Pop stars turned country

Things to Do

Normally known for her power-pop songs, "American Idol" alum Kelly Clarkson just scored her second country hit with "Don't You Wanna Stay," a duet with Jason Aldean. Other pop artists have strayed into honky-tonk with decidedly mixed results.

Rap metal singer Kid Rock--he of the Great Waffle House Scuffle of 2007-- and folk-pop stalwart Sheryl Crow scored a crossover country hit with their duet "Picture."

Jewel scored big hits with her folk-pop songs, including "You Were Meant For Me" and "Who Will Save Your Soul," but after a misguided attempt at dance pop, she turned her sites on country, releasing two country albums, serving as a judge on "Nashville Star" and even marrying cowboy Ty Murray.

Atlanta native Jaron Lowenstein--who now just goes by Jaron--scored a pop hit a decade ago with "Crazy For This Girl," recorded with tiwn brother Evan. These days, he's retooled himself as a country singer with his band Jaron and the Long Road to Love.

He's best known for being the lead singer for 90s pop juggernaut Hootie and the Blowfish, but Darius Rucker has made quite a name for himself recently on the country scene--he's had four No. 1 hits, and his first single, "Don't Think I Don't Think About It", made him the first African American to chart a number one on the Hot Country Songs charts since 1983.

There was a rumor that Jessica Simpson had had several meeting with the "American Idol" folks. From what she' has shown on reality television, she might be better suited to replace Paula than anyone else.

When a band has been around for 20-plus years, it's understandable they'd get a little bored with the norm. Maybe that's the explanation for Bon Jovi's stab at country. The band recorded "Who Says You Can't Go Home?" with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles (an Atlanta native), which debuted at No. 1, and released "Lost Highway," a country-flavored album.

1/7

Normally known for her power-pop songs, "American Idol" alum Kelly Clarkson just scored her second country hit with "Don't You Wanna Stay," a duet with Jason Aldean. Other pop artists have strayed into honky-tonk with decidedly mixed results.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Georgia students organize protests against ICE after Minnesota killings

PHOTOS: Snellville's Brookwood High School students rally and march against ICE

PHOTOS: Scenes from icy winter storm in Metro Atlanta

As storm inches closer to Georgia, metro Atlanta braces for ice threat

PHOTOS: Georgia readies for incoming ice storm

PHOTOS: Metro Atlanta ICE protest join national effort

More Galleries

PHOTOS: The Weeknd electrifies the crowd at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz stadium

PHOTOS: Beyonce fans saddle up for 4-day Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

PHOTOS: Beyoncé fans arrive for 4-night Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

College Park Juneteenth Parade standalone photo

PHOTOS: Juneteenth Parade held in College Park

Alerts