Will Any Of This Season’s American Idols Go Country?

With the season finale of American Idol airing tonight, we wondered if any of this season’s contestants would be starting a career in country music. It is pretty safe to say that neither the final two, Lee DeWyze or Crystal Bowersox, will, but how about the rest of the Top 12?

Many past contestants have gone on to have successful country music careers post Idol. Anyone heard of Josh Gracin, Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington, or Carrie Underwood? Even last season’s Danny Gokey, who came in 3rd place, is making a name for himself in the genre. So will anyone follow in these big footsteps?

5th place finisher, Aaron Kelly, sung many great songs throughout his time on the show, but his favorite week on the show was country week. Even before his time on the American Idol, Kelly was performing at local country festivals. And while he is not guaranteed a record deal (in or out of country music), he hopes to get the opportunity to do what he loves the most.

“Country music is what I’ve grown up listening to and it’s what I feel I fit most comfortably with really. The people that inspire me most are Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban. They have such great honest music, and I have a great time performing country music. I see myself, hopefully, going down that road,” said Kelly.

Here are just a couple of Aaron Kelly’s country music performances on AI:

Shania Twain’s “You’ve Got A Way”:

Rascal Flatts’s “Here Come’s Goodbye”:

So what do you think? Will Aaron Kelly join the ranks of American Idol alumni to become successful in country music? Who is your favorite American Idol contestant to “go country”?

Be sure to tune in to Fox at 8pm EST to see the crowning of the new American Idol. You can also catch Carrie Underwood performing her latest single, “Undo It.”

This post was written by Adam L., our special guest blogger.