Yesterday, I wrote about Gwyneth Paltrow and whether we should even make fun of her anymore. You guys had a lot to say, and I totally hear you. I’ve always thought that Gwyneth was a snot, a sanctimonious elitist, and completely worthy of any mockery you wanted to throw her way. I’ve just been feeling a pang of sympathy for her lately – I honestly think she’s in a bad place. Her makeup has been trashy, she’s been wearing lots of “look at me, I’m so young and I have a great body” clothes, her face was looking jacked and Botoxy for a while, and this whole mess with her “singing” career… well, I just think Gwyneth is kind of rough lately. But if you want to continue to mock her Goopy ways, by all means. I’ll cosign. Especially if you want to laugh at this latest news – it seems Gwyneth is close to signing a deal to record her own album. Her own COUNTRY album. Oh, Goop.

Gwyneth Paltrow, who’s been shopping for a music deal, is in advanced talks with Atlantic Records, Page Six has learned. The Oscar-winning actress is poised to sign a contract with the Warner Music-owned label to produce a country album following her starring role in “Country Strong.”

Paltrow, 38, is married to Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, which is signed to EMI. She recently showed off her singing skills on “Glee,” at the Country Music Awards, the Grammys — where she writhed in a tight, black body suit on a baby grand piano to perform “Forget You” with Cee Lo — and at the Oscars, where she performed the nominated song “Coming Home.”

A source told us, “Gwyneth’s agents have been talking to a number of labels about landing her a substantial record deal. Those who have heard the music say it’s country pop. Many labels would be reluctant to give a deal to a star whose first priority is film, but in recent weeks there have been discussions with Atlantic. Gwyneth is a very different name for Atlantic, and one who brings a lot of recognition.” Its roster includes Sean Paul, B.o.B, T.I., James Blunt, Janelle Monae, Zero 7, Phil Collins and Kid Rock.

Paltrow recently said she was discussing possible contracts with several labels, and said on the Oscars red carpet, “We’re talking about it now. So we’ll see.”

She also reprises her role on “Glee” as substitute teacher Holly Holiday tomorrow, saying she accepted the part because: “I thought, ‘How much fun it would it be to sing and dance and just be ridiculous and silly?’ I’m just having so much fun. My parts were usually quite serious, and I was looking for something fun and different to do.”

While some music critics were not bowled over by her performances, Gwyneth has big aspirations. She’d like to record with Jay-Z, a close friend of her and Martin. She added during red-carpet interviews, “I think we’d be a good combination.”

Paltrow’s rep didn’t get back to us, and Atlantic declined to comment.

[From Page Six]

More songs about double-wides? More songs about drinkin’ and brawlin’ and twangin’? Jesus. Okay, I get that you don’t NEED a good voice to record an album. Katy Perry and Rihanna prove that, over and over. But why this midlife career change for a woman who is basically a more elite version of a Real Housewife? Her voice isn’t great, she can’t carry a movie by herself anymore, her marriage to certified rock star Chris Martin is… not going very well. Is the answer for Gwyneth to start a new career as some kind of Faith Hill wannabe?

Photos courtesy of WENN.