Each year we see a new class of stars appear on the country music horizon. Sometimes an artist will have a huge hit right off the bat, and other times it may take an album or two. The stars listed as the "Class of 2007" are those that made their first major impact on country music in that year. Class of 2007
Bucky Covington - Bucky Covington
Lyric Street Records
Bucky is one of two former American Idol finalists in the Class of 2007. Bucky saw his first single, "A Different World" hit the Top 10. His second single, "It's Good To Be Us" is moving up the charts, and is in the 30's as I write this. His self-titled debut entered the charts at No. 1. Not a bad way to start a career.
Luke Bryan - I'll Stay Me
Capitol Nashville
In country music these days, it seems that an artist that sings traditional-styled country music is a rarity. Meet Luke Bryan. He's a genuine rarity in a field of music that is often filled with country-pop music. His debut song "All My Friends" was a Top 5 hit for him, while his second single, "We Rode in Trucks" failed to reach the Top 40. I think this is more to do with the timing of the release, too close to the holidays, where stations don't play as much new music, and a song has to be extremely song to make it. But, his album debuted at No. 2, and Luke Bryan is definitely here to stay.
Jason Michael Carroll - Waitin' in the Country
Arista Nashville
You may recognize Jason Michael Carroll from his first single, "Alyssa Lies." The tearful song about child abuse really brought him to the attention of many, and the song was a Top 5 hit for him. His second single, "Livin' Our Love Song" also did really well, peaking at No. 6, before making way for the holiday tunes that were starting to get played. Jason's album debuted at No. 1 on the charts. I see a bright future for this young man.
Kellie Pickler - Small Town Girl
BNA Nashville
Kellie Pickler is our second former American Idol finalist, and the only female member in the Class of 2007. Her album debuted at No. 1, and her first single, "Red High Heels" peaked at No. 15, while her second single, the touching "I Wonder" peaked at No. 14. As I write this, her third single, "The Things That Never Cross a Man's Mind" is at No. 32.