The NASH Next 2017 national talent search competition kicks off today (May 31) in over 60 markets across the U.S. Now in its third year, the annual grassroots search for the next rising country star is led by Cumulus Media and offers one lucky winner a record deal with NASH Next Records under the Big Machine Label Group and exposure on Cumulus radio stations nationwide.
Beginning today, local artists may enter the competition via the NASH Next website. Seventy-nine NASH/Cumulus stations in 62 markets will conduct local searches, with national participation made possible by Cumulus’ digital properties and syndicated country shows. Local markets will host live events or select their finalist by judging the contestants in a video performance of an original song, and then local winners will move on to the national challenge, where they will submit a live performance video showcasing their best original song. The top ten artists will be selected by industry professionals, and those national finalists will then compete at a live concert event hosted in Nashville in early November, where the panel of celebrity judges will select the NASH Next 2017 winner.
The winner of the five month national competition will be announced by Garth Brooks. NASH Next’s 2016 winner, Todd O’Neill, released his debut single “Love Again” in April and broke the top 50 on the country charts in early May, with his single continuing to climb the charts.
About the Author
Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
