Who Is Olivia Margaret Schelske?
In the ever-evolving world of music, some new voices emerge from a lineage of legends, carrying a familiar echo yet singing a song all their own. Olivia Margaret Schelske is one such artist. Born to country music royalty Sara Evans, Olivia’s life has been a symphony of melodies from the start, but she’s now composing her own unique score.
At 22, Olivia is stepping out from the shadow of a famous name to define herself. She is a musician with a soulful voice, a newly married woman embracing a new chapter, and a fiercely independent artist determined to make her mark on the industry, not for who her family is, but for who she is.
This is the story of her journey—a tale of heritage, heart, and the courage to forge her own path.
A Childhood Steeped in Music
Olivia’s story began on January 22, 2003, not in a quiet suburban home, but in the vibrant, chaotic world of country music. As the daughter of Sara Evans and Craig Schelske, her lullabies were soundchecks and her playgrounds were backstage corridors. Alongside her older brother, Avery, and younger sister, Audrey, she learned the rhythms of life on the road.
Tour buses were her second home, offering a rare glimpse into the dedication and sacrifice behind the spotlight. Her family landscape shifted when her parents divorced in 2007, and again when her mother married football-player-turned-sportscaster Jay Barker a year later. The family grew, blending two worlds and creating a bustling household in Mountain Brook, Alabama.
This unconventional upbringing, rich with music and marked by change, instilled in Olivia a resilience and a deep-seated passion for her craft.
Finding Her Own Voice
While country music was the soundtrack of her childhood, Olivia’s own musical heart beat to a different rhythm. By eleven, she was already dreaming of a career in music, drawn to the powerful vocals and pop-infused beats of artists like Beyoncé.
Her mother, understanding the industry’s demands, encouraged her to take her time, to nurture her talent before seeking the spotlight. Olivia listened, patiently honing her skills. She lent her voice to her mother’s album “Words” and even shared the stage for a memorable performance of “Tennessee Whiskey.”
These formative experiences, including a stint with The Barker Family Band, were the prelude to her own debut. In 2021, she released a five-song EP, a collection of tracks that announced her arrival as a solo artist with a fresh, distinct sound.
The Courage of Independence
Choosing to create pop and R&B music was a deliberate and defining choice. It was a declaration of her artistic independence, a way to honor her roots while exploring new creative territory.
But Olivia’s independence goes beyond her genre. She is navigating her career without the safety net of a record label, a publishing deal, or a management team. Every decision, from songwriting to marketing, is her own. This path is demanding, but it offers the ultimate reward: complete artistic control.
Her journey is a testament to her belief in her own vision and her determination to build a career on her own terms.
A New Duet: Love and Marriage
Amidst the hustle of building her career, Olivia found a partner to share her life’s melody. In November 2023, she became engaged to model Blake Irwin, a joyful moment shared with their families.
Their love story culminated in a picturesque wedding in September 2025 at Tennessee’s Southall Farm & Inn. Surrounded by loved ones, the couple exchanged vows in a ceremony that was both elegant and deeply personal.
Their first dance to John Mayer’s “Something Like Olivia” was a sweet nod to the bride, marking the beginning of a new and beautiful duet.
A Star in Her Own Right
Olivia Margaret Schelske’s story is one of transformation. She has gracefully navigated the journey from being a daughter of a country star to becoming an artist in her own right.
She carries her legacy with pride but is not defined by it. With a soulful voice, a clear vision, and an unyielding independent spirit, Olivia is not just following a path—she is creating one.
As she continues to write, record, and perform, her music tells the story of a woman who knows where she comes from but, more importantly, knows exactly where she is going. The future is bright, and her song has only just begun.
