Here’s a fun fact you may or may not know. Country singer Maren Morris auditioned for American Idol years ago and did not make it past the cattle call. Of course, the music world is littered with talented singers and songwriters who were passed over by TPTB, including Hillary Scott, Colbie Caillat, and Amber Riley.
But what makes Maren’s rejection particularly ironic? Her first major hit, “My Church” has become a staple of singing competitions everywhere.
In a recent interview on the Netflix Chelsea Handler talk show, Maren talked about the experience, and how things turned out exactly as they should have.
From Rolling Stone:
Years before releasing her major-label debut, a young Morris auditioned for American Idol – but didn’t make the cut.
“I tried out,” admits the Best New Artist Grammy nominee, who didn’t even receive a callback. “I think I was 17. I did the cattle call audition, and it’s not for the judges – it’s for the producers. I didn’t even get past that round. I did the walk of shame out of the stadium and never made it any further.”Morris sees the irony in reality-show contestants now singing her songs, like “My Church.”
“I’m actually really happy I didn’t make it onto any of the shows I tried out for,” she adds, “because I took a much longer road, but it’s on my terms now.” After Handler points out that contestants on prime-time singing competitions are now performing Morris’ songs on air, she just smiles, adding, “That’s the full circle irony.”
Enjoy a few “My Church” covers right here:
The Voice Season 11 – Sundance Head
Eventual winner Sundance Head sang “My Church” at Top 12
https://youtu.be/x23tovFATDc
America’s Got Talent 2016 – Kadie Lynn
This past summer, young Kadie Lynn made it as far as the semi-finals, but she auditioned with “My Church.”
https://youtu.be/o6YzMEu5UFA
American Idol 15 – Jenna Renae
Jenna Rennae’s Top 24 performance in the very last season of Idol was a spirited version of “My Church.”
https://youtu.be/vfSFXeKhQ8k
The Voice 9 – Mary Sarah
Last fall, Team Blake Shelton’s Mary Sarah eventually placed second on the show. She performed “My Church” in the critical semi-final Top 9 episode to win one of four spots in the following week’s final.
https://youtu.be/GeL_55wx6eM
Here’s Maren Morris singing “My Church” on November’s CMA Awards
