Who's the Next Pop Star to Go Country?
This week, Darius Rucker (of Hootie & the Blowfish) has the No. 1 country album in Billboard magazine. Last week, it was Jessica Simpson. Earlier this year, Jewel achieved the same feat. And don't forget about Jon Bon Jovi singing with Jennifer Nettles. As much publicity as Nashville has been getting lately, you can bet the pop-star pilgrimage won't end there. Here's my speculative list of singers that will soon attempt to convince us that they've, you know, always been country.
Train - I expect that lead singer Pat Monahan will try to get on board soon. Light-rock favorites like "Meet Virginia" and "Drops of Jupiter" aren't that far away from Darius Rucker. However, David Nail's cover version of "I'm About to Come Alive" ... didn't.
Vanessa Carlton - Do you remember "A Thousand Miles"? A huge pop hit... six years ago. At least one young, female singer-songwriter is going gangbusters in country right now. Plus, doesn't Vanessa remind you of the Wreckers' Michelle Branch?
Whitney Houston - With big-voiced vocalists like Carrie Underwood taking country by storm, this diva is one soundtrack away from a country smash, preferably about redemption. God knows, her personal life has been a country song these last few years.
Cher - I wish I had saved the USA Today story where she talked about how much she loves George Jones. Don't all country singers say that? I can't even imagine how that CMT Crossroads would turn out. Too bad she got harassed here a few months ago.
Rob Thomas - I despise "Smooth" with every ounce of my being, but the Matchbox 20 singer can write a hit. Plus, after fighting his demons, the good-natured guy has been known to praise Nashville as a songwriter's town. His voice may have too much rock in it, but a major writing credit is not out of the question.
I'm sure there are more, but in the meantime, let me say this -- Celine Dion, don't get any ideas!
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RedMaZ says:
Considering “Pop Music” is an industry not a genre, this blog makes no sense.
CJ says:
I do not quite understand why you have Taylor’s picture on this blog and not a word about her. Don’t you think we have seen her face enough? Give us a break. We do not need any more people thinking they can make it in country when they are so far from country.
JennieGarth says:
Considering a lot of Country Music singers don’t write their own music, pretty much any pop or rock musician can take on country at any given time.
CJ says:
Thanks you must have realized I see you changed the picture. I like Darius Ruckers voice. He sounds more like the old country music use to sound. He reminds me of Charley Pride….I hope he goes far.
Craig Shelburne says:
CJ — That was actually a photo of Jessica Simpson, so we changed it to Darius, since he’s No. 1 this week.
Kitty says:
About Rob Thomas, he wrote Willie Nelson’s “Maria (Shut Up And Kiss Me)” and he sings backup and appears in the video. Luke Wilson is in the video as well.
Taylor Swift Dishes On Her Obession With a Certain Anatomy | The 9513 says:
[...] Craig Shelburne speculates as to who will be the next pop star goes country artist. [...]
CJ says:
Craig, I stand corrected. Thanks for the reply.
Gail says:
Jewel had said when she was a pop star that people always told her she sounded more country than pop. And I think I can see that easily in Jewel. I agree that Darius has that old country sound. I did not realize at first he was the lead singer from Hootie and the Blowfish. He does add a nice element to the new country and is part of a few videos I’ve seen on cmt lately that I really like. Jessica’s sales seem to be pretty good so far for a pop to country move. I know a lot of people are offended by her coming to country, but I’m not one of them and I actually like “Come on Over.” When you said Whitney, I was in schock!! But, then I thought about Bobby Brown’s recent travels in Nashville and what you said about her life being a country song and well, maybe? a big maybe? I was a huge Whitney fan back in the day, but country for her???
Bottom line: The jury is still out on this pop to country crossover. I guess time will tell. However, so far so good!
RedMaZ says:
Gail also seems to be confused as to what Pop Music is.
countryfan11 says:
I’d say leave it alone RedMa, obviously they have no clue or plain JUST DON’T CARE. I know the difference, I’m in the latter category. It’s plain country to me.
RedMaZ says:
The days of “It’s plain Country to me” or “Country is Country” are over. Pop music and Roots music both have Country Music. Pop music is NOT a specific genre, it’s an industry, same as Roots Music. That’s just the way it is.
Kim says:
Read up on Rob Thomas Please! He has a good thing going with MB20, and there are rumors of a new album soon! so no threat of crossover there anytime soon! as a country and a rock fan, i hope he doesn’t! I like his rock stuff too much!
And he has a major writing credit that i can think of off the top of my head: Pat green’s “Baby Doll”!!
Talking about his music, i think the fact that he’s written country tunes and had them cut by the likes of pat green and willie (Kitty, thanks for having a clue!), and he personally hasn’t crossed over yet, says (to me) he likes where he is. He and MB20 are some of the few good-selling, highly-talented rockers out there today. and if you listen to tracks like “Unwell” and “if Youre Gone” and even “when the heartache ends” they have country touches to them, but didn’t cross them over (as far as i know). i think he’s a rocker who’s a fan of country, the art of songwriting, and a great songwriter himself and he’ll leave it at that.
PS: How can you hate Smooth? i love it to death! santana rocks!
Kim says:
and again, Countryfan11, i’m with you on that “latter part”!!
Ms. Feathers says:
I find it insular and backward to be so closed-minded about music. If Country music had never changed with the times and with influences of other genres, we’d all still be listening to scratchy old Carter Family albums. Not that they’re bad - they’re great - but they’re only one small part of the equation now.
Country is already the most diverse genre and includes elements of pop, rock, blues, R&B, folk, roots, etc. WHY is that such a problem for some people?
“There are two kinds of music in the world: The kind you like and the kind you don’t like.”
So listen to what you like, support those artists with your money and time, and stop complaining that someone got chocolate in your peanut butter. It’s a waste of breath in our mix-n-match world of music.
RedMaZ says:
I totally agree. The only way to keep up on all the cutting edge music of today is education.
Steph says:
Good THINKING!!! I love it! education?!? about music!?! Brilliant! give the posters a Guinness!
Thanks you Ms. Feathers, very true and very insightful. I remember this story about when bob wills and the texas playboys made their debut at the Opry, the opry people made their drummer sit behind the curtain! dummers at that time were swing, never country! and now the most traditional of traditional have a drummer! its all progressive, and in my opinion its very fun to study the evolution of modern music.
Kim, don’t panic! i agree with you about Robby! i’ve heard those same rumors about a new album from MB20, but i heard it like last fall! hopefully it will be here soon! lets hope for no more internal shake ups! rock on!
Steph says:
Thanks again Ms. Feathers for expanding my vocabulary! had to look up “insular.” thought it was a typo, supposed to be “insulting”, then it couldn’t be because its not even close.
Insular: characteristic of an isolated people ; especially : being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint
learn something everyday! goes back to what RedMaz just said…
ROSEBUD says:
Love Jewel, love Jessica, love Darius, loved(past tense) the Wreckers. I’m glad they came onto the country scene. If not I would have missed out on a couple of my favorite CD’s. I agree with a couple of comments made above, if you don’t like a particular artist, then don’t spend your money on them. It’s a waste of time and energy to get so bent out of shape about it.
GermanChocolate says:
Ja, Das ist wahr. (yeha that’s true)
Rachel says:
Train’s keyboard player Brandon Bush has “Already Gone” country. He’s the piano/organ/keyboard player for Sugarland, which makes since since Kristian is his brother.
Kim says:
wait wait wait! I have a prediction! how about darren hayes, the former lead singer for savage garden? (everybody remember them? the truly madly deeply guys?) he can be the next keith urban! aussie guy, good voice, not a guitar player though. he can most certainly put a romantic ballad across, and he’s a good songwriter! what you do y’all think? another wonder from down under?
GermanChocolate says:
I’m feeling that. His voice can get up there too. maybe like a keith urban meets rascal flatts style meets a jessica simpson life style?
RedMaZ says:
JennieGarth, I have to disagree with you based on the facts. Almost every artist I listen to writes their own songs. A singer/songwriter is the backbone of music.
countryfan11 says:
Some songwriters are NOT singers, and visa versa, so why shouldn’t the writers peddle their talent & help an artist out? That’s how they make their living. I see nothing wrong with the practice.
RedMaZ says:
I agree. For example, Strait. Even though he disrespected the songwriters the during his CMHOF speech, he would have zero #1’s without them. However, he’s recorded some of my favorite singer/songwriters material which in turn gives them the freedom to record their own albums, which I personally prefer over Strait.
BRJ says:
The above posters are right about Rob Thomas. Not only has he written for Willie, but he wrote three of the songs on The Great Divide, the above mentioned Maria (Shut Up and Kiss Me), Won’t Catch Me Cryin’, and the absolutely beautiful, Recollection Phoenix. He wrote Baby Doll with Pat Green as well as My Little Heaven. And don’t forget the Phil Vassar collaboration, Someone You Love. I think there are more, but I’d have to look them up. Anyway, Thomas is already hugely respected in Nashville and I’m sure he could cross over in a New York minute. I just don’t think he will anytime soon.
Oh, and for the record, as a rock song, Smooth rocks!
Rajiv says:
Vanessa Carlton??? Please!!!! No way she s gonna go country..! She s always been very genuine in my opinion…
Steph says:
BRJ, you are more up on Rob than me! thanks! i actually didn’t do any research, just the one example i could remember, the babydoll one.
I agree he’s hugely respected in Nash. I don’t think he’ll cross over ever! lets not forget the integrity and continued success of rock music! I think Rob’s a part of that.
Linda says:
I don’t think Vanessa Carlton will turn country. She has quite an unusual imagination. She wrote a song about unicorns and vampires battling it out. In terms of singing, the way she sings is very similar to Taylor Swift, so just with that alone, she might have a chance.
I had to laugh when I saw Whitney Houston. She should sing gospel, not country.
Actually, Celine Dion would sound good singing country music. Many of the contemporary country songs out these days are very melodic, which is perfect for Celine.
MaBelle says:
Considering the “Twang” factor of Country Music, most of he older Country Singer/Songwriters will find it hard to be country pop!
And Who’s the Next Country Star to Cross Over to Pop Radio? says:
This whole pop star going country thing is becoming a one way street. What the labels should do next is get more of their best country/pop/rock artists played on pop radio. That’s a better way to bring new fans to country than moving pop stars over. So far, Carrie and Taylor are the only ones played on pop radio. Kellie Pickler should be the next, because like Carrie and Taylor she’s one of the best country/pop/rock crossover artists. I hope Joe and the folks at Sony realize this. Maybe it would help if MTV’s website posts many blogs and news items about Kellie, her video for Best Days of Your Life gets played on MTV, and Best Days has a record high debut on pop radio.
RedMaZ says:
Yet another person who doesn’t know the definition of “Pop Music”. Once again, Pop music is NOT a specific genre. It’s an industry. It already includes all Pop Country acts.
Kim says:
Pop coming from popular culture, right? culture can be country, and the industry knows that. what people think when we say pop is the genre-less type music that’s trendy at the moment. and right now it all tends to sounds like power voices, bare-bones backup music, and revenge/breakup anthems. if the artist comes from american idol, all the better, because they came from hollywood, no matter where they ended up.
Kim says:
and blond! if its blond, it gets played!
diane says:
waiting for Diana Degarmo to make the big switch from broadway/pop to country official. Looking forward to it..and SHE aint blonde..LOL
alexis duncan says:
i think yall need to put more of that good stuff on
LOVE IT says:
Michelle Branch? I can see that, but not very strong. Whitney? OH GOSH….now you really have me thinking. Who else??……Hmmmm….
Steph says:
I think i’m with Kim on the darren hayes one…he might just make it, with the rascal flatts meets keith urban meets jessica simpson lifestyle part.
CMT censorship gone mad says:
what’s the point in posing the question if you edit out 99 percent of the comment, cause you don’t like them? What a joke!
And Who’s the Next Country Star to Cross Over to Pop Radio? says:
RedMaZ, I’m talking about the pop radio format, also known as Top 40. I can’t stand most songs played on pop radio. I can listen to country radio all day because most artists played on country radio can outsing or outplay most artists played on pop radio. Many pop artists don’t even use any real instruments, instead they use a lot of synthesized music. Some country singers are diverse enough to cross over and be among the best on mutiple formats. For example Carrie’s Jesus Take the Wheel got great airplay on at least four formats - country, AC, Top 40, and Christian.
Kim, no artist comes from American Idol, Idol was just where and how some were discovered. They come from wherever they are from before they went to Hollywood for a few months to compete in singing and performing. Carrie is from Oklahoma and Kellie from North Carolina, REAL country, and they have been singing country since they could walk! :) Kellie had never even been outside of NC and SC or on a plane before going to Hollywood.
If it’s blonde it gets played? No because many blondes aren’t getting played and Kellie and Miranda should be getting played more. It’s more like if it’s male it gets played no matter the hair color.
Scott says:
Sounds like Rob Thomas doesn’t need to go country. Country came to him!
Kim says:
yeah, kinda looks that way! every genre needs good music!
Montag says:
Heidi Montag is perfect. Jessica Simpson’s act has mainly comprised her playing dress up in ridiculous country cliches, talking about her boyfriend and loudly screeching out of tune. All known skills of Heidi Montag!
Kim says:
I think you accidentally just re-made my point, And who’s the next…?. those artists “come from wherever they are from before they went to Hollywood for a few months to compete in singing and performing.” exactly. they went to HOLLYWOOD to become COUNTRY stars? one could argue (and i am) that those artists seem to have ditched their countryness for those few months and then came on home to country as big hits. Everyone knows them from AI and they got big record deals with all the promotion that goes with it in the process. I’m not saying that personally they aren’t country, but it seems to me its a bit contradictory. basically, about AI, its not what they say they are (a talent finder); once again it all seems to be about money and fame. So therefore, i have doubts about the artists and their intentions.
I’m not saying that all the AI people are bad and that they aren’t good artists,they do have good stuff out there, but if they were that good, why weren’t they discovered like Jamey Johnson? like Rodney Atkins? like Gretchen wilson? I think only time and hard work on their part will tell if those Ai contestants have what it takes to last, rather than being a “flash in the pan” kind of star.
And i don’t buy that AI is all about giving people a chance and “discovering” artists as you said. if AI was so devoted to finding talent, how in the world did the likes of william hung and sanjia get on there? let me guess, so simon could have someone to ridicule to keep the “reality” crowd watching! I just don’t trust what they say about an artist, there’s too much crap going on.
I especially don’t like the fact that they let Kristy Lee Cook on AI. does anyone remember Kristy Lee and an album called Devoted? its the same person! She had a deal, and album, and somewhat of a tour, but it wasn’t popular. Why isn’t she branded as a Jessica Simpson? Seems to me that when pop failed, she got on AI for some quick and easy promotion, started using all of her name, and went country! Oh wow! sounds real genuine! Where is she on Craig’s list above BTW? now she’s a big hit that critics are liking, but that rings of what Jessica Simpson just did, and many people hate jess for it! guess you should have changed your name jess…
Steph says:
That’s an interesting discussion…something to think about. As a counterpoint, you could say simon’s antics are for show, and he’s serious about the talented ones. there is talent there you know.
didn’t know that about krtsty lee cook either. i’d never heard of that album.
Denny says:
Sebastian Bach, his voice is amazing I think everyone is going to be suprized at the talent he has. He has one of the best Voices out there and I know he can make the crossover into Country Music, he has played on Broadway and was one of the best Singers they had on Broadway. I hope they are going to start playing the new Video on C.M.T
Battle with the Bottle
RedMaZ says:
To the person who used the blog topic name as their screen name. You are still making no sense. Are you actually trying to tell me there is no Pop Country radio format? Top 40 country radio is Pop Country. Carrie Underwood will always be a Pop singer, no matter what radio genre she’s played in. Once again, “Pop Music” is NOT a specific genre, it’s an industry. Pop music is music that is overproduced and overplayed for profit. It’s goal is to appeal to the masses whether it be Rock, R&B, Rap, Hip Hop or Country, it doesn’t matter, it’s ALL “Pop Music”.
Daniel says:
I think Edwin McCain who had the hit songs “i’ll be” and “could not ask for more” which sara evans cut, would be great in country..train is also a good pick
RedMaZ says:
First of all ALICIAAROL, I don’t listen to Pop Music such as Hough, Pickler, or Swift. I listen to singer/songwriters. I could list them all day. Are you going to check them out, and tell me they didn’t write the music they’re singing?
Jen says:
Can anyone say:
Rob Thomas + Keith Urban would = MAGIC
!!!!!!
Both great songwriters. Hmmmm…
Jen says:
To RedMaZ:
Swift is an instrumentalist and a songwriter. Take or leave her sound, you can’t lump her into ‘pop fluff’. She is a genuine talent.