NASHVILLE, TN (FCW, Inc.) - 18-year-old singer songwriter Michelle Rene of Phoenix, AZ, has been named the new grand prizewinner of the Colgate Country Showdown, a contest that has helped launched the careers of such country superstars such as Martina McBride, Garth Brooks,
Sara Evans and Billy Ray Cyrus. With $100,000, a recording contract from Nashville's Midas Records and her debut single "Kick it Up a Notch," written by Keith Follese, who has written top country hits for Faith Hill,
Tim McGraw and Martina McBride, Rene is fast on her way to superstardom.
The 24th annual Colgate Country Showdown recently took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The one-hour special, hosted by Kassie DePaiva of ABC-TV's One Life to Live, featured musical performances by country music superstar Montgomery Gentry and airs throughout March and April on TV stations throughout the U.S.
The award, presented by five top industry music executives, recognizes Rene as "The Best New Act in Country Music," and with her unique contemporary blend of country rock and bluegrass, she is poised to become a favorite with country music fans everywhere. "I didn't just enter this competition to win; I entered it to begin my career," says Rene. "I'm very excited with the new single on Midas Records, because I feel it captures and showcases my style," she adds.
The recording contract is a new element, which has been added to the contest this year. "We love the concept of someone becoming a star through a process that started with their local radio stations. For us the Showdown is like having hundreds of talent scouts evaluating tens of thousands of artists," says Brad Allen, General Manager of Midas Records.
The Colgate Country Showdown draws over 50,000 participants each year. "The nationally televised finale is not a reality series or staged show audition. It's the culmination of a true talent contest showcasing some of the world's most gifted newcomers," says Dean Unkefer, the Country Showdown's founder and president of Special Promotions Inc., which runs the event. "Over 450 local and state contest producers take pride in the wholesome family entertainment of these events. We don't humiliate these hopeful and hardworking artists for entertainment," adds Unkefer.
Rene's journey to winning the title began at one of over 500 local talent competitions. Local winners then compete at the state level where winners move on to one of five regional finals. This year for the first time, five female solo acts became regional winners and headed to Nashville for the finals where Rene was awarded the grand prize.
The Colgate Country Showdown is open to vocal and/or instrumental performers, individuals or groups of up to seven members. Visit www.colgatecountryshowdown.com for a complete list of rules and participating local radio stations.
