Monica has expanded her musical repertoire by delving into country music. On Monday night, the Atlanta-based singer appeared at the 2022 CMT Awards and performed her newest single, “Pray,” alongside Jimmy Allen and Little Big Town. Her powerful performance had many questioning if her “Open Roads” LP would be released sometime this year. 

The 41-year-old revealed her love for country music in August 2021 during a Billboard interview.

“I grew up loving country music, and my stepfather, who raised me, is a Methodist minister, but he also drove buses, and he would take us to Nashville, Gatlinburg, and Dollywood in Tennessee,” she explained. 

She continued, “I became a really big fan of Dolly Parton at about 8 or 9 years old. That was my real introduction to country music. Shortly after, it was Kenny Rogers. I started listening to the depth of the songs and the fact that they were unafraid to say whatever it was they felt. I felt like this was a great time for me to really step into an area that I’ve always admired and loved. We’re just getting started, but I have so enjoyed it and been welcomed with open arms.”

In October 2020, the “Trenches” artist released a charity single entitled “Pink,” featuring Parton, Jordin Sparks, Rita Wilson, and Sara Evans, the Tennessean reported. The music stars partnered with the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation and raised awareness while encouraging thousands of Americans who have battled the disease. 

The song debuted at No. 4 on the iTunes Pop music download chart in its first week, prompting increased visits to the organization’s website. 

“Komen benefits from every stream, download, video view, and licensing agreement,” spokeswoman Amanda DeBard said. “We’re pleased that reaction to and interest in the song has been incredibly strong.”

Open Roads is executive produced by renowned country singer Brandi Carlile.

Watch the full performance at the 2022 Country Music Awards below.