video for his single, “Sway,” includes a number of drag queens, including Alyssa Edwards, in the middle of Dallas, Texas. The video also encourages fans to give to the ACLU Drag Defense Fund. Kameron no longer has trepidation in losing fans in order to support his community. This video didn’t pull punches as it celebrated the heart of the Texas LGBTQ community.

Drag queens are such a staple part of the queer community. With society being a little different lately they’re sticking their necks out every single day to push forward as a community and do what they love. I aspire to be a trailblazer like that. Having my good friend Alyssa Edwards be in the music video with the DFW community staple Cassie Nova as the “mother figures” of the music video was so perfect! I couldn’t imagine it having been any more perfect, I am so grateful to every queen, cowboy, and crew member who helped bring it to life, especially my Director Daniel Egnal and Director of Photography Gabriel Lee! And of course, The Round Up Saloon for being such amazing hosts to us, always!

His new single “I Can’t Forget Him,” shows us a Kameron Ross a bit more grown up. His voice, well-grounded and mature, shares a pathos and skill that has grown since Kameron first hit the scene. For Kameron, it is a song that has come full circle regarding his sexuality.

I wrote this song with two friends of mine years ago when I was still dating women, lol! Me being in a different place in life I obviously changed the pronouns in the song. It’s a love song about no longer being with someone and traveling to all these amazing places trying to forget/get over this person and not being able to. Then when creating the music for the song we took inspiration from the folk/country side of Taylor Swift. I have always been very passionate about my relationships, and I feel that it’s a song that everyone will be able to relate to. It just dropped on February 23rd!

This summer, Kameron will release his new album. Kameron could only spill a little tea as to what to expect.

Get ready for an exciting journey with my upcoming album! This project is shaping up to be some of my best work yet. I’m aiming to create a diverse musical experience that resonates with a wide audience, blending elements of country with flavors from EDM, Latin music, Pop, and beyond. Collaborating with my producer, Dave Tough, and new songwriters has been incredible—we’re pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds that will captivate listeners. Plus, this album is close to my heart as I’m weaving in lyrics that advocate for the queer community, adding a powerful layer of authenticity and connection. Overall, we’re having a blast in the studio, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic we’re creating.

Photo by Marcos Covos

Photo by Marcos Covos

Photo by Marcos Covos

Country music is getting more and more boosts from the mainstream music community. Beyoncé caused quite a stir when she announced during the Super Bowl that her new album would be country music inspired. Younger generations are finding a liking to country music, and it is a genre that is growing in popularity.

I think what’s drawing new audiences to country music nowadays its storytelling aspect and the increasing diversity within the genre. Compared to a decade ago, there’s a wider range of artists and styles, making it easier for people to find something they connect with. Beyoncé’s move into country music is exciting; it adds to the genre’s rich history, considering its roots in Black music. I’m eager to hear what else will be on this album.

Even with the allure of bigger cities like Los Angeles calling upon Kameron to join the ranks, he remains a devoted Texan, through and through, even despite the strong conservative ties and the current political struggle for the LGBTQ community.

We’ve got deep roots here, with all our family close by, and we love being near them, especially as some are getting older. I’ve been Texan my whole life, from Houston originally and now settled in Dallas for the past five years. Here, I’ve found an amazing support network and a tight-knit community. It’s like we’re in our own little world of creativity and support, surrounded by friends who feel more like family. What’s great about Texas is that you’ve got everything within reach. In just a short drive, you can be in the hill country, chilling on a beach, or exploring another vibrant city. It’s a mix of family, friends, and endless adventures that keep us loving Texas.

It’s tough at times, but it only fuels our determination to stand tall and proud. We’re all about keeping that visibility high, showing that despite the challenges, we’re not backing down. It’s about letting them know we’re here, we’re not going anywhere, and we’re not afraid to fight for our rights.

In addition to Kameron’s star rise and purchase of a new home since the last time we spoke with him, he also got engaged to his partner, Lio, who, in addition to his own lucrative baking career, serves as quasi manager and agent for Kam. They are an undeniable force of nature.

Getting engaged has really changed the game for me, both personally and musically. I honestly don’t think I could do what I do without my fiancée by my side. He’s been my biggest cheerleader, pushing me to be the best singer, songwriter, and performer I can be. Having that rock-solid support has boosted my confidence and helped me find my groove. It’s also helped me strive to be a positive role model, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. It’s all about having that constant source of love and encouragement that keeps me going strong.

Maintaining his travel schedule and working on new music can be daunting and exhausting, how does he focus on his engaged relationship and mental health?

Maintaining a healthy relationship with a busy schedule definitely requires a lot of communication and patience. While my partner is incredibly supportive of my music career and helps a ton, there are inevitably moments of frustration when our visions don’t perfectly align. We’ve learned the importance of keeping an open line of communication about both my music and our personal life. Balancing our corporate jobs with our shared passions adds another layer of complexity. With something happening every day, it’s crucial to prioritize our mental health and carve out time for ourselves. Sometimes that means saying no to outside commitments and focusing on quality time together, just the two of us.

Taking care of my mental health while navigating a rising career in the spotlight has been a journey. I’ll be honest, it’s something I grapple with daily, and while I’m making strides, there’s still much work to be done. The pressure can be intense, and I tend to be quite hard on myself, striving for perfection in everything I do. When I fall short of my own expectations, it hits hard. My aspirations for my music career are sky-high, and managing those expectations can be overwhelming. I’ve realized the importance of trusting myself and acknowledging that I’m doing my best with the resources and time I have. Sometimes, I need to pause, take a step back, and reflect. What could I have done differently? How can I approach things more effectively? Time feels like a precious commodity lately, and it’s essential to carve out moments for self-care and relaxation. Taking breaks and giving myself permission to recharge is crucial in maintaining balance and preserving my mental well-being amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities.

Kameron’s music has become more than a career, it has become his life calling. What does he want his audience to get most from his music?

I want my music to hit people right in the feels, you know? Whether it’s a song that makes you smile, cry, or just nod along, I want it to feel like I’m singing your story. My aim is for listeners to vibe with it, to feel understood and connected. It’s all about creating those moments where you’re like, ‘Yeah, that’s exactly how I feel!’ and sharing those experiences together.

And his message to the LGBTG community?

My message is to keep showing love and support for one another. We ARE making a difference. The world can seem so dark at times and there are a lot of people threatened by the progress we are making, so we must keep supporting and loving each other while continuing to push for equality for every beautiful part of our community.

Follow everything Kameron at KameronRoss.com