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“American Idol" alum and Texas native Kelly Clarkson has let her country flag fly for years, thanks in part to an unlikely friendship with Reba McEntire that has included a joint “CMT Crossroads” performance, a duet at the Academy of Country Music Awards and 2008’s “2 Worlds, 2 Voices Tour.” In February, Clarkson’s duet with Jason Aldean, “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, paving the way for a full-on push into the market. In describing her long-awaited fifth album, now slated for release in September, Clarkson told Reuters, "There's a little bit of a country vibe/influence on a couple of songs."—Jeff Royer (Photo: Jemal Countess, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Pop Stars Head S...From rock legends to teen pop stars to 1980s icons, some of the world's most famous musicians are saddling up and joining the country music bandwagon. See which pop stars are putting some twang in their tunes.—Jeff Royer (Photos: Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Bon JoviAfter nearly 30 years in the business, Bon Jovi is entitled to get a little restless. So no one blinked when the band decided to stretch its legs on 2005’s “Have a Nice Day” with a country-twinged song titled “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” featuring vocals by Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles. Less expected was the band’s follow-up album, “Lost Highway,” which melded Bon Jovi’s sound with a very Nashville aesthetic. It would become the band’s third No. 1 album.—Jeff Royer (Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Darius RuckerDarius Rucker ruled mainstream radio in the mid-1990s as the frontman of Hootie & The Blowfish, packing stadiums on the strength of megahits like “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry” and “Only Wanna Be with You.” After releasing a poorly received solo R&B album in 2002, Rucker signed to Capitol Records Nashville and began his domination of country radio. In 2008, he became the first African American to top the Hot Country Songs charts in 25 years. He now owns six Top 10 country hits, including four No. 1 hits.—Jeff Royer (Photo: Roger Kisby, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Sheryl CrowWhile she hasn’t released a true country album, Sheryl Crow has flirted with a Southern sound throughout her career. Her first direct foray into the country world was in 2002 via her crossover duet with Kid Rock, “Picture.” She has since collaborated with country luminaries such as Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill and Keith Urban. Her 2010 rendition of Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” with Lynn and Miranda Lambert is nominated for a 2011 Academy of Country Music Award.—Jeff Royer (Photo: Larry Busacca, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
JewelLike Rucker, Jewel also dominated mid-1990s radio with a string of hits including "You Were Meant For Me" and "Who Will Save Your Soul." And, like Rucker, she followed that golden period with a misstep – in her case, a dance-pop album. In 2008, however, Jewel rebooted her career as a country artist. She has since released two Top 5 country albums and served as a judge on country’s version of “American Idol,” “Nashville Star.” In 2008, she sealed her authenticity by marrying a real cowboy, Ty Murray.—Jeff Royer (Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Justin BieberTo the delight of some and the complete shock and dismay of others, the king of teen pop, Justin Bieber, decided to add country to the list of genres he could dominate. When it came time to record his “Never Say Never” remix album, Bieber updated fan fave “That Should Be Me” with a little help from Grammy-winning country trio Rascal Flatts. The result is a polished, Nashville-ready country tune that could win the Biebs a brand-new fan base.—Jeff Royer (Photo: Johannes Simon, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Tiffany1980s pop princess Tiffany has had all kinds of adventures since her cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now” hit No.1 in 1987, including a much-publicized photo shoot for Playboy, a stint on "Celebrity Fit Club," the accidental outing of New Kid Jonathan Knight, and a starring role in one of the greatest movies ever made, "Mega Python Vs. Gatoroid." Now she’s returning to form with a new album of country music, "Rose Tattoo," which she described to OK Magazine as "Bonnie Raitt with a Stevie Ray Vaughan vibe."—Jeff Royer (Photo: Theo Wargo, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Aaron LewisStaind frontman Aaron Lewis took a breather from his alternative metal band to release an EP of country songs. What seemed to be an ill-advised move for the Mass. native looked like a stroke of marketing genius when “Town Line” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country chart, due in part to lead single “Country Boy,” which features guest spots from country legends George Jones and Charlie Daniels.—Jeff Royer (Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Jessica SimpsonBeing a native Texas and co-starring in the “Dukes of Hazzard” movie didn’t do much to endear Jessica Simpson to country music fans. The pop singer, reality show star and actress made a bold move into country in 2008, releasing an album of glossy country pop titled “Do You Know.” After a strong start – the album debuted at No. 1 and the lead single peaked at No. 18 – Simpson quickly fell out of favor. The record stalled, selling less than 200,000 copies. She parted ways with her label shortly thereafter.—Jeff Royer (Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Josh KelleyThe man also known as Mr. Katherine Heigl made his name as part of the early 2000s wave of singer-songwriters that included John Mayer, Jason Mraz and Gavin DeGraw. His song “Amazing” elevated him to pop dreamboat status. But in 2010, Kelley made an about-face and signed a new deal with MCA Nashville. His debut album for the label, “Georgia Clay,” was released on March 22. As it turns out, Kelley isn’t the only member of his family with country in his blood. His brother, Charles, is one-third of Lady Antebellum.—Jeff Royer (Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Kelly Clarkson“American Idol" alum and Texas native Kelly Clarkson has let her country flag fly for years, thanks in part to an unlikely friendship with Reba McEntire that has included a joint “CMT Crossroads” performance, a duet at the Academy of Country Music Awards and 2008’s “2 Worlds, 2 Voices Tour.” In February, Clarkson’s duet with Jason Aldean, “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, paving the way for a full-on push into the market. In describing her long-awaited fifth album, now slated for release in September, Clarkson told Reuters, "There's a little bit of a country vibe/influence on a couple of songs."—Jeff Royer (Photo: Jemal Countess, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Lady GagaLady Gaga's hit single 'Born This Way' has topped the pop charts for six weeks straight -- so why shouldn't it dominate the country charts, too? Unsatisfied with anything short of global domination, Gaga released 'Born This Way (The Country Road Version)' via her Twitter account.—Jeff Royer (Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
