Back like she never left. 2025 has been nothing short of a big year for the talented women in country music. Though country radio is still failing to give them the love they deserve, highlighted by the depressing fact that only five songs inside the Top 50 were performed by women, the year was undoubtedly filled with some major wins in a few key areas. Obviously, from a mainstream perspective, the CMA Awards were highlighted by Ella Langley, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson leading the nominations with Langley and Moroney becoming certified stars over the course of the year. However, when you look at the flourishing independent and alt. country scene, you get a feel for just how star-studded today’s class of female talent truly is. With names like Sierra Ferrell, who made her presence be known early in the year with four wins at the Grammys back in February, Kaitlin Butts, Willow Avalon and more flying up the ranks, for my money, there’s an artist hailing from Richmond, Virginia who’s simply primed to breakout in a big way heading into 2026. Her name is Maggie Antone. In case you’re unfamiliar with the Virginian, she made waves in the independent scene last year with her delightful debut album, Rhinestoned. Though she had already let her presence be known by dropping a stellar collection of covers, featuring the likes of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” Tyler Childers’ “Lady May” and John Prine’s “Spanish Pipe Dream” back in 2022, Rhinestoned was many listener’s first impression of the Antone. And it’s safe to say she didn’t disappoint. Ultimately, Rhinestoned showcased why so many independent fans (myself included) have simply fallen in love with the Richmond native. Beyond her incredibly unique vocals, which ultimately sound like a blend between someone like Miranda Lambert and Dolly Parton with a bit more of an edge to it, her songwriting prowess was put on full display. Co-writing all 10 tracks on the tight record, Antone covered a bunch of ground on Rhinestoned. Obviously, she delivered some absolute gut punches on the brutally honest, bitter “Suburban Outlaw” and the introspective “Meant To Meet.” However, she balanced them perfectly with some incredibly fun tracks like “One Too Many” and the standout which ultimately netted her nomination for Song of the Year at this year’s Americana Honors & Awards, the infectious “Johnny Moonshine.” With all of that being said, many were patiently waiting for Antone to follow up the stellar album throughout the year. Though it took some time, 16 months to be exact, the rising star is finally back with her first new single, “The Devil’s Not In Hell,” which was teased on TikTok all the way back in October 2024. View this post on Instagram It’s safe to say that Antone is back and better than ever here on “The Devil’s Not In Hell.” Co-written with Annika Bennett and Carrie Karipen, the track is nothing short of a hilarious dig at an ex who just happens to live in East Nashville. Coming off firing in the first verse, Antone immediately warns the listener about him, bluntly describing his “porn stache” and the fact that he lies about his height, being 5’8″ instead of 5’10”. Let me tell you bout a man 5’8 swears that he’s 5’10 6 feet down is where I am Blue jeans, porn stache above his lips Should’ve run before that second spliff Cause I know what he’s tryin’ to hit It’s not the spliff Not to be outdone with the incredibly funny deconstruction of her insecure ex, Antone dives straight into the chorus. Though the verses are stellar in their own right, complete with even more digs (the “Chasin’ PBR’s with Adderall” line in particular is phenomenal), the anthemic chorus just might be the highlight of the track. Being primed as a standout at her live shows, the “Johnny Moonshine” singer penned the perfect sing-a-long chorus when she sings: The Devil’s not in hell He’s with the boys at the bar On the Eastside baby Starin’ at himself Blowin’ smoke I hope those spirits Take him away Before it’s too late Just when you thought she was done delivering some scornful digs, she puts the icing on the cake with a hilarious, fake voice mail message, calling her ex a “little f***** b*tch”  before diving into the chorus a final time. Your call has been forwarded to an automated voice messaging system At the tone please record your message, or press 1 for more options You little f****** b*tch! Ultimately, “The Devil’s Not In Hell” is Antone in her sweet spot. As one of the most exciting young, female voices in the genre today, it’s clear that she hasn’t lost a step despite a bit of a break in terms of new releases since Rhinestoned. Undoubtedly primed to be a big hit among her fans and at her live shows, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a big hit online, especially with the hilarious voice mail message bridge. It seriously has TikTok virality written all over it in the best way possible, and it looks like the Richmond native has a huge hit on her hands here. Check it out below; you won’t want to miss it. Maggie Antone Tour Dates December 20 – Richmond, Virginia – The National January 8 – Newport, Kentucky – The Southgate House Revival January 9 – Lexington, Kentucky – The Burl January 10 – Asheville, North Carolina – Grey Eagle Music Hall January 27 – Key West, Florida – Mile 0 Fest February 12 – Dallas, Texas – Deep Ellum Art Company February 13 – Houston, Texas – House of Blues Houston February 14 – Austin, Texas – Antone’s NightclubThe post Maggie Antone Returns With Stellar, Long-Awaited New Track “The Devil’s Not In Hell” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.