Payton Makenna
A rising star in country music, 16-year-old Payton Makenna combines passion with purpose. With her heartfelt songs and dedication to community, she’s here to inspire a generation to shine brighter.
A Growing Catalog
Payton made a strong entrance onto the country music scene with the release of her debut original album Be The Light on February 14, 2025, captivating listeners and establishing her as a compelling new voice with a gift for authentic, heartfelt songwriting.
Continuing that momentum, her standout track “444” earned industry recognition with its selection for the Texas Country Music Association’s compilation album Best Texas Country Picks, Vol. 8, released in December 2025—further solidifying her place among the genre’s rising artists and expanding her reach to a broader audience.
She is currently in the studio working on her highly anticipated follow-up album, Chaotic Country, slated for release this summer. Two singles from the upcoming project, “Teenage Cowboy” and “Shadows On The County Line,” have already been released and are available to stream on all major platforms.
National Anthem/"God Bless America" Performances
An inspiring patriot, Payton has performed the National Anthem and/or "God Bless America" at numerous community events, bringing people together through her artistry.
Her list of proud performances includes:
The Lone Star Brahmas
The Texas Legends
Lone Star Park
The Frisco Fighters
PBR Stockyard Showcase
and others!
Musical Theater Roots
Having started in musical theater, Payton's performances shine with a blend of stage presence and heartfelt storytelling. From Annie to Ariel, She has put her all into every single role which she has been fortunate enough to play.
Awards
The Actors Conservatory Theatre
May 2021 Toady Awards:
Best Leading Actress - Nominated
“Annie” in “Annie, Jr.”
Best Song Performance by an Actor or Actress - Nominated and Won
“I Don’t Need Anything But You” in “Annie, Jr.”
North Texas Performing Arts
Fan Favorite - “Little Red” in “Into the Woods”
Star of the Show - “Annie” in “Annie, Jr.”
Overall Best Newcomer - Frisco AMP Awards, March 2022
Accepted as a member of the ACE (Acting Company for Excellence) program, September 2022
Cameo Performer in a Musical (Runner Up) - Plano AMP Awards, February 2023
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play (Runner Up) - Frisco AMP Awards, March 2023
Growth as a Performer - Plano AMP Awards, February 2024
Outstanding Hero in a Production - Plano AMP Awards, February 2025
Practice Polish Perform
Leadership In The Arts - P3 Program Award, May 2023
Performing In The Arts - P3 Program Award, May 2024
Mindset In The Arts - P3 Program Award, May 2025
Inspiring Through Music
A Journey of Passion and Purpose
Rooted in a deep love for country music and a heart for her generation, Payton Makenna is committed to using her voice to bring hope, encouragement, and light into difficult conversations. Through her music and live performances, she strives to uplift others and point listeners toward faith, resilience, and purpose.
A professional National Anthem vocalist, Payton continues to serve her community through meaningful performances while growing into her identity as a singer-songwriter. Having transitioned from musical theater, she now focuses on creating original music that speaks honestly to real-life struggles faced by young people today.
With a heartfelt commitment to encouraging hope in the midst of hardship, Payton is especially passionate about addressing the emotional challenges many teens face, including feelings of isolation and despair. Her latest single, “Shadows On The County Line,” was written specifically to shine a light on this heartbreaking reality and to remind listeners that they are not alone and that brighter days are possible.
Through every song she writes, Payton’s mission remains the same: to inspire hope, strengthen faith, and encourage others to be a light in the world, even in life’s darkest moments.