Did You Know These Country Artists Were Rejected by ‘American Idol?’

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Carrie Underwood and Scotty McCreery claimed 'American Idol' glory, but the same can't be said for this group of country artists.

Sometimes the highly subjective world of reality singing competitions gets things really wrong and end up dismissing some really solid talent. Believe it or not American Idol temporarily dashed the dreams of some current country music standouts.

The list of “rejects” includes Lady Antebellum‘s Hillary Scott, recent Grammy award-winner Maren Morris (who was also turned down by The Voice), “What Ifs” crooner Kane Brown (cut from Idol, quit The X-Factor), “Better Than You Left Me” Mickey Guyton, and Colton Swon of country duo The Swon Brothers, who later made waves on The Voice.

Crazily enough, Hillary Scott auditioned for American Idol twice and didn’t get past the first round, “I never got to see [the judges]. I literally performed for the production assistants and the interns, and I just didn’t make it,” she later told Entertainment Tonight.

Ironically, Maren Morris’ smash hit “My Church” has become a popular song for hopeful singing competition contestants to cover. Though she never made it far on the reality TV circuit, Morris is fine with the outcome, “I think about all of the freaking talent shows I’ve tried out for in my life and I’m so glad I didn’t make any of them,” she disclosed to Rolling Stone Country. “It’s full circle, because I was rejected from The Voice. I was rejected from American Idol — and I’m happier for it now.”

Beyond the country music genre, American Idol also showed some other future big names the door, including Tori Kelly, Colbie Caillat, Naya Rivera, Mary Lambert, Amber Riley, Alex & Sierra, and Alan Ritchson.

This stunning list just goes to show that perseverance in the face of adversity can pay off BIG time. Enjoy Maren Morris performing her new single “I Could Use a Love Song” on live The Voice below!

American Idol is gearing up for a reboot and is expected to air its 16th season on ABC in March 2018. Presently, Carrie Underwood’s name has come up as a possible judge along with fellow alums Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Adam Lambert, and Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino.

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