Miss America Betty Cantrell showed off her operatic singing talent during the famous pageant when she was still Miss Georgia, but she's since turned her sights toward Music City for a potential career in country music. The 21-year-old says she adores the genre for its genuine stars and joyful vibes.

"It really, really does remind of everything that's good in life. I feel like the people that sing country music are real people. They're not like other celebrities. They're real people and they talk about real things. They're faithful people. They're Christians and I just really, really respect that they can stay those real people with all of their fame," says Cantrell, who names Carrie Underwood as one of her biggest influences.

Originally the young woman had plans to pursue Broadway and study at a conservatory for musical theater — a dream she has not given up entirely. But for now, she’s trading the character shoes for cowboy boots and moving to Nashville. Her reign as Miss America officially wraps in September, and Cantrell says she hopes to move to the Nashville area by November. She’s currently considering living in the suburb of Murfreesboro, according to the Tennessean.

Cantrell has already made connections in the country industry, having presented awards at both the 2015 CMA Awards and the 2016 ACM Awards, as well as presented the award for Top Country Song to Thomas Rhett at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards. She appeared on Good Morning America on the same day as Brett Eldredge, singing along to every word of his tune “Lose My Mind.” Eldredge actually helped judge the competition that gave Miss America her current title.

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