NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 26, 2007) - Megan Peeler has won the 25th Annual Colgate Country Showdown. The televised event, held at the historic Ryman Auditorium was hosted by LeAnn Rimes. The winner was presented with a $100,000 Grand Prize check and the title, "Best New Act in Country Music".

Megan Peeler began studying music at the age of 7 and went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Appalachian State University, earning her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. The singer/songwriter is trained in classical piano, guitar and voice. Peeler rediscovered her love of performing while working as a Board-Certified Music Therapist in various hospitals, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing homes in North Carolina and Ohio. She has entertained audiences at Cheeseburger in Paradise in Ashville, North Carolina and Howl At the Moon Piano Improvisation Bar in Cleveland, Ohio. Currently, Peeler is performing with the band Out of the Blue at Coyote Joe's in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The five contestants were judged on the following criteria: vocal/instrumental ability, originality of performance, stage presence/charisma and talent. The finalists performed in front of a panel of industry veterans - Fletcher Foster (Sr. VP and GM of Universal South), Brian Mansfield (USA Today Nashville Correspondent), Tracy Gershon (VP of A&R Warner Bros. Nashville). Rod Essig (Creative Artist Agency) and Beverly Keel (Tennessean). 

Many of today's top country artists have competed in the past local, state, regional and National competitions, including Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans, Montgomery Gentry

Each year the competition begins in the spring with more than 450 country radio stations producing live shows  to find the best new talent in their market. These winners advance to state and then regional competitions throughout the summer and fall.

The 25th Annual Colgate Country Showdown National Final, one-hour special- will air nationwide, over syndicated television in April, with a second airing to follow on Great American Country(GAC) in May. For local broadcast information visit the Colgate Country Showdown website at www.countryshowdown.com.

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