Fans noticed that Universal Music Group Nashville no longer listed Lauren Alaina on their website. Indeed, the last press release the label sent out regarding the American Idol season 10 runner-up was mid-February when the Opry inducted the singer into their hallowed organization.
Now, Country Now confirms what fans have suspected–that Lauren is no longer signed to Mercury Nashville, which is an imprint of Universal Music Group Nashville.
The country singer initially signed with the label in June 2011 a month after the Idol finale. Four months later she released her debut album, Wildflower, which features the lead single “Like My Mother Does.” It debuted at No. 5 on the US Billboard 200 chart, making Lauren the youngest female artist at the time to debut that high on the chart since LeAnn Rimes’ 1996 debut album, Blue.
A long stretch of time passed before Lauren released more music including two EPs, Getting Good (2020), Getting Over Him (2020), as well as two additional full-length albums, Road Less Traveled (2017), Sitting Pretty on Top of the World (2021).
The last of the FOX era Idol alums to retain their record deals
She earned 3 N0 1 hits, mostly with the help of duet partners, including “Road Less Traveled,” her 6x Platinum duet with Kane Brown “What Ifs,” and “One Beer” with HARDY and Devin Dawson. However, singles from Sitting Pretty didn’t gain traction on the country charts.
Lauren was the last of the FOX era American Idol alums to still have their original label deal. The singer signed a joint deal with 19 Recording, with UMG serving as a distributor. Would 19 hold on to Lauren and perhaps get her signed to BBR alongside 2021 winner Chayce Beckham?
Lauren is busy with several projects
It’s not as if Lauren’s career is flagging. In 2021, Lauren released an inspirational book, Getting Good At Being You. She’s currently on a solo headlining tour, sponsored by clothing outlet Maurice’s. Plus, she’s a cast member on the reality series Beyond the Edge airing on CBS right now. She competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2019. And American Idol is keeping her busy. She mentored contestants during the current season’s Hollywood Week Genre Challenge. And she’ll return to Idol to perform as part of a 20th Anniversary celebration.
Plus, her mentor and friend Trisha Yearwood recently helped induct the singer into the Grand Ole Opry. It’s hard to imagine Lauren won’t land at another record label in the near future.
Lauren posts a statement to social media
Lauren thanks the staff at UMG Nashville in a message on social media. “They have been my label home since they day I walked off the American Idol stage as a really young, wide-eyed, eager 16 year old kid.” She intimates that she decided to leave the label, “I have made the tough decision to spread my wings and close a very important chapter of my life,” she writes. “There are more exciting things happening in my career right now than ever before, and I just can’t wait to see where it all leads.” She ends the post, “Much to share soon.”
— Lauren Alaina (@Lauren_Alaina) April 4, 2022
