Skylar Laine

Following in the footsteps of Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, Skylar Laine is a country singer with plenty of crossover appeal, but unlike her predecessors, Skylar's big break came in the form of a reality television show, American Idol. Born and raised in Brandon, Mississippi, Skylar grew up a fan of the outlaw sound, with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and George Jones all important influences. As a teen, she was drawn to a more contemporary sound including that of Miranda Lambert, whose path to fame included an American reality television program, Nashville Star. Skylar would follow the same path, joining 2012's American Idol Season 11 after an audition in Houston, Texas. Performing songs like Pistol Annies' "Hell on Heels," Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man," and the Faces' "Stay with Me" would carry Laine to the semifinals, where she was eliminated, with Phillip Phillips being declared that season's winner. Laine would go on to join the American Idol 2012 Summer Tour and release her American Idol Season 11: Highlights EP on the 19 Recordings label that same year. ~ David Jeffries