The success of an artist’s first song post American Idol is the major determiner between whether an artist will remain in the limelight like former Idol champion Kelly Clarkson, or fade away like so many others do.
“Jesus, Take the Wheel” was Carrie Underwood’s first hit after being crowned the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. The song spent six consecutive weeks at No.1 on Billboard Hot Country Songs and won the country newcomer two Grammys including “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” and “Best Country Song.”
The song’s massive success proved to the world that she definitely was here to stay. However, the country superstar’s career may have gone a bit differently if fellow country singer Hillary Scott had said yes when she was originally offered the song.
In an interview with Taste of Country, the Lady Antebellum singer revealed that she was originally offered the song while it was still in demo form but went with a different record deal, saying goodbye to the song forever.
“She was a country artist on American Idol, which was amazing, and that song really spoke to her,” shares Scott. “She goes on to take it and it’s a huge hit and the message of the song is so beautiful.”
Regardless of turning down the major hit song, the co-lead singer of Lady Antebellum still went on to have her own very successful music career with smash hits such as “Need You Now,” “I Run to You,” and their latest chart topper “Bartender.”
Watch Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” in the video below!
