USA NETWORK'S 'REAL COUNTRY' ANNOUNCES CONTESTANTS; SETS STAGECOACH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL AND GRAND OLE OPRY WINNER PERFORMANCES
-- New Series Featuring Shania Twain, Jake Owen and Travis Tritt
To Debut Tuesday, November 13 --
NEW YORK, NY – October 30, 2018 – Today, USA Network revealed the 21 artists competing in its new music showcase series REAL COUNTRY and the prizing they will be vying for. Set to premiere November 13 at 10/9, each contestant was hand-selected by the show’s permanent panel of artists – five-time GRAMMY Award®-winning trailblazer Shania Twain, platinum-selling singer-songwriter Jake Owen and GRAMMY Award®-winning music legend Travis Tritt.
In every episode, three artists will compete for $10,000, a performance at Stagecoach – California’s Country Music Festival, and a spot in the grand finale where they will then vie for a chance to win $100,000 and a highly coveted performance at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry, which has been a launching pad for many of today’s top country superstars.
The 21 artists include:
SHANIA TWAIN’S PICKS:
Billie Jo
Hometown: Emory, Texas
Social: Twitter: @billiejotxmusic /Instagram: @billiejotxmusic
Fun Facts: Billie Jo is a singer, songwriter and recording artist blending traditional country vocals with honest songs. She is on the cusp of success after winning numerous local singing competitions. While she is extremely passionate about her music career, Billie Jo’s most important role is being a mother to her four children.
The Davisson Brothers Band
Hometown: Harrison County, West Virginia
Social: Twitter: @davissonbroband /Instagram: @davissonbros
Fun Facts: The Davisson Brothers Band has been hailed as Rolling Stone Country’s “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know” and have had a massively successful #1 hit in Australia with their single “Po’ Boyz.” Two of the members of the band are brothers and within their family they have 133 musically inclined first cousins.
Kylie Frey
Hometown: Opelousas, Louisiana
Social: Twitter: @kyliefrenchfrey /Instagram: @kyliefrenchfrey
Fun Facts: A former rodeo queen with multiple championships, Frey had a passion for music at a young age. When she was in kindergarten, she dressed up as Shania Twain for career day and never looked back. Frey has a nationally recognized single, “Too Bad,” featuring Randy Rogers and produced by the Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award winning Paul Worley, and her debut album included two Top 10’s and her first #1, “Rodeo Man,” on Texas Regional Radio Report Charts.
Riley Thompson
Hometown: Mabank, Texas
Social: Instagram: @rileythompsonmusic
Fun Facts: At just 15-years-old, Thompson is fresh on the music scene with a unique voice necessary to the country music genre today. Thompson’s most notable experience to date has been competing in the Texas Music City Songwriter Competition where she finished in the top five with two of her songs written in the same week they were performed.
Tiera
Hometown: Gardendale, Alabama
Social: Twitter: @tieramusic /Instagram: @tieramusic
Fun Facts: With a rich and soulful voice, Tiera taught herself how to play guitar at 13-years-old using online tutorials. From that moment on, she began to play at local festivals across the state and eventually in Nashville, including at the iconic Bluebird Café.
Micah Woods
Hometown: Murrieta, California
Social: Twitter: @micahtwoods /Instagram: @micahtwoods
Fun Facts: The moment Woods discovered powerhouse vocalists such as Dolly Parton at a young age, he was immediately drawn to music and found his passion in life. As fate would have it, he was performing at a hotel in New York City when Shania Twain heard him and selected him to perform on the show.
The Young Fables
Hometown: Maryville, Tennessee
Social: Twitter: @theyoungfables /Instagram: @theyoungfablesofficial
Fun Facts: The Young Fables are an award-winning modern traditional country duo comprised of Laurel Wright and Wes Lunsford. The duo has appeared with country stars Lauren Alaina, Josh Turner, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, The Charlie Daniels Band and more. In 2018, the duo released their sophomore record, produced by the Grammy Award winning Mitch Dane, to critical acclaim.
JAKE OWEN’S PICKS:
ADAIRS RUN
Hometown: Salem, Virginia and Princeton, West Virginia
Social: Twitter: @Adairsrun_music /Instagram: @adairsrun_music
Fun Facts: This duo was formed in 2009 by Todd Hanchock and Pat Pollifrone and began their musical journey in acoustic dive bars and local festivals across West Virginia and neighboring states. Over the years they have grown to find success opening for and playing with Brett Michaels, Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line. With big personalities and a great sense of humor, Adairs Run highlights the authenticity of storytelling and the grit of rock-and-roll.
Jaida Dreyer
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Social: Twitter: @jaidadreyer /Instagram: @jaidadreyer
Fun Facts: Dreyer is currently one of Nashville's most sought after co-writers. Her eclectic writing style has had her penning songs across genres and for multiple hit television shows, including “Nashville.” She recently celebrated a multi-week #1 writing Luke Bryan’s “Home Alone Tonight” featuring Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild.
Larry Fleet
Hometown: White Bluff, Tennessee
Social: Twitter: @Lfleet /Instagram: @larry_fleet_music
Fun Facts: Influenced by traditional sounds, Fleet grew up listening to gospel, bluegrass and country. By the age of seven he was invited to perform at the world famous Ryman Auditorium, where he played guitar in a Bluegrass group. A full time electrician, Fleet was discovered by Jake while he was out on tour, and he immediately knew he needed him on this show.
Jamie Floyd
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Social: Twitter: @jamiefloydmusic /Instagram: @jamiefloyd
Fun Facts: Floyd was signed to a record deal at 11-years-old before moving to Nashville. Currently, she writes music for other recording artists, film and television during the day all while waiting tables at night. As her own independent publisher, Floyd wrote “The Blade,” a duet between Ashley Monroe & Miranda Lambert, which served as the title track of Monroe’s Grammy nominated album – making her a “Grammy Nominated Waitress.”
Savannah Keyes
Hometown: Sandy, Utah
Social: Twitter: @SavannahKeyes /Instagram: @SavannahKeyesMusic
Fun Facts: When Keyes was 13-years-old she appeared on The Ellen Degeneres show and has grown into a successful country/pop artist. Keyes is a radio host and correspondent for Radio Disney Country, and last year she teamed up with Taylor Guitars and American Girl Doll as a spokesperson for the new Taylor Guitar built for their singer/songwriter doll, Tenney Grant.
Frank Ray
Hometown: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Social: Twitter: @frankraymusic /Instagram: @frankraymusic
Fun Facts: A former police officer, Ray left the force after 10 years of service to pursue his music career full time. A triple-threat songwriter, singer and guitarist, Ray wrote all the songs on his debut EP, which has spawned two top-ten hits on Texas Country Radio.
Regan Stewart
Hometown: Auburn, Alabama
Social: Instagram: @reganstewart
Fun Facts: Stewart has been immersed in the music world her entire life. She began writing songs at 8-years-old and quickly made a name for herself in Nashville when she joined the female-driven songwriter’s showcase, Song Suffragettes, which has led to her being featured in Rolling Stone, Taste of Country, CMT and many others. Her unique voice has the potential to infuse a new style into the country music genre.
TRAVIS TRITT’S PICKS:
Bri Bagwell
Hometown: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Social: Twitter: @bribagwell /Instagram: @bribagwell
Fun Facts: Bagwell has grit, passion, perseverance and talent. After touring with her band - "The Banned" - over 180 days per year for seven years, this six-time Texas Regional Radio Female Vocalist of the Year has continued to grow her grass-roots and begun to earn the respect of her peers in the Nashville music scene.
Social: Twitter: @bribagwell /Instagram: @bribagwell
Fun Facts: Bagwell has grit, passion, perseverance and talent. After touring with her band - "The Banned" - over 180 days per year for seven years, this six-time Texas Regional Radio Female Vocalist of the Year has continued to grow her grass-roots and begun to earn the respect of her peers in the Nashville music scene.
Scooter Brown
Hometown: Littleton, Colorado
Social: Twitter: @ScooterBrownBND/Instagram: @ScooterBrownBND
Fun Facts: Brown is an American singer-songwriter. After four years in the Marine Corps with two tours overseas, he moved to Texas to pursue music before leaving for Nashville. Brown now tours across the country, headlining and opening for acts like The Charlie Daniels Band and The Marshall Tucker Band, among many others. He is a father of four children, and adopted his two youngest. Brown uses his music platform to advocate for veterans and adoption.
Social: Twitter: @ScooterBrownBND/Instagram: @ScooterBrownBND
Fun Facts: Brown is an American singer-songwriter. After four years in the Marine Corps with two tours overseas, he moved to Texas to pursue music before leaving for Nashville. Brown now tours across the country, headlining and opening for acts like The Charlie Daniels Band and The Marshall Tucker Band, among many others. He is a father of four children, and adopted his two youngest. Brown uses his music platform to advocate for veterans and adoption.
Copper Chief
Hometown: Mineral Wells, Muenster, and Richmond, Texas
Social: Twitter: @copperchief /Instagram: @copperchief
Fun Facts: Copper Chief is a central Texas band with deep roots and even deeper brotherhood consisting of three country artists – Mike Valliere, Rio Tripiano and Justin Lusk. Their passion for music runs deep as they all gave up their day jobs, including being a lawyer, to pursue this dream. Since the release of their debut self-titled album - “Copper Chief” - the guys have been burning a path all across Texas and the surrounding states to steadily growing crowds.
Social: Twitter: @copperchief /Instagram: @copperchief
Fun Facts: Copper Chief is a central Texas band with deep roots and even deeper brotherhood consisting of three country artists – Mike Valliere, Rio Tripiano and Justin Lusk. Their passion for music runs deep as they all gave up their day jobs, including being a lawyer, to pursue this dream. Since the release of their debut self-titled album - “Copper Chief” - the guys have been burning a path all across Texas and the surrounding states to steadily growing crowds.
Tony Jackson
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Social: Twitter: @tjacksoncountry /Instagram: @tonyjacksonmusic
Fun Facts: A former marine, Jackson fell in love with country music as a young man after seeing Randy Travis perform on an army base in Spain. He is a true singer/songwriter with a passion for the traditional country music sound. His original music reaches millions of fans across his social channels, with his George Jones tribute hitting over 38 million views.
Social: Twitter: @tjacksoncountry /Instagram: @tonyjacksonmusic
Fun Facts: A former marine, Jackson fell in love with country music as a young man after seeing Randy Travis perform on an army base in Spain. He is a true singer/songwriter with a passion for the traditional country music sound. His original music reaches millions of fans across his social channels, with his George Jones tribute hitting over 38 million views.
Dave Kennedy
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Social: Twitter: @davekennedyjr /Instagram: @davekennedymusic
Fun Facts: With a voice like a runaway freight train, Kennedy has been a singer/songwriter for nearly a decade and has influences of both old and new country, mixed with a little rock-and-roll. Although his wife and daughter keep him longing for home, Kennedy recently toured with country artist Drake White and is starting to work on his first full-length solo album.
Social: Twitter: @davekennedyjr /Instagram: @davekennedymusic
Fun Facts: With a voice like a runaway freight train, Kennedy has been a singer/songwriter for nearly a decade and has influences of both old and new country, mixed with a little rock-and-roll. Although his wife and daughter keep him longing for home, Kennedy recently toured with country artist Drake White and is starting to work on his first full-length solo album.
Cody Purvis
Hometown: Charlottesville, Virginia
Social: Twitter: @CodyPurvisMusic /Instagram: @codypurvismusic
Fun Facts: Following in the country music footsteps of his parents, Purvis is a more traditional singer who is influenced by a myriad of country music legends. He moved to Nashville when he was 15-years-old and has opened for the likes of Trace Adkins and Darius Rucker. He has performed at the historic Ryman Auditorium and is doing everything he can to grind in Music City in order to get his big break.
Social: Twitter: @CodyPurvisMusic /Instagram: @codypurvismusic
Fun Facts: Following in the country music footsteps of his parents, Purvis is a more traditional singer who is influenced by a myriad of country music legends. He moved to Nashville when he was 15-years-old and has opened for the likes of Trace Adkins and Darius Rucker. He has performed at the historic Ryman Auditorium and is doing everything he can to grind in Music City in order to get his big break.
Porter Union
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Social: Twitter: @porterunion /Instagram: @porterunion
Fun Facts: Porter Union, led by husband and wife Cole Michael Porter and Kendra Porter, met singing karaoke. They are two old souls who’ve spent the last decade traveling the country together playing their music everywhere from dive bars and honky tonks to festivals and theaters.
Social: Twitter: @porterunion /Instagram: @porterunion
Fun Facts: Porter Union, led by husband and wife Cole Michael Porter and Kendra Porter, met singing karaoke. They are two old souls who’ve spent the last decade traveling the country together playing their music everywhere from dive bars and honky tonks to festivals and theaters.
From Wilshire Studios, the eight-part series has Twain, Nicolle Yaron, Stijn Bakkers and Leslie Garvin set to executive produce.
For more information on REAL COUNTRY or the artists, please visit http://www.usanetwork.com/realcountry.
About USA Network:
USA Network, the leader in cable entertainment, offers a powerful stable of dramatic, comedic and unscripted originals in more than 102 million U.S. homes. The network also features spectacular live television, a dynamic portfolio of acquired series and the best in blockbuster theatrical films and entertainment events. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV. USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. USA’s award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com. Watch USA Network anywhere: On Demand, online or across mobile and connected TVs.
About Wilshire Studios:
Wilshire Studios develops and produces a diverse slate of original unscripted programming for multiple platforms, aligning with award-winning producers and innovative storytellers to create compelling content that explores reality through a variety of formats. From E!’s signature “Live from the Red Carpet,” USA Network’s “The Cromarties” and Oxygen’s “Mysteries and Scandals,” to “The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell” for Netflix, “Real Country” for USA, “Unspeakable Crime: The Killing of Jessica Chambers” for Oxygen and of “The E!’s People’s Choice Awards,” Wilshire Studios produces series that are informative, revealing, thrilling and entertaining. Wilshire Studios is part of the NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment portfolio.
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