Teddy Swims doesn’t live in the past, but that doesn’t mean his past hasn’t helped him make a living.
The singer, 32, who just performed his high-octane hit love song “Lose Control” alongside pal Thomas Rhett at the CMA Awards, chatted with PEOPLE on the red carpet about his breakout year and his beloved breakup anthem that blazed up the charts.
“I feel fulfilled and justified and loved and seen,” Swims said of how this whirlwind year has been for him and his career, adding that, “I’m really grateful.”
These days the star is in a great place both professionally and personally. “I’m in love and I’m happy,” he says of dating girlfriend and fellow singer, Raiche Wright, who joined him in the seats at the awards show on Wednesday night. “Everything’s just where it needs to be.”
Fans know that the joy he has now is a far cry from how he felt before, with an unnamed ex girlfriend. But Swims said he used that past experience to fuel his creativity and thus, his success.
He poured details of that ill-fated romance into songs like “The Door,” which includes the painful lyrics, “I said I would die for you, baby/ But I can’t take this pain no more/ I thought I was willing/ But tonight I saved my life when I showed you the door.”
Looking back now, “I have nothing but thanks to give to that person,” said Swims, “because I was able to take some of that trauma and put it in a way that I can celebrate it now amongst other people with the same kind of issues, so thanks to her honestly.”
Thomas Rhett took the opportunity to chime in, saying “Thanks for breaking my heart,” to which Swims responded, “That’s hot! Let’s write that!” It sounds like the pair, who took to the CMAs stage with their new duet “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman,” have their next hit on their hands.
As for Swims’ happy new love story, he confirmed his romance with Wright back in July 2024 on an episode of The Kyle & Jackie O Show. He shared how having the same career has helped their connection.
“She does what I do, which is great,” he explained. “Because it’s like maybe 3 a.m. and I’m calling her and she’s like ‘Yeah, yeah I’m in a session. I’m recording vocals.’ And I’m like, ‘Girl, yeah, handle your business, baby.’ ”
Earlier this year the pair not only tattooed each other, but they got each other’s names inked on their hands. Swims got “Raiche” tattooed on his index finger, while Wright tattooed “Jaten” (Swims’ real name) atop her wrist.
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