The Colgate Country Showdown is coming to Picayune.
WRJW 1320 AM has been selected to host the twenty-fifth edition of the world’s biggest country music talent showcase and radio promotion. The contest will take place on Saturday, August 26 in the Picayune School Auditorium. The deadline to enter is Monday, August 14.
Over $200,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded in showdowns nationwide. Picayune’s winner will take home a $250 cash prize, a large trophy, framed certificate, framed poster, a family vacation to Nashville, Tenn., and several gifts from local sponsors.
A grand prize of $100,000 will be awarded to the national winner at the televised National Final special hosted by Walt Disney World Resorts.
The Colgate Country Showdown is designed to find the most promising country music talent in America, giving these performers a chance to launch their professional careers. Thousands of aspiring country music artists compete annually for the Country Showdown title.
The road to stardom begins each spring with hometown talent contests sponsored by over 400 radio stations across the country. Local winners advance to one of over 40 state contests, where the prizes include $1,000 in cash and the opportunity to compete at one of the five regional Colgate Country Showdown contests in the fall. Winners at the regional level are flown expense-paid to the National Final, where they compete for the grand prize of $100,000 and the coveted National Title.
“The Colgate Country Showdown is one of the most anticipated events in country music,” said Delores Wood, manager of WRJW Radio.
“It’s also a popular event in Picayune, especially this year, because everyone is ready for some fun after a year of hard work after Katrina. It’s always an exciting community event which not only promotes a greater appreciation of country music, but provides aspiring artists for our area an opportunity for state, regional, and national exposure. We are pleased and proud to join our local sponsors as participants in the twenty-fifth Annual Country Showdown.”
The Colgate Country Showdown is open to vocal and, or, instrumental performers, individuals or groups with up to seven members, who have not performed on a record listed in the national record charts of Billboard, Radio and Records, or the Gavin Report within 18 months preceding local competition.
There is a $10 entry fee and all contestants must begin their competition by performing at showdowns produced by participating country music radio stations in hometowns across America.
A uniform judging system on all levels of the competition will ensure fairness. Entry forms are available by contacting WRJW Radio at 601-798-4835 by e-mail at wrjw@charter.net.