A successful career in the music industry doesn’t come easy! These country artists who were first rejected from shows like American Idol, The Voice, and The X Factor are living proof!
Rejected from American Idol & The Voice: Maren Morris
It’s hard to imagine either show not giving country music star Maren Morris a chance with her soulful voice. Since being denied a reality television boost, Maren has been unstoppable and has earned a serious amount of accolades— (Grammy Award) Best Country Solo Performance, (CMA Award) New Artist of the Year, (Radio Disney Music Award) Country Best New Artist, (Academy of Country Music Award) New Female Vocalist of the Year. Morris didn’t let this setback stop her from reaching stardom!
Rejected from American Idol: Kane Brown
According to an interview with Billboard, Brown was dumped by American Idol because “they didn’t need another Scotty McCreery.” Ouch. He then auditioned for The X Factor and made it, but they tried putting him in a boy band and Kane wasn’t having it. He later showed those judges they weren’t needed for his success!
Rejected from American Idol: Hillary Scott
Before becoming linking up with Lady Antebellum, Hillary went through rejection as well. “I actually tried out for American Idol twice and didn’t get past the first round, if that gives anyone hope,” Scott told Entertainment Weekly. She is now a seven-time GRAMMY Award winner.
Rejected from American Idol: Colton Swon
Auditioning in Season 7 and reaching the Top 48, Colton’s run was ended right before the live shows started to air. Just six years later, the soon-to-be country star made it to the season finale of The Voice with his brother, Zach, as The Swon Brothers. He has since opened for Carrie Underwood and became close with his former coach Blake Shelton!
Rejected from American Idol: Chris Lane
Another Season 7 reject, Chris and twin brother Cory auditioned as a rap duo which was later aired as one of the ‘bad’ auditions. Needless to say, the twins didn’t move on in the ‘Idol’ process. Check out their embarrassing audition that Lane can now look back on and laugh about!
Be sure to share these country artist’s rejection stories with other fans!
