Erika Jo Named Winner of USA Network's Nashville Star 2005 During Season Finale

NASHVILLE, TN. (USA Network) - Over ten million votes have been tabulated from all 50 states, and American television viewers have chosen 18-year-old high school senior Erika Jo as the third season winner of USA Network's Nashville Star. Erika Jo's winning moment came during the season finale that aired live from Nashville's BellSouth Acuff Theatre on USA Network this evening at 10:00/9:00PM Central. Show host LeAnn Rimes made the big announcement that this year's Nashville Star race to the finish was tighter than ever, but Erika Jo edged out fellow finalists Jody Evans and Jason Meadows to win the Nashville Star title, a 2005 Chevy Silverado SS truck, an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry and a recording contract with Universal South Records.

"Can you believe that just last weekend I was at my prom?!" enthused Nashville Star winner Erika Jo. "And now here I am with a record deal and an album to record in the next month. I'll barely be done in time for finals and graduation!"

Erika Jo, 18, from Mt. Juliet, Tenn. (just outside Nashville) was the youngest contestant ever to compete in Nashville Star, although she has been singing professionally with her father's band since she was a young child. The first female and the youngest winner of Nashville Star, Erika Jo won over the judges and the viewing audience with her soaring vocals and charismatic stage presence during performances of such varied material as "Here For The Party," "Broken Wing," and "Black Velvet."

Erika Jo's debut single, "I Break Things," written by Nashville hit tunesmiths Wade Kirby (George Strait, Gretchen Wilson, Kenny Rogers, Faith Hill) and Monty Criswell (Tanya Tucker, Gretchen Wilson, Trace Adkins, John Michael Montgomery), and performed during the finale, was made available for immediate radio airplay by digital download from All Access (https://www.allaccess.com). Erika Jo's debut album will be released June 14, 2005 on Universal South Records.