From Illinois to Tennessee -- to Can You Duet and CMT
I met Joshua Scott Jones the summer of 2003. I was an aspiring journalist interning for the local television station in Charleston, Ill., and he was a hopeful musician and singer-songwriter. I saw him in passing several times in college, but we soon lost touch over the years. Unbeknownst to the other, in 2006, we both left that small town and headed south to Nashville. Josh moved here to perform country music. I moved here to write about it. Three years later, our paths would cross again.
This morning (Aug. 10), I sat across from Josh and his girlfriend, Meghan Linsey. As the duo Steel Magnolia, the two of them won CMT's Can You Duet during the second season finale that aired over the weekend. We chatted about their music, and Josh and I talked about back home and even Charleston's town square. As we sat there talking, it made me think about how much has changed in these last three years. This young man, who once gave my friends and me CDs in college, is now signed to Big Machine Records, the Nashville label that's home to artists like Taylor Swift and Trisha Yearwood. And I'm no longer working for WEIU-TV in Charleston. Though I miss it and the people greatly, I am happy to now call CMT home.
Without sounding too cliché, I have to say, it puts a smile on my face to think we achieved what we set out to do. Congratulations, Steel Magnolia, on your new record deal, new single and, ultimately, proving you can du-et.
See their winning performance of "Keep on Loving You" on CMT.com.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
sunkie says:
Beautiful review Whitney. I guess one can say that both of your dreams came true. This is what America is all about. One who works hard and tries to achieve sometimes are allowed to have their dreams come true. I shall look forward to hearing more about them and of course, your writing Whitney. I can see all of you sitting there chatting, it makes me feel as if I was there too……….Bravo
tleac says:
I love Steel Magnolia I DVRed it so I could watch and listen to them sing whenever I wanted. I can’t wait to buy their cd. I also loved the Stellas.
Debra says:
I watched Can You Duet and while Steel Magnolia was good I felt that a couple of others were better. However I wish them the best and also hope that some of others will get a record deal.
taylor says:
im really glad that steel magnolia won.But i think that JB Rocket will get famous sooner or later because they are a really good band.They both are very good and they will be come my favorite bands ever.lol.But JB rocket should have won becouse there voices sound a little bit better than steel magnolia. But dont take it wrong steel magnolia you guys are very talented to.But i still love steel magnolia. You guys rock harder than JB Rocket.However i wish them the rocken best on their journay though out their career.
taylor says:
help save the mentally retarded dogs.
Brooke Arrington says:
steel magnolia was a very good duet…but personally i think the australlian couple should have won…they kicked booty…i dont know what their names were but they were pretty amazing…steel magnolia did a very good job…but still they need some work…i have a fundraiser going on and its to save the mentally retarted dogs…they are really mentally retarted…help save them…
patty says:
i think the best duo won. They had a unique sound, JB Rocket was also good but i think the judges got it right. JB Rocket will also be up and coming cant wait for either one
Leigh Anne says:
Meghan, of Steel Magnolia, is the Pat Benatar of Country Music. I LOVE her look, and her sound…..WOW!!!!
sandy says:
I LOVE HEARING YOU SING BUT WHEN OH WHEN CAN WE BUY YOUR CD’S
I WANT ONE
linda says:
I’m so happy that Steel Magnolia won. They were great from their first performance with “When the Stars Go Blue”. JB Rocket will do well also!! Thanks CMT for this program and allowing these people to showcase their talent!!
Rachel says:
Rock on Josh & Meghan!!! Glad you won!!!! So proud of you!! Can’t wait for your CD - I tell everyone back here in Chucktown and around about you guys. When you play a concert near (Josh’s)home you can bet we will be there!!!
Jason says:
I hated the final episode of can you duet steel sucking i mean steel magnolia getting the contract JB Rocket deserved it. i swear steel magnolia destroyed country music for me. i don’t think i could go back to listening to country after finding out America’s next Country Duet is steel magnolia is like finding out you have four days to live and the four days started on tuesday and it’s 11:59 p.m. on Thursday.i would rather die then call them a good duet.
Kate P. says:
Great story here, Whitney! Very interesting how small the world really is, huh? I really enjoy Steel Magnolia and will look forward to seeing how they progress on their career path!
Del says:
Scott Borchetta hit the jackpot with the final four contestants: Steel Magnolia, JB Rocket, Ryan & Avalon, and The Stellas. Why not put them all together on tour? They all managed to impress me with their great talent. I would definitely buy a ticket to watch them perform. I’m quite satisfied with the results of the final decision.
Reminds me of when I first saw Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Reba, and Faith perform their songs for the first time; and Scott should take advantage of using those contestants to the best of Big Machine’s ability.
Annette says:
Steel Magnolia, you are awesome!! Meghan and Josh you are both very talented individuals and make an awesome duo!! Good luck as you start your careers together. I really look forward to the release of your video and CD. I will share the news of Steel Magnolia with everyone I know here in Metairie, LA.
Debbie says:
I agree with Del.The top four groups were great.I would love to see them all sing again.I would buy cd’s of each of the top four.
Anna says:
Steel Magnolia is fantastic! I love their singing and talent. They have this AMAZING chemistry together. I can’t wait until their music comes out! They are definitely are going to be fun to watch and see how well they do! Love them!
RebaLova204 says:
did steele magnola’s win.
patricia boniey says:
once again as with last year the judges got it right. i loved caitlyn and will and i love steel magnolia. jb rocket was great also and i am sure a record deal is also in their future.
michigan says:
when i first started watching can u duet i have to admit it was because of local girl chelsey oaks, our local radio station promoted it alot. and though i think she did a great job and to make it that far with all those who tried i am very impressed, but steel magnolia was my favorite by far. i have downloaded the song and burned to listen whenever i want cant wait for the cd
Mark B, says:
I’m amazed by the quality of the talent on this show. How do all these people just come out of the woodwork? This duo in particular is extraordinary - poised, professional, and ready to roll. I look forward to hearing much more from them in the future.
Downstate Illinois says:
Charleston, Illinois should be very proud. For a town of its size, they have produced some terrific talent. Steel Magnolia will soon be seen everywhere. They’re incredible, and Josh….those of us in Effingham wish you great success! Whitney, great article and congrats on your career as well!
Mary and Dave says:
Several months back, my boyfriend and I were visiting Nashville for the first time. We stopped by the Wildhorse Saloon, hoping to do a little line dancing. Instead, we ended up being in the audience at a taping of Can You Duet. Today, we are now huge fans of the show and of Steel Magnolia. We also enjoyed their competitors, The Stellas. Yesterday, we were fortunate again to see Steel Magnolia performing at a bar in Buffalo, NY. Steel Magnolia put on the best acoustic show!!! They have such great chemistry and sounded even better then we remembered. They are a real class act and we wish them all the success and happiness they deserve.
rhonda says:
i think if it wasnt for meagan he wouldnt be where he is she is an awesome singer and if not for her i wouldnt listen to any of his music… sorry but she is alot better than him…