Jo Dee Messina Talks New Music, Kelly Clarkson & Hannah Harper’s ‘American Idol’ Surprise

Jo Dee Messina took country music by storm 30 years ago from Carolina to California and everywhere in between. Since then the CMA and ACM Award winner has found success as one of the genre’s beloved voices. So much so that American Idol winner Hannah Harper covered her hit “Heads Carolina, Tails California” during Season 24’s Judges’ Song Contest. Messina would end up surprising the 26-year-old on stage with a duet during her hometown visit performance in Willow Springs, Missouri. 

Even though the Grammy-nominated artist is inspiring others, Messina shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, her schedule has gotten busier in support of Bridges. It’s the music star’s first new album in 12 years, pulling from the ups and downs of a storied career. Along with stops at the Grand Ole Opry and Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest, Messina just started a string of dates as part of the “Bridges Tour” celebrating three decades. 

Here the powerhouse singer sits down to reflect on her recent appearances and resurgence. 

Photo Courtesy: Big Hassle Media

This has been a whirlwind couple of weeks for you. How is it to have your new album “Bridges” out and see people responding to it? 

Jo Dee Messina: To have the album out is exciting. It was a whirlwind. When we first started making the record, it took about a year to put it together. Just because we’re constantly touring, so we’re in and out of Nashville. The last few weeks were crazy because of all that goes into an album release. It was cool because we did the first few shows on the tour this weekend, and to see people singing the words to these songs. To look out in the audience and see people singing these songs, it was mind-blowing. We finished it in November, but it takes a long time to get it out. But to go out there now and hear people singing the songs, it’s cool. 

This is your first album in more than a decade. Were you worried how it would be received? 

I think through socials we knew people were looking forward to it. The hardcore fans were there. We were excited to get music for them. Then to have others respond, it has been amazing because maybe it’s what I didn’t expect.

You had a surprise collaboration on stage with Lauren Daigle at CMA Fest. It was a highlight for many. How did that come together? 

When we got the invite from CMA to perform on the CMA Fest stage, it had been after a few meetings. We initially thought it would be impossible for me to get on there with so many artists and because I was there a few years ago. There were all these reasons. So, when we got the invitation, my management was really persistent and believed in the project and me. My manager kept going. She put my name in. So when we got the invitation I thought it was incredible. We have to give God the glory in this. And who do you think of when you just want to worship the Lord? Lauren Daigle came to mind. She was available and joined me. I was very grateful she did. It was such a moment for us because it was an audience of one at that point. 

Lauren Daigle is an Idol alum. Speaking of that show, you were able to pull off quite the surprise for Hannah Harper in her hometown. How was it being part of that? 

That surprise was a big deal. We drove the bus in and were 10 miles away and nowhere near the activity because they really wanted it to be a surprise. Nobody had an idea including band members who are also family members. So when we got there, what you saw was a hundred percent genuine. It wasn’t, “I heard so and so might be coming.” Nothing like that. She had no clue. What you saw from her was a hundred percent genuine reaction. For me, it was a lot of fun because I like fun surprises. 

What did you think about her winning the show this past season?

I was excited. We had been watching it the last little bit and she was doing well. You have to be okay with whatever happens. To see that she won was very exciting. I’m excited for her. 

“Bridges” sums up your career thus far and your experiences. Looking back, when was the moment 30 years ago where you felt you had made it? 

I don’t think there ever was a moment because you’re so busy at that time looking at the next single, the next album, the next thing. We have a song on the new record called “Days You Don’t Get Back” It kind of talks about that. You’re always looking for the next thing that sometimes you don’t have a moment to enjoy what is happening right now. Back then, I think I was chasing the next thing so often that I can’t recall a specific moment where I think I can rest now because I’ve made it. I’m still going 30 years later. I don’t think I’ve seen that moment [laughs]. 

Talking to female artists over the years, many argue equal airplay can still be a fight. With you at that stage and being one of those voices pushing through, what do you make of the landscape of country music today when you hear someone like Ella Langley or Lainey Wilson? 

I think with 150 years behind me, I lived through enough of the ebbs and flows. This happened early in my career. People were asking these questions, but I think it then became female dominated. You had me, Shania [Twain], Faith [Hill], Sara [Evans], Martina McBride, Deana Carter, we were all over the place. Then it went back to male dominated and came back. I think it’s a natural ebb and flow of the radio space. It goes through phases. Sometimes it’s male dominated and sometimes it’s female dominated. Now the pendulum is starting to swing back the other way. I hate to say it’s a struggle, but I think because I ‘ve seen it ebb and flow so much that I have a different perspective today. 

Who do you like to listen to these days? 

I love Ella of course. Lainey, Megan [Moroney]. They are all great song writers, which is phenomenal. Riley [Green] is fun. Tucker [Wetmore], I love it. Morgan Wallen has his own thing, which I really like. He has his own style. I love that he never tries to fit into a mold. People find it refreshing. 

Anyone you want to collaborate with? 

Any of the ones I named would be fun. I like doing different stuff. I enjoy their talent. They are also so different. What Ella does may be different than what Morgan does, but I’d love to work with either one of them. 

You’re so good live. I remember catching you at Epcot in the past. How would you say you look at this tour compared to others? 

This one we’re putting songs from the new record in, which is crazy. You’ve been to Epcot, so you know how challenging it is to fit in all these in 30-minute sets. You do all the hits. Trying to put together the setlist that has the hits and the new stuff and then we have fun with the audience and have them sing stuff. We want to make space for all of that. We’re had three shows on the tour so far, and our setlist has changed every night. We see what worked and what didn’t. I’m just approaching the music differently. We have different lighting directors out with us.

THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW — Episode A5162 — Pictured: (l-r) Jo Dee Messina, Kelly Clarkson — (Photo by: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal)

Kelly Clarkson had you on her show where she surprised you with plaques to mark a series of platinum certifications. What did that mean to you? 

No clue that was happening. I couldn’t even read what it was. I watched the show back and thought, “What in the world?” There were three of them, so I’m trying to read the fine print while trying to be present in the conversation. You could see I am lost in the interview like what is going on. What a treat. Kelly and I have had mutual respect for each other most of our careers. Well, all of hers because she is younger. She is a beast of a vocalist. She can sing anything. I just really respect her as an artist. To have her present those was surreal. 

As someone who is constantly on the road, what is your must-have on tour? 

I have my Bible with me and sleep. I have to sleep on tour because you’re constantly pouring out whether it’s backstage, meet-and-greets, performances.  Rest is really important. I try to take my Bible to get some peace and spend some time with the lord and recharge and be reminded who I am. Those are my needs. 

You’ve had a few TV cameos over the years. Do you have a favorite? 

I remember the whole staff on Touched by an Angel was wonderful, encouraging. I love them so much…I actually have my own show idea written. I have directors offer to pitch it to networks. The premise of the show is about the music industry, me as a character being a mentor to younger artists in a non-documentary way. This would be a series as you follow along the journey of a younger artist being mentored by somebody who has walked that path.