Mishavonna Shares Her "California Country" Sound
Mishavonna Henson, a bubbly, free-spirited 19-year-old, has already been on American Idol twice and is looking for her next big break. From Southern California, she has a self-proclaimed "California country" musical style that's influenced by singers such as Bonnie Raitt and LeAnn Rimes. During an interview last month in Nashville, she said that her artistic inspiration comes from listening to all kinds of music, including alternative and indie music, which is a little surprising for a country singer, but allows for a creative variety among her songs.
Asked her about her experience on American Idol, she excitedly talked about making it to the Top 36 in season 8 and how calm she was the second time around because she felt like a seasoned pro: "The first time I went in front of the judges I was freaking out. And then the second time I went in front of the judges they knew who I was, so I was kind of like, ‘I can do this.'"
Although she's not planning on returning to American Idol any time soon, Mishavonna performed at a few honky-tonk hotspots around Nashville during Country Radio Seminar last month. With confident stage presence, smooth vocals and adept guitar playing skills, she's determined to make a name for herself. Her future plans include traveling to Ireland with Crystal Gayle for a 10-day tour to get a taste of life on the road, then releasing a full-length country album later this year. And while Mishavonna is not the typical country music singer, she puts her own twist on country music and just might be the "spice" to Taylor Swift's "sweet."
Photo credit: Kelley Cook
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julia mercer says:
I can’t wait to get that full-length country album!
I can’t wait until the rest of the world get a chance to hear her own style of country music!
tracy jones says:
mishavonna i cant wait to get your cd too what a voice you have and so talented as a singer too way to go
R. Ellis says:
I love this girl’s voice, I’ve bought all of her songs off of itunes. I think she is the next big thing!!! She just has her own style and her own brand. Go Miss Henson!!!
catrina wolfe says:
you are a wonderfule singer and congradulations on all your sucses
Joseph Mueller says:
Mishavonna is awesome! Our true American Idol and I definitely would agree that she is the next big thing. Incredible voice, absolutely gorgeous, great songs, she’s the total package. She’s already a star and it’s only going to get better for her. Love Mishavonna!
Giovani Heck Belmonte says:
Not much to talk about Mishavonna. She’s All That is success for sure. primarily because she is humble and very kind. she knows what qué, understand what it says and knows that with a lot of willpower, determination and faith in God, she will conquer the world. just do not give up. And I’m sure she will not give up. And be able to meet all your goals. :]
Cow Boy Bill says:
Mishavonna is the Hottest New Star I have heard in recent weeks !She does Country So well !Every one listen to her new Album and visit her on My Space.com,Twitter,Face Book,Reverb Nation soon !Cow Boy Bill =)
Scott Anderson says:
Mishavonna is so beautiful and talented! I love her songs! Can’t wait to hear her cd. I love her!
Stuhlmuller Wilhelm says:
She is one of the most talented artists i’ve ever seen befor
Benjamin Davenport says:
Her music sounds awesome I’ve just started listening to it and I already like it.
jesse hinerman says:
just heard your songs, you are a great singer , you are like soo great , you deserve to be up there along with shania and faith hill and taylor swift, keep up the good work
nallely says:
hEy iTs So cOol u weNt tO AMERICAN IDOEL!!!!! :) Ϋ ΐ Ϊ ϋ ☆ ΰ
L. Riley says:
Can’t wait for this CD, something so different, new and fresh. Her sound is awesome!!
erica young says:
Your super pretty!
Bryan ;) says:
i love her songs.. she has an amazing talent that the world should know about i cant wait for her cd, shes the most prettiest girl ive seen, good luck Mishavonna!! =)
David B. says:
Mishavonna is amazing she a very good singer and very very talented! Mishavonna I hope you go to the highest of tops in your career God Bless you, you are wonderful! :)
Audrey says:
What an amazing voice this girl has been blessed with! i enjoyed watching her on American Idol! Can’t wait to hear her album! =)
Michael Ryan Fox says:
wow! This is really amazing music. I LOVE this style. It has a rock edge with a country chill to it.
Can’t wait for the album =)
april rose says:
go girl!! you can surely be the next country music superstar..
kevin nunez says:
want to wish you best of luck and you will prevail and succeed all it takes is practice and faith..xoxo
Matina says:
Love the muisc hun I wished you could have been in the final 3 or 2 but your music is great! you have a good sound and keep on going with the good work you’ll be great :)
-Matina.♥
Arvin says:
Love ur songs … wish u luck for the future..:)
Tiffany Newnham says:
i love your music(:
i wish you luck in all of your journeys
and i will be listening to you all the way through(:
Jake says:
I saw your video of you on Americam Idol. I thought you sang really good.
Stephanie Martin says:
You’re a QT and you have a pretty voice. Thanks again for the myspace add and good luck with your career. :) Steph
Willie says:
wow that was amazing in that video she
very talent i wish you pass in dream
stay in there i wish you luck
god bless
jak miester says:
you havesome pretty good songs
Ally says:
I am sure she’ll be te star! actually she is already a star!
Ally says:
I can’t wait to see her winning different awards!
Mikeal says:
The music was greate and it will become greater.
Mohseen says:
yor voice is best
you rocks
Andrew says:
Hola!!! Im Andrew from the Philippines!!! i love ur song!!1 u rock!!
kh1322 says:
You have a really great sound. Thanks for adding me on myspace so i was able to discover your music. Good luck with everything i think you have an extremly bright future.
Cristine says:
Hi! Mish, for me! You’re such a heartfelt and caring person to me “that’s what I viewed you! Every time I hear your song. And that’s what amazing about it! It’s the honest truth. Love everything about your song it just showed how strong willed and hard working person you are, on top of it all! You definitely carry a unique tune of voice that differ from the other country musician, and that’s what makes you unique and a whole new different category for a country musician, so for me BE PROUD OF IT!!! for no one sings like you. Blessed U and never gave up until you reach your dream for you deserve it. Love lots and wish you good luck…
Fallyn Fisher says:
WOW GREAT voice i can’t believe once i heard that voice i was o surpised! Come give her a record deal she deserves it!
Fallyn Fisher says:
opps she’s already famous sorry for the mistake
arLene says:
i enjoyed my summer .. hehex.!
hMm.,.,ur always welcome .. :)
Daniel Martinez says:
Mishavonna i loved your songs, you are very lucky. I am sure you have a bright future. blessings. Hugs!