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Lady Antebellum's Hillary Rejected by 'American Idol'!

Hillary ScottBefore they flew into Las Vegas last week to rehearse for the ACM Awards, Lady Antebellum made a stop in Los Angeles to tape a performance of their crossover smash, 'Need You Now,' on 'American Idol'. In between rehearsals at the MGM Grand in Vegas, the band dished on what it felt like to perform on that famous 'Idol' stage -- which actually looked a lot smaller to them in person than it does on TV. However, the audience's larger-than-life enthusiasm made a huge impression on the country trio.

"When we were rehearsing and just the band was playing, we'd look out into the audience," Lady A's Hillary Scott tells Entertainment Weekly. "Without our voices, they were just singing along like they knew it. The (swaybots) are funny! They're all clapping to 'Need You Now' like it's a party song!"

And how's this for a bit of irony -- Hillary once aspired to play that small but famous 'Idol' stage. But apparently ... she wasn't good enough?

"I actually tried out for 'American Idol' twice and didn't get past the first round, if that gives anyone hope," she reveals.

Although they admit they haven't been able to keep up with this season's 'American Idol' while juggling a busy tour schedule, Lady A did find one contestant who particularly impressed them.

"There's a girl named Katie that I thought was really good," Lady A's Dave Haywood recalls, but sadly Katie Stevens was voted off the show. "When I watched, I couldn't stop watching her sing. I thought she had a great delivery, and I thought she was incredible. I'm sad to see her go!"

"Keep going, Katie! Don't give up!" Hillary cheers.

During an interview with Sirius XM Radio, Lady A singer Charles Kelley reflects on how tough it really is to break into the business -- even if you're already lucky enough to have your foot in the door.

"Talent is talent ... It's so hard to get a break. And I think ('American Idol') is honestly one of the greatest things. It's all about being in the right place at the right time.

"Even when we started, we had our foot in the door. My brother is Josh Kelley, and Hillary's mom is Linda Davis, who sang a duet ('Does He Love You') with Reba McEntire. So we already had a foot in the door -- like, 'Hey everybody, come check us out!' So we realize how hard it is to get discovered ... just to be heard!"

Lady Antebellum's 'American Idol' performance will air next week.

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lornadoone198

About a year ago I would talk about Lady A and people would not even know what I was talking about. Now I mention them and everyone knows them. The same thing happened with Taylor Swift. Now if that happens with Josh Thomson, I think I will scream.

BTW.............I'm only 16 and in High School and I have no idea about the music that everyone else listens to, and I live in the city. I only like country, and people think I'm crazy because of that.

April 26 2010 at 9:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dspccowb

I like Lady Antebellum. You realize the name means "Lady before war." I take it as some sort of homage to the ideal plantation or something. Be that as it may. They rock like Rascal Flats is supposed to but doesn't. Lady A takes off. They rock.
I only saw mere seconds of a performance by them and I got it totally. I can get behind these people no problem. This band has all kinds of passion. I can see why they have a tough time making it in the biz. They're real mutants in a good way. They write what they're passionate about. Not what A&R men and women tell them to.
Wascal Flat is some mediocre, middle age hacks playing to the lowest common denominator. They're name is Risque, but their music is beyond safe.
Lady A plays what turns them on. This scares company people. The Grateful Dead was feared by the office people at the label, because they didn't look or act like "norma people." Because they weren't . It's OK to be mutated by your art.

April 22 2010 at 4:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
CG

I was lucky enough to see Lady A for free at my local County Fair just a couple years back-glad to see they made the big time:) Good Group!

April 20 2010 at 12:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rjsikors

Randy and cara are the only professional musicians and songwriters
on the judging show. Ellen is funny and nice, but simon is the
superior aristocratic type who thinks he knows music, but in
my mind, I dont think he has a clue. However, the entertainment
factor supplied by simon is very good, and the kids singing their hearts
out each week are great

April 20 2010 at 11:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John

Yes, Carrie and Kelly have made it and they are exceptions!! Exceptions!!! How many "Idols" have there been and where are they now besides those 2? Clay, well he's drifted off into his own space but face it, the people the judges pick are those they like and it isn't just based on talent. Carrie Underwood and Kelly would have made it without that show!!! Idol is all about who the judges like, and then they try to make them into something they aren't.

April 20 2010 at 10:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wdosolaris

Idol never has been about the best talent. You can't tell me Cowell has any real ear for great talent. I never got Idol and stopped watching years ago.

April 20 2010 at 10:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dlbelltex

jst1674...Have you never heard of Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood? Both won A.I. and both have become big stars...especially Carrie.

April 20 2010 at 9:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John

Go figure!!! American Idol is a show, and that is it. They only accept talent for a 'pop genre' and not for other forms of music!!! I mean some of the people that have been voted off the show have done better than those that actually won!! The panel is a joke when it comes to being judges, I mean afterall name a song any of these people wrote and recorded that made it in the top 10, or top 100 for that matter. Should be called American Joke as nobody that wins on that show becomes an idol!!!!!

April 20 2010 at 9:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to John's comment
melmel

Except for, you know, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken.

April 20 2010 at 10:21 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Abbie

uhhh, Kara wrote "My Heart Will Go On"...think THAT made the top 100? top 10?? uhh yeahhh, not to mention kara wrote just about every song for Kelly Clarkson. I don't even like her really but you can't bash a person without actually knowing what you're talking about seriously. Simon & Randy are both majorly famous producers too... haha it's so funny when people talk out of their ass*s

April 20 2010 at 11:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tonychic

so sad that there's no real singing contest w/ magnitude of "American Idol" & judges wld rule & thr verdict, final.

April 19 2010 at 11:46 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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