In 2011, Lauren Alaina finished as the runner-up on the tenth season of ‘American Idol.’ In the season finale, country star Carrie Underwood accompanied Lauren Alaina on stage to perform an epic rendition of “Before He Cheats.” Fellow country music contestant Scotty McCreery was ultimately crowned champion.
“I have my career because of Idol,” Alaina recently shared with the press during a conference. “I mean, I would have moved to Nashville after high school anyway, but it happened a little sooner than I expected it to.”
Although Lauren is forever grateful for the opportunities ‘American Idol’ granted her, there are aspects of being a former contestant that were a slight burden. “I had to work really hard at country radio to overcome the stigma that comes with being an ‘American Ido’l contestant,” Lauren revealed. “People know you. They perceive it as instantaneous success, although it’s not really exactly success, and they think you’ve taken the easy way.”
Even though ‘American Idol’ may not be a cake walk to stardom, there are definitely upsides to competing on the show. Now that ‘American Idol’ has returned to television after a two year hiatus, the former contestant says she is “excited for new contestants.”
“There are people out there who want to sing country music but don’t know that you have to move to Nashville, start playing in town and pay your dues. Not everyone knows that; there are towns all over the country where nobody knows that,” Alaina continued. “So I’m excited for the people who are talented and have a dream and don’t know any other way to make it.”
This rebboted season features country phenom Luke Bryan as a new judge. Of course, this seems fitting because Luke was the first artist to take Lauren Alaina on tour with him.
“I love Luke! He’s like a big brother to me,” Lauren explained. “I think he’ll do really well [as a judge.] He’s kind, he’s honest and he’s well, he’s Luke Bryan. Those are three really good things he has going for him.”
‘American Idol’ launched on ABC on March 11th. Be sure to tune in!
Also, let’s take a moment to relive Lauren’s incredible ‘American Idol’ audition below…
Be sure to share this with other Lauren Alaina fans!
