Breakout Country Star From Burlington County Performs With Shania Twain

NEW YORK — An emerging musician from Burlington County just accomplished a lifelong dream. Breland performed Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, sharing the stage with country-music legend Shania Twain.

Daniel Gerard Breland — known as Breland — has been touring with the "Queen of Country Pop." The Burlington Township native opened for and sang several songs with Twain at the Garden — a venue that holds special significance for Breland.

"Playing Madison Square Garden has been a lifelong dream of mine," Breland said on social media before the New York show.

Much like Twain, Breland has stood out by combining country with other musical genres. The 27-year-old describes himself as a paradox, representing one of country music's "most unlikely" breakout stars, according to the bio on his website, and has blended country rap with R&B, soul and gospel.

His parents Tonya and Gerard Breland are ordained ministers, who filled their home with gospel music during Breland's upbringing. At age 14, Breland entered the Peddie School — a college-prep institution that first exposed him to secular music across genres, including hip-hop, R&B and country.

Breland began writing music professionally while attending Georgetown University. He's written for musical titans across genres, including R&B's Trey Songz and co-writing music with country's Keith Urban.

In 2019, Breland released his debut single, "My Truck," which reached No. 26 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and became certified platinum in January 2021.

Breland released two EPs (extended plays) the following year entitled "Breland" and "Rage and Sorrow," which have been streamed more than 150 million times on Spotify. His debut album, "Cross Country," dropped last September, reaching No. 15 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart.

Meanwhile, Breland has two more shows with Twain on his schedule — next performing Thursday in the Pittsburgh area. Breland's concerts in the coming months will include stops throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.