Alicia Witt attends the Art of Elysium 2016 Heaven Gala.
Credit: Todd Williamson/Getty Images
Alicia Witt knows her stuff! At the young age of 7, the Massachusetts native showed off her talent competing in international piano competitions. While still pursuing a music career, Witt also took up acting. The Walking Dead fans may recognize her as Paula, introduced to the series this year. When she isn’t fighting zombies, Witt, 40, uses her extensive knowledge of music to play country superstar Autumn Chase in the ABC series Nashville (Wednesdays at 10 p.m.). The musician selects her favorite tracks from the show, exclusively for Us Weekly.
“If I Didn’t Know Better” by Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen: “This song stands out to me as a ‘we’ve all been there’ lament, and you get the sense the storyteller of this song wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometimes the worst decisions are the most decadent and fun. Even knowing in the moment you may regret saying, 'Yes,' you know you’d regret not opening that door even more.”
“Count On Me” by Sam Palladio: “I have loved getting to work with Sam so much on this show. He is the sweetest and so extremely talented. I can’t wait to hear his new EP! Meanwhile, we have this gorgeous song to hold us over.”
“Take Mine” by Connie Britton and Alicia Witt: “This was my first song on the show, so, of course, I have to include it! It’s written by the kick-ass girl trio of Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert and Natalie Hemby. Connie and I had a blast performing it to the arena on Autumn’s tour in this episode. I think it’s a damn fine song and I’m so honored I got to sing it.”
“Can’t Help My Heart” by Will Chase and Laura Benanti: “This is a beautiful song that I feel describes every time I’ve ever fallen. I really love their voices too.”
“History of My Heart” by Jonathan Jackson: “I fell in love with this song from the moment I heard it in the episode. It’s a theme we all can relate to: the scars and the laugh lines left in us from heartbreak as well as deep love.”
“Plenty Far to Fall” by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio: “I love the joy in this one … The pure fun of knowing your love story has just begun.”
“What If It’s You” by Hayden Panettiere: “I love the message in this: the idea, often true, that you make your own fate, especially when it comes to who you choose to fall in love with. You choose broken people when you still need to break.”
“The Book” by Aubrey Peeples: “This was from the first day I worked on set and it’s still stuck in my head. Getting to hear my girl Aubrey sing with her gorgeous voice and rock out on my first day was a treat. We became fast friends and she has been a big part of why I’ve loved working on the show as much as I have.”
“A Life That’s Good” by Lennon & Maisy: “This song was playing in the delivery room while my friend Shanola Hampton was giving birth to her beautiful daughter, Cai, which I was blessed to be there for. It will always be the most special song from the show to me. Shanola felt it represented the pure heart and intention that she wanted Cai to be born into, and it made a magical experience even more magical.”