Country Charms of the Stars!
From Hollywood to the heartland, these surprising stars have taken a country detour! Brace yourself for a star-studded journey as Halsey, Sandra Bullock, Nelly, and many more showcase their hidden country talents
Hayden Panettiere, Kelly Clarkson, Nicole Kidman, and numerous other celebrities have embraced new experiences by trading their comfort zones for cowboy boots, immersing themselves in the country music scene.
During her stint on Nashville from October 2012 to July 2018, Panettiere fearlessly embodied the role of Juliette Barnes, a budding country music sensation, and contributed to the show's soundtrack with over 40 captivating songs.
Clarkson has ventured into the country realm in addition to her other endeavors, collaborating with Jason Aldean on the song "Don't You Wanna Stay" in 2010. The artist, who hails from Texas, holds steadfast opinions about the evolution of the genre.
Expressing her sentiment during a YouTube Q&A session in 2019, she proclaimed, "Gone are the days when country music carries its distinctive sound... It's like country music no longer exists. I struggle to identify the individuals responsible for its creation, as it now seems to be a fusion of peculiar word rap."
Clarkson's criticisms of the genre were based on her personal preferences rather than her professional stance. She clarified that she is not involved in the country music industry and is not seeking airplay on country radio. Clarkson suggested that musicians should listen to '80s and '90s records to rediscover the authentic sound of country music, as it differs from what is currently being played on the radio. Her dissatisfaction with this situation is evident. Now, let's take a glimpse at how some prominent figures in Hollywood have embraced their roots in country music.
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Stars Gone Country!
Celebrities like Hayden Panettiere, Kelly Clarkson, Nicole Kidman, and many others have ventured beyond their usual domains and embraced the essence of country music by slipping into stylish cowboy boots.
Panettiere's portrayal as rising country star Juliette Barnes on the television show "Nashville" from October 2012 to July 2018 included recording over 40 songs for the soundtrack.
In addition to her acting career, Panettiere has also collaborated with Jason Aldean on the country song "Don't You Wanna Stay" in 2010, showcasing her venture into the country music genre. The Texas native holds strong opinions regarding the evolution of this genre.
During a 2019 YouTube Q&A, she expressed her belief that country music has undergone a significant change and is no longer true to its roots. She further added that she is unsure of who is currently producing country music, as it now resembles a peculiar blend of word rap. Clarkson clarified that her grievances were personal and not related to her professional involvement in the country music industry or her desire to be featured on country radio. She suggested that musicians should revisit music from the '80s and '90s to rediscover the essence of country music that they truly appreciate, as the current radio play does not align with their vision. Clarkson's frustration regarding the issue was evident in her statement.
Keep scrolling for a look at how some of the biggest names in Hollywood have embraced country roots:
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Kristin Cavallari
The ex-reality TV personality established roots in Nashville with her kids — Jaxon, Camden, and Saylor — before parting ways with Jay Cutler in April 2020. In 2017, she launched her Uncommon James store in the musical city.
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Nicole Kidman
Kidman has previously shared about her life in Nashville with her country singer husband, Keith Urban, and their daughters. She mentioned that while some people enjoy a more glamorous lifestyle, they prefer a quieter and more private life. Urban occasionally convinces Kidman to sing with him and they even released a home video of them singing his song "The Fighter" in a car in 2016. In 2018, at a small show, Urban got the Oscar winner on stage to harmonize with him on his track "Parallel Lines."
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Jewel
The pop singer went country for her seventh studio album in 2008, releasing Perfectly Clear, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country charts.
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Jessica Simpson
Despite her 2008 album, Do You Know, reaching the top spot on the Billboard country charts, the singer faced boos at her initial country concert. "I have to clarify that I am truly a country girl. I was raised in Texas, and country music has always been my preferred genre," she expressed to the audience.
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Matthew McConaughey
In 2009 at the Academy of Country Music Awards, McConaughey shared an amusing anecdote about how George Strait's boots brought him good fortune. In response, Carrie Underwood playfully expressed her desire for those boots. Surprisingly, at the following year's show in 2010, McConaughey fulfilled the joke and presented her with a pair of the coveted boots.
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Gwyneth Paltrow
Gobsmacked by the resounding acclaim for "Country Strong," the melodious song infused with country vibes from the eponymous film of 2010, the actress was in utter disbelief. Paltrow, who collaborated with music veteran Vince Gill on the captivating track, expressed her profound gratitude.
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Leighton Meester
In order to prepare for her role in the 2010 film Country Strong, the former Gossip Girl actress sought advice from some of the most influential figures in the industry. "I visited the renowned Grand Ole Opry and had the opportunity to observe Carrie Underwood. I also frequented a few honky-tonks," the celebrity revealed to Extra. "...I found great motivation in the talents of Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift."
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Sandra Bullock
In 2010, during a star-studded benefit event, Bullock found herself motivated to assist the victims affected by severe flooding in Nashville. To make a memorable impact and embrace the spirit of Nashville, the actress decided to unleash her musical talents by strumming an acoustic guitar and serenading the audience.
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Hayden Panettiere
Panettiere rose to prominence in 2006 when she landed the role of cheerleader Claire Bennet on the popular NBC series Heroes. Several years later, she joined the cast of Nashville, alongside Britton, where she portrayed the talented country singer Juliette Barnes. Panettiere's exceptional performance in this role earned her two Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Drama Series. Nashville, which aired from 2012 to 2018, became a long-running hit series.
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Kelly Clarkson
While Clarkson gained fame as the inaugural American Idol victor, her musical talent extends beyond pop. Hailing from Texas, she has collaborated with acclaimed country artists like Aldean, Gill, and Blake Shelton. In March 2015, she shared her plans to embark on a country music project of her own.
Although the album has yet to be released, the host of The Kelly Clarkson Show has delighted her audience with numerous country covers during the show's daily Kellyoke segment. She has passionately performed popular songs by iconic artists such as Shania Twain, Kacey Musgraves, Brooks & Dunn, and Patsy Cline on her widely watched daytime program.
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Katharine McPhee
Netflix's Country Comfort welcomed the season 5 American Idol runner-up in March 2021. Described as a heartwarming and homey family comedy, the "kooky" sitcom provided her with a new opportunity. In an interview with Collider, she expressed her excitement about exploring the world of country music through this project.
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Post Malone
Post Malone, the renowned "Sunflower" singer, delivered a heartfelt rendition of Brad Paisley's classic "I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song)" in March 2021 as part of the We're Texas fundraiser. With his deep connection to Texas, being raised in Grapevine and born in Syracuse, New York, Malone used this opportunity to contribute to the cause and provide aid for the victims affected by the state's devastating ice storms earlier that year.
During the virtual show, Malone, also known for his hit single "Rockstar," expressed his gratitude and excitement to be a part of the event. He specifically thanked Matt and everyone involved, emphasizing his intention to perform some of his cherished country-infused tunes and create an enjoyable experience for all. Malone concluded the show with a captivating rendition of Sturgill Simpson's "You Can Have the Crown," leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
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Nelly
Texan artist "Hot in Here" has released an incredible new album in 2021 called Heartland. This outstanding record showcases a remarkable collaboration with a variety of talented country artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, George Birge, Jimmie Allen, and Kane Brown.
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Halsey
In 2020, for CMT's Crossroads, the "Hold Me Down" singer partnered with their good friend and country queen Kelsea Ballerini. This special collaboration enabled the duo to transform their popular songs into delightful duets, as Halsey added her unique touch to tunes like "Peter Pan," "Homecoming Queen?," and "Miss Me More," infusing them with a twang.
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Sheryl Crow
While growing up in Missouri, this talented artist always incorporated some elements of southern influence in her music. She captivated audiences with her chart-topping pop-rock hits like "All I Wanna Do" and "Soak Up the Sun." In addition, her collaboration with Kid Rock on the 2003 duet "Picture" became an immense country sensation. However, it wasn't until 2013 that she ventured into the realm of solo country music, gracing fans with her first solo country single, "Easy."
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Miley Cyrus
Cyrus possesses a unique fusion of different music styles, presenting the best of both worlds. Among the genres she skillfully blends, country holds a special place in her heart. Demonstrating her reverence for godmother Dolly Parton, Cyrus has graciously covered Parton's beloved masterpiece, "Jolene," on numerous occasions. Notably, she once performed this captivating rendition alongside her sister Noah Cyrus during Miley's New Year's Eve Party, commemorating the arrival of the year 2022.
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Taylor Swift
Commencing her career in country music, the musician soared to fame with the release of her 2006 self-titled album featuring hit singles "Teardrops on My Guitar" and "Tim McGraw." While embracing a transition to pop with the 1989 album in 2014, the singer-songwriter, hailing from Pennsylvania, remains deeply connected to her musical roots. In a demonstration of her versatility, she penned the acclaimed track "Better Man" for Little Big Town in 2017 and has since delved back into the genre by creating select songs.
The rerelease of her album, Red (Taylor's Version), featured an exclusive track titled "I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor's Version)" with guest vocals from Chris Stapleton. The music video for the song, directed by Blake Lively, received a nomination for an Academy of Country Music Award in 2021.
