Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Natalie Stovall made a joyful announcement this week, revealing that she is expecting a baby. Alongside the exciting news, she opened up about the deeply personal and challenging journey she and her husband James Bavendam have faced in trying to build a family.
The couple, who have been married for 17 years, have longed to become parents for many years. Stovall described their path as filled with heartbreak — including three unsuccessful IVF rounds and discouraging words from multiple doctors who suggested it likely would not happen for them.
Natalie Stovall Baby News and Due Date
Stovall serves as a backing vocalist and utility player for Keith Urban, though his schedule for the rest of 2026 is relatively light, with only around a dozen concerts remaining. She also holds a hosting role at the Grand Ole Opry and is a member of country trio Runaway June.
- Natalie Stovall first rose to wider recognition as the frontwoman of the Drive, a band that also featured her husband.
- She joined Runaway June in May 2020, stepping in to fill the spot left by founding member Hannah Mulholland.
- Back in 2017, she competed on Season 13 of The Voice as a member of Team Blake.
Stovall expressed her excitement about welcoming the baby toward the end of summer, adding that in the meantime she plans to keep performing on stage and continuing her Opry hosting duties throughout her pregnancy.
Who Is Natalie Stovall?
Natalie Stovall grew up in Columbia, Tennessee, a small rural community located southwest of Nashville. She picked up the violin at just four years old, and by the time she was ten, she was already performing in professional settings.
Beyond the Grand Ole Opry, her performance credits include the White House and the Oprah Winfrey Show — both notable stages in her early career. Following college, she launched the Drive, a band celebrated both for their musicianship and their relentless work ethic, often playing close to 365 shows annually.
Activity around Stovall and the Drive gradually faded around 2016, which led her to audition for The Voice. The years that followed brought steady work, but her profile grew considerably in the early pandemic period — the same time she came aboard Runaway June and took on digital hosting duties at the Opry.
Stovall and Bavendam regularly share glimpses of their life together on social media, including heartfelt tributes to one another, highlights from the Grand Ole Opry, and behind-the-scenes moments from her work with Urban and Runaway June.
