When you think of voices that defy genre and time, Cali Tucker belongs at the top of the list. We’ve welcomed her into our space on several occasions, and every release reminds us why she has become part of us—a songstress with a beautiful and bold artistry. As an award-winning country artist, Cali Tucker carries her Nashville heritage with grace, being the daughter of 1970s hitmaker LaCosta Tucker and the niece of living legend Tanya Tucker. And now, with the release of her video for her single “Last Name,” she demonstrates how strong her artistic abilities are.
Premiered by Taste of Country and now arriving with a striking music video, “Last Name” is powerful. Co-written with Derek Robertson, Tricia Battani, and Grammy-nominated G’harah “PK” Degeddingseze, the song draws inspiration from Cinderella—but this is not a tale of waiting to be rescued. Instead, it’s a story of self-determination. One that stands tall when others turn away. One that breaks free from expectations and one that forges a path that shines brighter than any glass slipper ever could.
From the opening lines—“You couldn’t bear to see me standing on my own. If you thought that I would give up, you were wrong.”—Cali sets the tone for a track that radiates resilience. Her vocals carry warmth and steel, striking a balance between vulnerability and defiance. There’s an unshakable confidence in her delivery, especially when she declares: “’Cause I’m about to change the game. And forget we share the same last name.” You feel the fire in her phrasing, each word delivered with conviction that lingers long after the song ends.
Pop at its finest, the production is polished, cinematic, and primed for success. “Last Name” has a vibrant, epic quality thanks to shimmering synths that glide over a steady pulse and are enhanced with rhythmic extras. It strikes a delicate balance between raw storytelling and popular gloss, making it elegant without sacrificing heart. Cali’s performance takes center stage as the instrumentation envelops her voice rather than overpowers it. With bright intensity that makes you want to throw your shoulders back and walk taller, every chorus booms.
Then there is the music video, which is a visual retelling of the song that deepens its meaning. Cali travels her way, unbounded by family safety nets, in place of the glass slipper from the fairy story. More than just a part, her mother LaCosta Tucker’s role as the fairy godmother is a generational nod, a symbolic transfer of magic and knowledge that unites the Tucker family’s musical history and reinforces Cali’s own. It’s an Easter egg that long-time fans will cherish, while newcomers will be captivated by the blend of nostalgia and fresh empowerment.
With “Last Name,” Cali Tucker delivers a statement. She reminds us why she is not only one of Nashville’s brightest voices but also one of our most treasured storytellers. Her compositions continue to strike chords of authenticity, strength, and emotional clarity. This track is more than a single—it’s a milestone, one that reaffirms Cali as an artist who can honor her roots and write her extraordinary fairytale.
Listen to “Last Name” on Spotify and watch the video above
Follow Cali Tucker here for more information
