Vocal Look-a-Likes

Consider this post a warning -- Do not be duped by cheap impersonations. There are artists out there that would have you believe they are someone entirely different. Remember when Ursula steals Ariel’s voice in the Little Mermaid? Yep, that ‘s what we’re talking about here. Vocal theft. Impossible you say? Consider these four artists that sound remarkably similar to more established country stars….

Name: Rodney Atkins

Sounds Like: Tim McGraw

Explanation: I admit it might be a bit of a stretch to put such a well-established artist like Atkins on this list, but compared to Tim McGraw, he’s still got a ways to go. Atkins’ voice might be a little lower and little more gravely, and Tim McGraw has undoubtedly better range, but their song choices and some of their vocal characteristics are remarkably similar.

Don’t Believe Me? Listen To: “Farmer’s Daughter” (Atkins) vs. “Down on the Farm”(McGraw).

Doppelganger Rating: 6/10

Name: Bradley Gaskin

Sounds Like: Travis Tritt

Explanation: The newcomer from Duck Springs, Alabama is currently working on his first hit, “Mr. Bartender.” Debuting a few months ago, the song sounds remarkably like the classic Travis Tritt bar-room ballads that brought Tritt so much success in the early nineties. I haven’t heard much of Gaskin’s other stuff, but of the songs I’ve heard, this eerie likeness doesn’t appear to be a fluke.

Don’t Believe Me? Listen To: “Mr. Bartender” (Gaskin) vs. “Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)” (Tritt).

Doppelganger Rating: 7/10

(Bradley Gaskin)

Name: Hunter Hayes

Sounds Like: Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts)

Explanation: Heading up our ultra-tenor category, Hunter Hayes (who I discussed at length a few days ago here), can owe much of his recent success to his voice, which he controls extremely well on some very challenging vocal runs. Don’t believe me? Try singing “Storm Warning” right now – that’s right, very difficult. Anyway, you wouldn’t be the first to hear Hayes’ hit and think LeVox had embarked on a solo career. Relax Rascal fans, there’s nothing to be worried about here – it’s just young Hunter Hayes, although you might need a few listens to convince yourself.

Don’t Believe Me? Listen To: “Storm Warning” (Hayes) vs. “Oklahoma Texas Line” (LeVox).

Doppelganger Rating: 9/10

Name: Easton Corbin

Sounds Like: George Strait

Explanation: Corbin is another artist we’ve profiled on Urban Cowboy back when he released his first major hit, “A Little More Country Than That.” (See here.) Since then, he’s continued to see his star rise with a few other well-received hits and plenty of buzz, and rightfully so. Of all the artists on this list, Corbin’s voice is nearly indistinguishable from one of the most successful country artists of all time. It can’t possibly be a bad thing to be called the next George Strait.

Don’t Believe Me? Listen To: “Roll With It” (Corbin) vs. “Blue Clear Sky” (Strait).

Doppelganger Rating: 10/10