CMT’s ‘Next Superstar’ Contestants Get Makeovers, Courtney Cole Is Eliminated

This week on CMT's 'Next Superstar,' the five remaining contestants were pleasantly surprised when host Thea Andrews informed them that they would each receive a head-to-toe makeover, including a new wardrobe, hair and makeup.

The makeovers were all part of a once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot opportunity at Graceland. Each contestant -- Matt Mason, Courtney Cole, Wynn Varble, Danielle Lauderdale and Steven Clawson -- picked their own location on the grounds of Elvis' former home, where they took photos for their mock-up album cover.

After the photos were captured, the singers headed to Sun Records in Memphis, Tenn., where they walked through the rooms in amazement of all the legends who have stood there before them. Mason laid down vocals on Johnny Cash's 'I Walk the Line,' Varble recorded Hank Williams' 'Jambalaya,' Lauderdale also chose a Hank Williams song with 'Cold, Cold Heart,' Cole chose Carl Perkins' 'Honey Don't,' and Clawson picked Roy Brown's 'Good Rockin' Tonight.'

The following day, the contestants headed back to Nashville, where they took their songs and album covers to Warner Music Nashville to play their tunes for the executives and more -- all the way down to the mail room clerk and security guard. The staff at the CMT's 'Next Superstar' winner's future label gave their critiques and praises to each artist, favoring the likes of Mason and Cole.

The competitors' final stop at Warner was with label head John Esposito, who gave his expert opinion of the entire package -- from their looks to their sound and style. Warner Bros. artist Gloriana made a special guest appearance during the episode, and also had the chance to cast a vote on who has the most 'superstar' potential.

After the Warner staff completed their ballots, the singers with the least amount of votes were Courtney Cole and Wynn Varble. The two sang to survive in a 40-second song soundbite, as they were judged by music producer Matt Serletic, VP of Artist Relations at Warner Nashville Cris Lacy, and recording artist Uncle Kracker.

In what was clearly the judges' toughest decision yet in the series, they decided that Varble's uniqueness and charm is more weighted than Cole's talent, and enough to take to the next level. An emotional Cole held her head high as she parted ways with her fellow contestants, but promised this wouldn't be the last we heard from her.

Tune in next week for a brand new episode of 'Next Superstar,' which airs at 9PM ET on CMT.

Read Our Exclusive Interview With Matt Mason