LeAnn Rimes hosts the Colgate Country Showdown's search for the "Best New Act in Country Music"

Country Superstar LeAnn Rimes

America’s leading country music talent competition, the Colgate Country Showdown ended their year long talent search and chose Karla Davis from Monroe, NC as the 28th national winner and the “Best New Act in Country Music”. The show’s final competition, taped for national broadcast on over one hundred television stations, was hosted by country superstar LeAnn Rimes. Coincidently, LeAnn who burst into stardom at the tender age of 13 started her magical rise in show business by winning a talent show in Jackson, MS as a 5 year old.

The Colgate Country Showdown is a year long event beginning in spring. Teaming up with over 500 radio stations across the country, the Showdown scours all 50 states in smallest of hamlets and the largest of conurbation for the “Best New Act in Country Music”. Over the course of the year thousands of contestants compete for the title and the $100,000.00 grand prize.  Winners at the local level advance to one of five regional competitions. Over 50,000 original contestants are eventually narrowed down to just five.

Karla Davis winner of the 2010 Colgate Country Showdown 

This year the five regional winners are as follows:

Karla Davis (Southeast Region), has been involved in music productions since she was a young girl. Learning how to play guitar by ear has led Karla to become an accomplished musician. Through the continuous support of her friends and family, this Monroe, North Carolina native has grown in her artistry. Over time Karla has greatly enhanced her songwriting abilities and fans have quickly embraced her original song, “A Day Away.” To hear and to learn more about her, visit www.KarlaDavisMusic.com . She represents WRHI Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Kendall Phillips (Midwest Region), is a talented musician, songwriter, vocalist, and actress from Zionsville, Indiana. She has performed at many television, radio, and concert events. To form her signature sound, this 20 year old performer blends country, pop, and rock. Kendall’s digital releases, “It’s You” and “Crazy” have left fans anxiously awaiting her first album. She is dedicated to pursuing her musical dream and is enjoying the process. For more information, visit www.KendallPhillips.com . She is representing WBCH Hastings, Michigan.

High school senior, Casey Lee Smith (Southwest Region) is from Glendale, AZ. This 17 year old performer’s talent reaches far beyond his years. Casey has received many accolades for his songwriting, vocal, and musicianship abilities. Drums, guitar, piano, and banjo, are just a few of the instruments he has mastered. Through the fusion of rock, country, jazz, and blues, Casey’s eclectic sound has brought him admiration from all over the country. With two EPs released, he looks forward to releasing his full length album. To learn more about him, go to www.CaseyLeeSmith.com . He is representing KNIX Phoenix, AZ.

A coal miner’s son, Terry Lee Spencer (Northeast Region) grew up in Rural Valley, PA. Terry, a singer, songwriter, and musician has been influenced by country music since his young beginnings. His charismatic performances have brought much admiration from countless fans. Getting to share the stage with country greats such as, Gretchen Wilson, Blaine Larsen, and BONEPONY, has enabled him to grow as a performer. His two beautiful daughters are a great source of musical inspiration. Get to know Terry better by visiting, www.MySpace.com/TerryLeeSpencer . He represents WJOW State College, Pennsylvania.

Whisky Row (West Region), consists of Michael Pereira and Jason Ruffoni. This dynamic country duo has been together for over 14 years. Country legends George Strait and Clint Black are major influences for their love of country music. After picking up guitars, they began to write music together. With each performance, Whisky Row is gaining tremendous fan support. To know more about them, go to www.MySpace.com/WhiskyRow . They represent KUBB Merced, CA.

C
Talent from left to right. Karla Davis, Casey Lee Smith, Terry Lee Spencer, LeAnn Rimes, Whiskey
Row (Jason Ruffoni and Michael Pereira) & Kendall Phillips 

The final competition was performed in the historical Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Each contestant acknowledged performing at the Ryman was a thrill in itself. The concert hall was packed with show goers and many fans of each contestant who traveled from their prospective area to view the show live.  LeAnn as well as the competitors had great sets.  In addition the show featured a taped appearance by Garth Brooks and a medley of Brooks songs performed by each contestant.

The show ended when LeAnn announced Karla as the winner followed by the presentation of a check large enough to contain all the zeros in $100,000.00. The show airs this spring on one of your local stations.  The complete list of all television stations airing the event is on the Colgate Country Showdown website. The airing of the final this spring starts the process all over again in search of the “Best New Act in Country Music”.