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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 19, 2026) – Rising duo Kirwan The Band is joined by country star Clay Walker for an emotional single, “Detours,” inspired by child safety activist Elizabeth Smart. Smart’s 2025 memoir, Detours, details her personal account of being kidnapped and the journey she’s taken to heal through her traumatic experiences. With an important message of how to survive life’s detours, this vulnerable track can resonate with anyone who listens.
Listen to “Detours” here.
The new song is written by husband-and-wife Colm and Caitriona Kirwan (Kirwan The Band) with independent musician and producer Matthew Craig Johnson. Born in Ireland, the future Kirwans found their way together through a shared love of music and songwriting. The duo developed during the pandemic, which brought them both to Nashville to make their first record, KIRWAN, also produced by Johnson. Offering a modern pop/country sound, the band sings about love, faith, and hope.
They hand selected Walker to be their duet partner for this powerful release. The song is featured in promotional materials for the harrowing Netflix documentary, Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart.
“Clay Walker has become a dear friend of ours over the years and a real champion of our music. Of course, he carries years of experience as a country artist and songwriter and an amazing award-winning vocalist, but also he knows better than most the theme of perseverance through trials and hard times. He’s become a wonderful advocate and voice for many to keep pushing through life challenges and detours of life, especially with his own diagnosis of MS,” says Kirwan The Band.
The way, The way, The way
You’re gonna look back on your story one day
And see that the detours were always the way
Oh my friend my friend if you need to rest
You can can lay your burdens down I bet
You’ll find that you are stronger with each and every step
The courage that you longed for is pounding in your chest
Walker is currently on his headlining “Doin’ What I Love” North American tour, celebrating his 30+ year music career. The multi-Platinum selling musician is slated to make his debut at major music festivals, Tortuga and Hoofbeat Country Fest, and returns to Two Step Inn for the second time. While on tour, Walker continues to advocate for fellow MS patients and families through his personal organization, The Clay Walker Foundation, dedicated to raising funds for multiple sclerosis research.
About Clay Walker
Clay Walker stands as a towering figure in country music, his illustrious career marked by multi-PLATINUM sales, 11 chart-topping hits and 40 singles on the charts. His songs, including classics like “If I Could Make A Living” and “She Won’t Be Lonely Long,” resonate deeply, etching his name into the fabric of the genre. In 1996, Walker faced a new battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but rather than yielding to its challenges, he emerged as a fierce advocate and fundraiser, establishing the Clay Walker Foundation to support those affected by the disease. Each year, the Clay Walker Charity Classic at Pebble Beach shines a light on his tireless efforts, raising awareness and funds for MS research. His latest album, Texas To Tennessee, produced by industry heavyweights Michael Knox and Jaron Boyer, soared to No. 1 on the iTunes Country Album charts. Drawing inspiration from legends like George Jones, James Taylor and Bob Seger, Walker’s music transcends generations, earning him a well-deserved place among country music royalty. A member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Walker continues to captivate audiences nationwide, gracing stages from coast to coast with his electrifying performances, showcasing his unwavering passion for music and advocacy. He plans to release new music throughout the year and will be headlining shows on his “Doin’ What I Love” tour this spring. For more information and to stay up-to-date, visit ClayWalker.com.
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