LeAnn Rimes to Host Colgate Country Showdown in Nashville

LeAnn Rimes is gearing up to spend some time back in Music City later this month when she returns as host of the 29th Annual Country Showdown National Final Television Special. The singing competition will take place on Jan. 13 at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium. The country music talent search has five regional winners competing for $100,000 and the title for Best New Act in Country Music.

Sitting on the judging panel will be Brian Mansfield, music journalist for USA Today; BJ Hill, Senior Director of A&R for Warner/Chappell Music; Lisa Ramsey-Perkins, Senior Director of A&R for Sony Music Nashville; John Ozier, Director of A&R for Curb Records, and Rod Essig, agent from Creative Artists Agency. For the 29th straight year, Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy will return as the Showdown Musical Director.

Tickets to the show, which begins at 7:00PM, are free and open to the public. Tickets can be picked up at the Ryman's box office or by calling (615) 889-3060.  The one-hour special will be taped for television and air sometime in the spring.

Past local, state and regional winners of the annual Colgate Country Showdown include Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans and Miranda Lambert. For more information on the Colgate Country Showdown, contact your local radio station or visit their website here.

Rimes' current single, 'Crazy Women,' is at radio now. Look for her upcoming album, 'Lady and Gentleman,' to hit stores later this year.