RAPID CITY, SD – Some artists chase the spotlight. Others grow into it. When Rowan Grace first captured America’s attention as a Top 10 finalist on NBC’s The Voice, she was just 16 years old with a remarkable voice and a dream that was beginning to take shape. Now, at 20 years old and entering a new chapter of her career, the Black Hills native returns to downtown Rapid City on Thursday, July 9, headlining the Coca-Cola Stage at Summer Nights once again.

While national television introduced Rowan to millions, she says the experience taught her lessons that went far beyond music. “The Voice taught me so much about not only the industry, but also myself as a person,” Rowan said. “I learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes of the industry, and it only made me more excited to continue working on my craft and putting out music that I am passionate about.”

But perhaps the biggest lesson wasn’t found under the bright lights. “The experience showed me how important community is,” she said. “It was super fun, but it was also very scary. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect. Anytime I felt that way, I had friends and a community I could fall back on—both on the show and back home. I don’t think I realized before then just how important that was.”

Finding Her Own Pace

After The Voice, Rowan chose a path that surprised even herself. Instead of rushing headfirst into the music industry, she enrolled at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, a decision she now says changed everything. “I used to be in such a rush to get to the next step,” she admitted. “I was even hesitant about going to college because I felt like I was ready to jump into the industry.”

Looking back, she can’t imagine taking any other path. “I don’t know where I would be today without it,” Rowan said. “The people I’ve met have made such a lasting impression on me, and I’ve learned so much more about music and where I fit in the industry.”

Perhaps the biggest lesson Berklee has given her is patience. “There is no rush for good art,” she said. “It’s okay to take time to develop the artist that you are and put out music when you’re confident in it—not just because people want you to.” That patience is about to pay off, as Rowan says she has a collection of new music she’s incredibly excited to release.

A Full-Circle Moment

Returning to Summer Nights isn’t just another stop on the calendar. For Rowan, it’s coming home. Long before she was standing under the lights, she was sitting in the audience. “I remember being a little girl going to Summer Nights with my dad every Thursday,” she recalled. “I was always in awe of everyone on stage. It’s awesome to get to be on that stage now.”

She says performing in front of hometown fans carries a special meaning because they’re the same people who stood behind her throughout her journey on The Voice. “Seeing the support from my hometown helped push me forward during that experience,” Rowan said. “Any chance I get to be on stage and thank them is such an honor.”

That hometown encouragement continues to motivate her. “It’s so motivating to have a dream that I believe in and know that other people believe in me too. It makes everything seem more possible.”

Growing Into Her Own Artist

Although only a few years have passed since television audiences first met Rowan Grace, she says fans will notice a different performer when she steps onto the Coca-Cola Stage. “My voice has changed a lot,” she said. “I’ve learned so much more about my voice and how to use it, so it’s definitely become stronger and more mature.”

She also believes experience has made her a more confident performer. “I’m definitely not the same as 16-year-old me anymore,” Rowan laughed. “But I still have the same personality and still share the same joy for performing and singing my own music.”

A Night to Escape

When asked what she hopes audiences take away from her Summer Nights performance, Rowan’s answer had little to do with herself. “I’m just hoping everyone has a fun night,” she said. “It’s a night where everything stressful and everything heavy on your mind can go away for a few hours and you can just enjoy good music, good people and a good time.” That’s exactly the atmosphere she plans to bring to downtown Rapid City.

Looking Ahead

With graduation from Berklee on the horizon and her 21st birthday approaching later this year, Rowan says the next chapter is already taking shape. She plans to finish college before moving to either Los Angeles or New York to continue pursuing music full time.

Beyond performing, she’s discovered another passion. “Writing music has definitely been the thing that excites me most now,” she said. “I’m really excited to continue writing not only for myself, but for other people as well. I have a lot of new music coming soon that I’m super proud of.”

Why You Should Be There

If you’ve never experienced a Rowan Grace performance, she promises next week’s Summer Nights concert is the perfect introduction. “You can expect high energy, fun covers, some original music of mine, and just good vibes all around,” she said. “It’s going to be one big party, and you don’t want to miss it.”

After watching Rowan Grace grow from a talented teenager on national television into a confident young artist finding her own voice, hometown fans will once again have the chance to welcome her back where so much of the journey began. Rowan Grace performs Thursday, July 9, on the Coca-Cola Stage during Summer Nights in downtown Rapid City. Admission is free, and the evening promises great music, great energy, and another memorable homecoming for one of the Black Hills’ brightest rising stars.