Dasha Brings Viral Hit ‘Austin’ to 2024 CMT Music Awards for Her First Visit to Namesake City

Dasha brought her viral hit “Austin” to the 2024 CMT Music Awards on Sunday night (April 7) — and she admitted that it was the first time she had ever been in the song’s namesake city.

The singer/songwriter gave the song its live television debut at Austin, Texas’ Moody Center, wearing double denim in a zip-up jean vest and daisy dukes with a bedazzled belt complete with a rhinestone D belt buckle. She was backed up by dancers wearing white shirts and camo or denim pants, and since one of the song’s biggest drivers has been its perfect line-dancing pace, it was fitting that Dasha and her dancers broke into a line dance mid-song to pay tribute to the song’s sudden success.

“Thank you to the CMTs for believing in me!” she said to wrap up the performance. “It’s my first time in Austin!”

That last revelation might be a bit surprising to fans of the song, since the Texas town plays a pivotal role in the tune’s plot. “I made my way back to LA and that’s where you’ll be forgotten,” the California-born artist sings. “In 40 years, you’ll still be here, drunk, washed up in Austin.”

On the red carpet ahead of Sunday’s show, Dasha told Billboard News host Tetris Kelly, “Actually, this is my first time in Austin,” after he asked what about the city inspired her. “My first time in Austin is playing ‘Austin’ onstage at the CMTs!”

“Austin” is the first Billboard Hot 100 hit for Dasha, with the song peaking at No. 53 on this week’s chart. Over on Hot Country Songs, the song hits its No. 11 peak this week — and it also becomes her first Country Airplay hit, debuting at No. 54. Late last month, Billboard broke the news that the previously independent artist signed a label deal with Warner Records.