Television personality and singer Jane McDonald was overcome with emotion during the premiere of her latest Channel 5 series, Jane McDonald in Nashville, which aired on Thursday, April 9. The show follows the former Loose Women star as she explores the vibrant music scene of Tennessee's capital while recording her new album.
Emotional Admission in the Studio
In a poignant moment at the iconic Blackbird Studio, where McDonald is crafting her "country sound," the artist listened to a completed track and broke down in tears as the production team applauded. She confessed, "It's blown my mind a little bit really. When I started here I thought 'what am I doing?' I've always felt my heart is in country as I'm a story teller. And when I write songs I write a story and this is my story."
The Underdog Confession
McDonald opened up about her lifelong perception of being an underdog, revealing the struggles she has faced in the entertainment industry. "All of my life I've sort of been the underdog. Never give up. If I've learned anything from being in Nashville I just never gave up. I fought all the way through. It's been a struggle. I'm not going to lie. This industry is hard - very, very hard," she shared with viewers.
A Journey to Nashville
The new Channel 5 series documents McDonald's voyage to discover why millions of tourists flock to Nashville each year. She immerses herself in the local culture, meeting residents and soaking up the sights while working on her album, Living the Dream. The singer admitted that the trip was inspired by a growing realization that her music had a country feel, something her father and others had suggested for years.
Embracing the Southern Lifestyle
It wasn't all tears and introspection for the proud Yorkshire native. McDonald made the most of her visit, heading straight to the famous Honky Tonk Highway upon arrival. She described the scene as "wild," noting bars open from early morning with bands playing in windowsills, creating a buzzing atmosphere. She also indulged in local cuisine and tried her hand at line-dancing, fully embracing the Southern way of life.
Inspiration from Legends
McDonald explained that her journey to Nashville was driven by a desire to draw inspiration from the city's rich musical heritage, where legends like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Elvis Presley once performed. Reflecting on her delayed embrace of country music, she said, "It's only taken me 27 years to finally come round to doing what I maybe should have been doing all along!"
The show offers an intimate look at McDonald's personal and professional evolution as she navigates the challenges of the music industry and pursues her country dreams in the heart of Tennessee.
