American Idol might not be the straight shot to stardom that it was in the early 2000s but Tennessee singer-songwriter HunterGirl (born Hunter Wolkonowski) seems darn ready to buck that trend. Seen earlier this month at Beaufort, SC’s Water Festival, she was polished, present and wholeheartedly ready for her time in the spotlight.

Playing a 16-song set that featured all the songs off her new Tennessee Girl EP, some of her back catalog and unreleased new ones it was a true spotlight for an artist who deserves wider audiences. From her opening hello to her final words she was personal, poised and quite comfortable in the moment. Backed by a stellar band and a trove of gorgeous songs the set ranged from the rattling opener “Weather in Tennessee” to the contemplative “Ain’t About You.” She pondered revisionist history in the near-perfect “Clockworks” and poked fun at her penchant for nightlife shenanigans in “Bad Decisions” and “Bad Boy.” And yet all of it was grounded, without pretense and wholly relatable. The music also seemed wise beyond its years and wholly effortless. This was a woman made for the spotlight and a woman made to create songs that resonate and linger long after their first listens.

Signed to Wheelhouse Records (BBR Music Group imprint) HunterGirl has only a handful of tourdates between now and the end of the summer. Whether she’s working on booking a new tour or slated to head back to the studio is anybody’s guess but hot damn this writer is super eager to see her live again and more than eager for new music.