Jillian Cardarelli Steps Into the Spotlight with Acting Debut in Crossroad Springs
- All Country News
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
Country music fans know Jillian Cardarelli as a voice of grit, grace, and storytelling heart. But this weekend, she’s stepping into uncharted territory, not just behind the microphone, but in front of the camera. Cardarelli makes her acting debut in Crossroad Springs, a brand-new original series on Great American Family and streaming on Great American Pure Flix.
The series follows the Hamilton family as they struggle to keep their ranch afloat while searching for spiritual renewal. At the center of the story is James Hamilton, played by Jonathan Stoddard, a pastor returning from Chicago to face both financial turmoil and fractured family ties. Cardarelli portrays Janie Carson, a role that is sure to become a fan favorite and not just because of her on-screen charm.
“Since this was Janie’s very first episode, a lot of her story is still developing, which honestly makes it really exciting for me,” Cardarelli shared with All Country News. “Janie’s very first episode was during the baptism scene, where she sings. That felt like such a powerful and natural way to step into her character, because faith and music are so central to who I am. It gave me an immediate connection to her. I’m really looking forward to watching her journey unfold in Crossroad Springs.”
Cardarelli and Stoddard also teamed up off set, co-writing the series’ theme song, “Crossroad Springs,” with songwriter Ryan Sorestad. Produced by Daniel Dennis and performed by Cardarelli, the track is a sweeping, heartfelt ballad that underscores the show’s themes of resilience, redemption, and love.
“I actually filmed my first episode before we ever wrote the theme song,” Cardarelli recalls. “About a month or so later, after I’d had that on-set experience and really felt what Crossroad Springs was about, Jonathan, Ryan, and I wrote the song. Jonathan, who plays the pastor and is the star of the show, brought such a special perspective to the process, and writing with him and Ryan was so effortless. Having already lived inside the world of Crossroad Springs made such a difference, it felt like we were putting music to something we had all experienced together. That collaboration made the song feel really authentic and connected to the heart of the series.”
Fans have responded so strongly that Great American Media expanded the season to ten episodes, with Cardarelli’s character taking on a more prominent role. Her episode airs this Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on Great American Family and GFam+ marking the last Crossroad Springs installment of 2025. Audiences won’t have to wait long for more: the series returns in early 2026 with four additional episodes featuring Cardarelli’s character, promising new layers and depth to her on-screen journey.
“Those values are everything to me,” Cardarelli says. “In this industry, resilience is what keeps you moving forward, even when doors close or challenges come your way. My faith is my foundation, it grounds me no matter what season I’m in and my family has always been my biggest support system. That’s why I love that Crossroad Springs centers on those same themes. It feels very aligned with who I am and what I try to live by in my own career and life.”
With her seamless transition from Nashville stages to the television screen, Cardarelli proves what fans already knew: she’s a storyteller at heart. Whether delivering a verse or a line of dialogue, she brings the same honesty, strength, and soul that first made country listeners fall in love with her music.
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