CMT’s ‘Next Superstar’ Gives 10 Hopefuls a Shot at Stardom

This Friday, April 8, CMT's 'Next Superstar' will premiere on the music network, giving 10 individuals a shot at becoming the next big thing in country music. Taste of Country will give you weekly updates as the contestants battle it out in the singing competition, where their future will be voted on by fans viewing the show at home.

The 10 finalists for CMT's Next Superstar consist of Matt Mason, Danielle Lauderdale, Bri Bagwell, Andrea Pearson, Wynn Varble, Matt Dame, Courtney Cole, Ben Smith, Steven Clawson and Adrienne Beasley.

Mason, 25, became a fan favorite when he competed on the 2006 season of Nashville Star. Mason's sound and style is very reminiscent to the outlaws of country music such as Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard.

Lauderdale, 23, performed on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry at age 10, making her the youngest to ever perform on the prestigious stage. Her musical influences range from Faith Hill to John Mayer.

Bagwell, 23, grew up singing in her family band with her brothers in New Mexico. Bagwell's influences include Johnny Cash, Patty Griffin and Miranda Lambert.

Pearson, 29, came to Nashville from Canada several years ago, and has made herself right at home at many of Music City's writers' nights and showcases with some of the town's top writers.

Varble, 50, is already an established songwriter, penning the former Brad Paisley No. 1 hit, 'Waitin on a Woman,' as well as countless other hits for artists such as Montgomery Gentry and Darryl Worley.

Dame, 37, is a former police officer who has decided to pursue a safer career as a country music star. Dame has experimented in recent years by doing vocal work in Nashville where the town has fallen in love with his soulful voice.

Cole, 24, got her start by performing in musical theaters in her pre-teens. Cole takes pride in singing songs that touch people as well as herself.

Smith, 29, was born and raised in Texas, where he has his tree-trimming business. He has a knack for songwriting, and he loves playing guitar, piano and the ukulele. Smith's style has a little bit of everything, from traditional country to classic rock 'n' roll.

Clawson, 29, is a passionate songwriter who moved to Nashville to pursue the craft. He credits his musical influences as Garth Brooks, Kenny Loggins and Elvis Presley, among others.

Beasley, 22, grew up singing at her local church in Kentucky at the young age of 3, and in more recent years has appeared on 'American Idol,' where she sang the Lady Antebellum tune 'American Honey.' Beasley sets herself apart from her fellow contestants with her secret weapon: yodeling.

CMT's Next Superstar premieres this Friday, April 8, at 9:00 PM ET.