Who will perform at iHeart’s Jingle Ball Village, get mentored by Grammy Winners and Win $10,000? You decide!
Gabriel Key
Must finish first in their group to advance to the Quarterfinals.
The next 2 highest ranked competitors will advance to a Wildcard round.
Voting for this round ends on November 8, 2026 at 10:00 PM EST
About Gabriel Key
I’m Gabriel Key, a South Florida country-rock artist with Cuban roots and 15 years as a firefighter / paramedic. After losing my mom during COVID, music became my outlet, leading me to Nashville studios and an opening set for Russell Dickerson.
Performances & Content from Gabriel Key
Gabriel Key - EPK
Live Performance at RockBar FTL
Live Performance at Round Up Nightclub
Told You So
Gone
Learn More About Gabriel Key
What makes you the Next Music Star?
What makes me the Next Music Star is the honesty I bring to my music and the connection I create with a crowd. I bring my own story, personality, and energy to every stage. My sound blends country with a rock edge, and I put everything into making my shows an experience people want to be part of. Whether I’m getting the crowd singing, teaching a line dance, or sharing the story behind a song, I want everyone to feel included and have a great time. I believe becoming the Next Music Star would give me a bigger platform to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter what life throws their way.
What do you love about music and performing?
As a firefighter/paramedic for 15 years, I’ve seen how much people carry. Music became my own outlet while I was dealing with the stress of the job and losing my mom. It helped me put feelings into words when I couldn’t say them out loud. That’s what I love about music. A song can help someone feel understood, bring back a memory, or give them a few minutes to let go and have fun. On stage, I get to share that connection in person. I love getting people singing, dancing, and feeling like they’re part of the show. Music is another way I can reach people and help them heal. My goal with every show is for people to leave having had a great time and feeling a little less alone.
Who are your biggest music inspirations and dream collaborators?
Although I grew up listening to Eminem, Linkin Park, 2Pac, and Biggie, I found my passion in country music. Eminem was my idol, and I spent my childhood and teenage years writing hip-hop lyrics because I related to the stories and emotions in that music. Line dancing introduced me to country, and the storytelling made me fall in love with it. In 2017, I saw Florida Georgia Line at my first-ever live concert. Watching their energy and the way they connected with the crowd, I could picture myself pursuing that same dream. Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and Brantley Gilbert became my biggest country influences. I’d love to collaborate with any of them, but Jason Aldean or Florida Georgia Line would be my dream collaborators. Their music has had a huge impact on the artist I continue to become.
What would you do with the $10,000 Grand Prize?
I would divide the $10,000 between growing my music career and giving back to causes that are personal to me. Part would help fund my next release, including recording, video content, and promotion. I would also put money toward travel and band costs for shows outside South Florida, where I can introduce my music to new crowds. Part of the prize would also support organizations that help first responders and their families. I've seen friends struggle with PTSD and lost some to suicide, and others leave the job because of stress or injuries in the line of duty. I would like to contribute to mental health services, support for injured responders, and cancer research. My goal is to grow as an artist, reach more people through my music, and give back to the community.
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Participation supports Musicians On Call, a 501(c)(3) charity, which brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments.
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