Filed under: Exclusive, Country News

Jake Owen spent a lot of time paying his proverbial dues in the music business, playing in bars and small venues near his hometown of Vero Beach, Fla., before he made the move to Nashville and eventually landed his first record deal. And although his own process took several years and a lot of hard work, he isn't opposed to TV talent shows, such as "American Idol" and "The Voice," that give singers instant recognition with the public.

"I think they're great," Jake tells The Boot. "It gives people hope and it gives them a chance to really have their chance in the spotlight. Everyone has their own path in life, no matter if it's being a celebrity or a singer. Quite frankly, I didn't move to Nashville and tell myself I wanted to be a singer because I wanted to be a celebrity or I wanted to be somebody that people admired. I wasn't about that. I just loved music."