Chapel Hart Announces Hiatus Three Years After Appearing On America’s Got Talent
Chapel Hart has called it quits, at least for now, as they announced their hiatus on Monday (August 25).
The country trio included sisters Danica and Devynn Hart and their cousin, Trea Swindle. They started singing together in 2014 and eventually adopted the Chapel Hart name.
The group rose to fame after auditioning for Season 17 of America’s Got Talent in 2022. Their performance of their original country song, “You Can Have Him Jolene,” earned a Golden Buzzer from all four of the AGT judges and host Terry Crews.
Chapel Hart advanced to the finals of AGT that season. As finalists, they got the chance to sing Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” with Darius Rucker. They later joined Darius to release a new song, titled “Ol’ Church Hymn.”
The trio came in fifth place on AGT that year. They made their Grand Ole Opry debut on September 17, 2022, just three days after AGT ended.
Chapel Hart maintained an active presence in the country music community, appearing at awards shows and performing at festivals. They returned to the AGT stage in 2024 when they competed on America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League as members of Simon Cowell’s team.
Simon has always been one of Chapel Hart’s biggest supporters. In a new video released just a few months ago, he called their audition one of his all-time favorites.
So why has Chapel Hart decided to go on hiatus now?
In A Now-Deleted Post, Danica Hart Claimed She Was “Being Pushed Out” Of The Group, Alleged “Physical Violence And Abuse”
In June, Chapel Hart abruptly canceled their appearance at CMA Fest in Nashville. The trio said they were forced to cancel “due to personal family matters that require our attention and presence at this time.”
Then, in a since-deleted Facebook published in July, Danica Hart claimed she was being “pushed out” of Chapel Hart.
Music Universe published a screenshot of Danica’s post, which read:
“Over the past several months, I have remained silent, but I can no longer stay quiet about what has happened. I am being pushed out of my band and my company, and throughout this time, I and other members of our team have been subjected to physical violence and abuse. I am at the point of breaking.”
Danica said she initially intended to fulfill the band’s planned commitments, but “no longer [felt] safe or supported to continue.”
She spoke of an incoming hiatus, claiming that the story would be spun to make her seem like the party responsible for the split. “They already have a drafted press release typed up saying that the breakup is because I’m leaving… that’s not true,” she wrote.
As mentioned above, Danica eventually deleted the post. In a follow-up, which is still on her Facebook page, she said:
“This community was built on love. We are going through a difficult time, and while we may disagree, we still need our fans now more than ever … to stand beside us, to hold us up, and to pray for us, not to send threats or be forced to choose sides. I love you all with everything in me.“
Read Chapel Hart’s Statement About Their Hiatus Below
When Chapel Hart officially announced their hiatus on August 25, they made the decision seem amicable. They also maintained that this isn’t “goodbye” for good, but rather, a “pause.”
“As we each step into new seasons in life, we have decided to press pause on Chapel Hart so we can explore other passions and dreams that have been calling to us individually,” read a statement the band shared on social media. “This is not a goodbye. It is a celebration of everything we have built and a step toward everything still to come.”
Responding to the news on Facebook, Danica Hart said:
“I just saw this and thought I’d share… this was beautifully put. My heart is heavy but I am hopeful… I may grieve but I am grateful for every part of the journey. I love those women with everything in me and in God’s time I believe he will heal and redeem all things.“
Danica Hart will take off on her own, while Devynn Hart and Trea Swindle will perform as a new duo, Magnolia Rising.
Chapel Hart will follow through with the remainder of their scheduled performances. Their website indicates they have only a few more shows on the books.
Ending their statement, Chapel Hart said, “Thank you for being part of this incredible ride. The Chapel Hart story will always be a beautiful part of our lives, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for each of us.“
