Thompson Square Go From ‘Underdogs’ to Over the Moon

Just a couple years ago, husband and wife duo Thompson Square were serving drinks at the Wheel, a popular Nashville watering hole. Tonight (Nov. 9) the duo will be just up the street from their former honky tonk hang out performing at Bridgestone Arena on the 45th annual CMA Awards.

"It's our first time to be nominated, to be on the red carpet and to be able to perform," Shawna Thompson tells The Boot. "It's the full experience for us."

The reality of how far they've come hit the duo during CMA rehearsals. "Yesterday it set in when we did rehearsals, when we walked out and saw the set and all that," says Shawna. "It's going to be fun, but it's going to be a little nerve-racking to sing in front of our peers and our idols like Reba. I grew up listening to Reba, so that's going to be pretty intense. I'll try not to make eye contact with her."

Thompson Square is living proof that talent and hard work can pave the way for dreams to come true. "We bartended there two years ago," Keifer says, recalling how they paid they dues working at the Wheel. The couple still stop in regularly. "We love that place. They are really nice people. They gave us a job when no one else would."

Last night, Shawna and Keifer performed during a Pre-CMA party at the Hard Rock Café and enjoyed celebrating their success with the staff of Stoney Creek Records, an imprint of Broken Bow Records, the successful independent label that's home to superstar Jason Aldean. Jason was on hand to accept a double platinum plaque for his album, 'My Kinda Party,' and there were also performances from James Wesley, newcomer Dustin Lynch and newly-signed Stoney Creek artist Randy Houser.

"It's nice to celebrate with the promo staff that's worked so hard throughout the last two years," Shawna says, acknowledging the record company's radio promotion team.

Some in the music industry were caught off guard last year when the newcomers sailed to the top of the chart with their second single 'Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?' "I've been an underdog my whole life and so has Shawna," Keifer tells the Boot. "To be on this little label, a subsidiary of a small label, and to be able to do what we've done is very exciting. I'm very proud of everybody."