Nation music star Jo Dee Messina is opening up a couple of painful second from early in her profession that has caught along with her for many years. The singer, who rose to fame in the course of the late ’90s nation growth, just lately shared that one Nashville report label rejected her outright as a result of executives felt she didn’t match their picture requirements. Jo Dee Messina mirrored on the expertise throughout a latest interview, revealing how the remark affected her on the time, and the way it continues to linger even years later.
Jo Dee Messina Reveals Brutal Nashville Rejection
Throughout a latest look on “The Bobby Bones Present,” Jo Dee Messina recalled the tough criticism she confronted whereas making an attempt to land her first main report deal in Nashville.
The “Bye Bye” singer defined that the label’s suggestions was delivered on to her producer throughout negotiations. “I keep in mind I received turned down by a report label in Nashville. They stated I used to be too fats,” she stated. “They instructed my producer that, ‘Oh, if she was 10 kilos lighter, we’d have signed her.’”
The blunt remark left an enduring impression on the nation star.
The Remark Nonetheless Stings Many years Later
Although the rejection occurred early in her profession, Jo Dee Messina admitted the second has stayed along with her. Reflecting on the expertise years later, she stated the sting by no means utterly pale. “It’s 30 years later, I’m nonetheless speaking about it. I didn’t let it go,” she admitted.
Regardless of the painful rejection, Messina stated one particular person in her life helped her keep targeted on her goals: her sister. In line with the singer, her sister inspired her to maintain pushing ahead and reminded her that rejection is commonly a part of the music enterprise.
“She instructed me, ‘They are saying you need to get handed on a thousand instances earlier than you get a deal.’” The recommendation helped Messina keep motivated throughout a time when many aspiring artists might need walked away from the trade.
Messina’s perseverance finally paid off, as she went on to grow to be one in all nation music’s largest feminine stars of the late Nineties.
Private Challenges Examined Jo Dee Messina’s Power
The singer scored six No. 1 singles on the Billboard nation charts, together with hits like “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright,” “Stand Beside Me,” and “Carry On the Rain” with Tim McGraw.
Her self-titled 1996 debut album launched her to mainstream audiences with the breakout observe “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” She later adopted it with the massively profitable “I’m Alright,” which earned double-platinum certification.
Jo Dee Messina additionally made historical past on the time by turning into the primary feminine nation artist to land three multiple-week No. 1 songs from the identical album.
Messina Confronted Most cancers Battle Throughout Troublesome Time In Her Private Life
Messina’s journey hasn’t been with out main private challenges.
In 2017, the nation singer revealed she had been recognized with most cancers and was compelled to postpone a number of tour dates so she might start remedy. Though Messina by no means publicly disclosed the particular kind of most cancers she was battling, she stepped away from performing to be able to deal with her well being whereas present process medical testing and remedy.
The prognosis got here throughout an already tough chapter in her life. Across the similar time, Messina additionally went by means of a divorce from her husband, Chris Deffenbaugh, leaving her to lift their two younger sons as a single mom whereas navigating her well being battle.
Jo Dee Messina Teases First Album In Over A Decade
After years away from releasing a full-length challenge, Messina has additionally been hinting that new music is on the horizon.
In late 2025, the nation star started sharing studio clips on social media, providing followers a sneak peek at what she had been engaged on behind the scenes. In a single submit, she shared lyrics from an upcoming challenge, writing, “Some bridges are supposed to construct, and a few bridges are supposed to burn,” teasing her forthcoming album “Bridges.”
Jo Dee Messina additionally posted a behind-the-scenes video from the studio, constructing anticipation amongst followers keen for brand new materials. “Are you as prepared as I’m for brand new music?” she captioned the clip, marking what might be her first full-length album launch in 12 years.