Jo Dee Messina’s rise to stardom didn’t come easy.
The 55-year-old country singer recently sat down for an appearance on The Bobby Bones Show, where she opened up about some of the toughest criticism she’s ever faced.
She recalled a time very early in her career when she was hoping to get signed to a record deal. She met with a Nashville label, but it didn’t go the way she had hoped.
They turned her down not because of her music, but because they felt she didn’t have the right image. According to Messina, the executives passed on her because they thought she was overweight.
“They said I was too fat,” she revealed. “They told my producer that, ‘Oh, if she was 10 pounds lighter, we’d have signed her.’”
After hearing that, Messina admitted she was “devastated.” Even now, decades later, it’s still something she thinks about.
These unwelcome comments could have easily held her back from chasing her dreams. However, Messina says her family encouraged her to push through. She especially credits her sister, who gave advice that helped her eventually become the star she is today.
“She told me to just keep going,” Messina said. “They say you have to get passed on a thousand times before you get a deal.”
And it turns out her sister was right. Not long after, Messina’s country music career took off.
She became one of the biggest stars of the ’90s with hits like “Bye Bye” and “I’m Alright.” She went on to have multiple songs reach number one, sell millions of albums worldwide, and earn two Grammy nominations.
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Jo Dee Messina Announces First New Album In 12 Years
It’s been over a decade since fans of Jo Dee Messina have gotten a full-length project from her, but that wait is almost over.
She’s getting ready to release her new studio album, Bridges, later this summer. And on Friday, March 13, she dropped the album’s first single, “Some Bridges.”
She also released the music video for the new track, and fans can’t get enough. Many of them left comments sharing how much they’re loving this new chapter in her career.
“It’s like the 90s again. Wow, a new Jo Dee Messina song 🔥,” a fan wrote.
“Jo Dee Messina is back, thank God I’ve missed her music so much,” said another.
“Best video and song!!! Amazing job Jo Dee, you really outdid yourself 👍,” said someone else.
