Kristin Chenoweth Brings Bitchin’ Country to Our Studio

With credits including Tony-winning stage work, roles in acclaimed television shows and films, a memoir and a handful albums, it would seem that things come pretty easy to Kristin Chenoweth. Still, a resume like that doesn't guarantee acceptance or success in the country music world, as the multi-talented star found out while recording 'Some Lessons Learned,' her first album in the genre.

Kristin stopped by AOL Music's studios in New York for a Sessions taping that had our staff dancing along to several tunes from the new record. After her incredible performance, The Boot sat down with the gracious and hilarious pint-sized singer to discuss her first foray into country, her family, her legacy and whether or not she'll ever play Dolly Parton in a biopic.

This is not your debut album but your debut country album. Why the genre switch?

I wanted to do an album dedicated to my roots. Not these [points to her hair] but this [points to her heart]. I grew up singing country music and gospel music, so it's the record that I feel born to do. It's not really switching genres for me, even though it's not what I'm known for.

The country community can be hard to break into. How do you think your fame can help you versus how it can hurt you, coming in as an already-established celebrity?

The important thing for me to remember as a new country artist is that there's been a lot of people that have come before me. I certainly don't want to seem like, "Move over, I'm here!" I also want the same opportunities that other people have, so it's sort of like a vicious circle because you want to be accepted, but you don't want to seem like you're just bouncing on the scene. I have to pay my dues like everybody else. That I came with a little bit of a name, I don't know if that's helpful or hurtful. I guess I'll find out! But so far, the people of country music have been very nice, very kind and very open to my music. I hope this is just the first of many records in this genre to make, because there's a lot of songs I didn't get to put on here that I wanted to, so maybe there will be a part two!

In terms of paying your dues, what did you have to do to prove yourself?

I don't know if I've even proved myself to the real purists. I can only challenge myself. I want to be embraced by people who know country music so well, but I think they're also smart and if they know good music -- if something speaks to them, that's just as good, too. There's a lot of songs on this album by some of the best songwriters in the world that live right there in Nashville, so the fact I got to move there and work with some of the best musicians, as well, certainly was a blessing for me.

Country fans will know the title track of your album from Carrie Underwood's debut album. How did you approach that song to make it your own?

Several years ago, I heard Carrie sing 'Lessons Learned' that Diane Warren wrote, and it's a testament to Carrie that I would want to do it. She put her stamp on it. I'm a few years older than Carrie. I've lived a little bit of life, and the song maybe means a little bit different to me and I want to put my stamp on it. The lyrics are why I choose that song. Diane Warren, there's a reason why she's the best [songwriter] alive, and that's why she crosses genres, as well -- pop, country ... the woman can do it all. I'm just so happy Carrie sang it, because I might not have ever heard the song if she hadn't.

Your current single is the beautiful 'Fathers and Daughters.' How did your relationship with your parents influence this album?

I have a really tight relationship with my family, especially my mom and dad. My mom has been my best friend, and she's been such an inspiration to me. She's survived cancer three times in her life, and my dad has been a great example of what a father is and what a husband should be. In fact, I tell him all the time that he ruined it for me, which is why I'm single because I keep comparing men to him. Daddy issues, that would be me! The wonderful Jodi Marr wrote [it], and though it wasn't written for me it feels like it was. The reaction to it has been so strong because it's a relationship song, even if its mother-son or brother-sister. It's very special.

Someone else special to you is one of your musical heroes, Dolly Parton, to whom you pay tribute on 'What Would Dolly Do.' [Watch Kristin sing the tune live below.] It's been rumored for years that you will be playing Dolly in a movie about her life. Any updates on that?

To play her life story would be a gift. I would only do it with her blessing and with her being part of the creative process, and I don't know where she's at with that. If that were to happen, it would seem like she would want me to do it. She said that publicly to me, and that's a lady of her word so we'll see! I think she's got a lot of years left to live, and I would be honored to portray her because she's given so many people so many great lessons. Her spirit is amazing, just as amazing as her voice.

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Country audiences can be pretty conservative. Were you worried at all with having the word 'bitch' in one of your song titles ('I Want Somebody (Bitch About)')?

I was worried, because I didn't want people to think I was a bitch or a cusser, as we'd say in Oklahoma. But sometimes you just got to say it, people. I want somebody I can bitch [about] -- that's the title of the song and that's what I'm looking for. So if you have a problem with the word 'bitch,' get over it. You don't have to listen to it.

Another standout song on the album, 'I Was Here,' co-written by Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott, talks about leaving your mark on the world. When all is said and done, what do you want your own legacy to be?

I want people to say that I made my mark in a positive way, and that I gave back and that I was accepting and loving of everybody. There's not enough of that in the world. There's a lot of judgment and intolerance, and I would love for people to remember me as a person who loved people ... and animals!

Do you have any plans to take this on the road?

I will take it on tour. I'm currently shooting a TV show for ABC ['Good Christian Belles'], so we wrap in November and I'll be announcing tour dates very soon. I've never gotten to support an album with a tour. I'm excited about the challenge of it and to get to meet my fans that have not heard me do this. I can't wait. I evidently have a lot to say on this album. The great thing about being a recording artist is you get to say something. It's wonderful to feel good about a vocal, but it's more important to be able to get a message across. That's why we sing, because we can't speak it! I had a lot to sing about, so I hope people will come and check me out on the road.

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