With a handful of female country superstars dominating the forefront of the genre, it can be hard for any up and coming talent to break the industry.
That said, as country music enters the mainstream more and more, we are seeing more country singers appearing on TV talent shows, such as American Idol and X Factor USA. Whilst someone have questioned these shows as legitimate routes into carving a music career, they should be viewed as platforms to showcase talent that otherwise would be ignored. Country's leading female vocalist, Carrie Underwood, was herself a winner of American Idol.
Another talent that American Idol has produced, Lauren Alaina is a new country superstar taking the industry by storm. I was fortunate enough to see her live on a trip to Nashville earlier this year, the home of country music, and was taken by surprise by how polished and mature the 19-year-olds performance was. She sang her way through a short set of sure to be hit songs including first single "Like My Mother Does", the perfect, emotional country song.
At just 19, Lauren Alaina has clearly got the talent to spend many more years making music and I'm sure she will be a credit to the country genre. Her live performance was truly exceptional for someone so young and so new to the industry and was a testament to just how far she will go.
OMG!!! What a show! Ashley McBryde tore up the Ryman Saturday night!
I still wonder why she is not being played on main stream country music radio stations! The general public needs to know about her! What a TALENT!
Ashley was extremely personable during the performance, really drew everyone in with her dialogue.
The music was absolutely fantastic! Enjoyed hearing alot of her new music, as well as some of the old favorites.
Very professional and talented band! Ashley totally rocked the Ryman! Definitely a performance you did not want to miss!
Look forward to hearing more and more from her!
Ashley knows how to ROCK Country Music!!