Nathan Carter has told how he ignores the begrudgers who slam his music and admitted being slagged is par for the course in the music business.
The famous crooner was slated on social media for his performance of Shallow from A Star is Born on the Late Late Show Country Music Special.
Nathan told the Irish Mirror: “It was a big big song to take on and it did come under a bit of slagging from people who obviously preferred the movie version of the song and people thought it wasn’t country, they are right.”
The 29-year old said he was nervous about performing such a big number and praised Clodagh Lawlor for attempting Lady Gaga’s vocals.
He said: “RTE picked that song and I was nervous enough about it because it’s such a big tune.
“The girl who won the competition, Clodagh she did very well, it was a tough song, a lot of people wouldn’t realise the range for the female part, it starts off real low and then she belts it out.”
The Wagon Wheel singer said he’s used to being “scrutinised” and takes criticism with a pinch of salt.
The Liverpool native revealed: “Listen you are there to be scrutinised all the time and I enjoyed our performance and I thought she did really well.
“There’s probably even more begrudgery in the music business than in every other line of work.
“I got some great advice from a guy when I started off in Ireland, he said people like to see you doing well, but if you do too well they definitely won’t like it.”
The rising star said he’s aware that country music gets a bad rap but his loyal fans are what counts.
He added: “I think country music does get a strong rap but I think the people who love it are really into it.
“The fans who follow it are mad into it, I don’t particularly like rapping, but I wouldn’t slate it either.
“A lot of people are quick to slate stuff but they don’t think do they.”
The International country music star headlines Summerfest Carlow, Sunday June 2nd.
The singer admitted the country music festival is rapidly gaining in popularity: “I did it last year it was a huge success, Derek Ryan and Cliona Hagan are back again this year.
“There was up to 5000 people there, there’s a huge marquee, it’s a huge festival, it’s growing every year.”
Fresh from a whirlwind tour of the States, cracking America is becoming a reality as he follows in the footsteps of his mentor Daniel O’Donnell.
He said: “I had a TV show played on public television over here on PBS across the different States at the end of last year and we played gigs this month around the States and we’ve been selling gigs out.
“The audiences are getting bigger and bigger.”
