Nashville Star is the country music talent show that first aired on the USA network in 2003 and just recently switched to NBC. The show has had several host over the years. Nancy O’dell, Leann Rimes, Wynona Judd, Jewel and Billy Ray Cyrus to name a few.
Many contestants have gone on to stardom thanks to Nashville Star. Some of them didn’t even win. This article will take a look at past Nashville Star winners and contestants and find out what they have been up to since their Nashville Star days.
The very first winner of Nashville Star was Buddy Jewel. He has had some success since his win on Nashville Star. Although as of lately I haven’t heard him on the radio much, but from what I understand he is still touring. The first season also had Miranda Lambert as the 3rd place runner up. Miranda Lambert has experienced tremendous success in her musical career thanks to Nashville Star.
The second year of Nashville Star yielded Brad Cotter as the winner. I have yet to hear a song from Brad on the radio. Even though he hasn’t seen much success in his music career he is still touring as an opening act for other country stars.
In Season 3 of Nashville Star Erica Jo, from Tennessee, was declared the winner. She had a self titled cd (which I bought) and although she had a song on the billboard the album did poorly. She currently is seen on the Grand Ole Opry stage from time to time.
Chris Young won Season 4 of Nashville Star. Chris has experienced quite a bit of success with his album which debuted at #3 on the Billboard country chart. Although it has yet to produce any top 40 hit singles from it, it is a great cd. I do suggest you go out and by this album. It is a keeper! Casey Rivers was the runner up on this season and he has recently made the decision to go all gospel. I am very proud of him! I am also proud to call Casey a friend of mine. Casey does have a website and album out. I urge you to check it out and pick up a copy. One interesting fact about Season 4 is that Kristen McNamara was the 6th place winner of Nashville Star. You may remember her as recently making the top 36 on American Idol. I knew she looked familiar!
On Season 5 Angela Hacker won the prize on Nashville Star. Angela is from Alabama. This was the first show where siblings had competed against each other. Her and her brother Zac were both vying for the Nashville Star prize. For reasons I do not know Angela’s cd was only released to Wal-mart.
Season 6 winner was Melissa Lawson from Arlington, Texas. At this time I am not sure how she is doing in the music business. I thought she did an excellent job on Nashville Star and I am looking forward to seeing how her music career flourishes.
One final note regarding Nashville Star. As of March 13, 2009 it was definitely confirmed that Nashville Star is no more. The series has been canceled.
Sources:
http://www.wikipedia.org
