Country Showcase Winner to Perform at CMA Fest
- Zach Watkins
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Despite a week of icy weather, the Fisher Center radiated warmth as Country Showcase gathered fans for a night of shared songs and country tradition.
The four performers, rae, Sage Autumn, Solo Lowit and Carlisle Wright took the stage Saturday, competing for a spot in the Best Of The Best Showcase and a chance to perform at CMA Fest in the summer.
For the performers, this was a dream opportunity.
“I feel like I've always dreamed about seeing a stage like this, an audience like this, and it's like my dream is coming alive right now,” said Lowit.
The performers got three songs each before the judges could decide on a winner.
From honky-tonk anthems to songs mourning the loss of a childhood home, the array of themes and sounds present covered a wide variety of country sub-genres and showed the depth the genre holds.
Belmont alum duo Tigirlily Gold, featuring their full band of Belmont alumni, performed as the deliberation act.
In between their songs, the duo reminded students that those they meet at Belmont will go on to be coworkers in the music industry and to never close off opportunities.
“Going to college here… This group of people you are going to meet, you are going to work with these people for 20, 30, 40 years, however long it is. So don't burn bridges,” said Kendra Slaubaugh.
Slaubaugh even pulled Country Showcase producer Madalynn Abele on stage to celebrate the students who put the show together.
In the end, Carlisle Wright took home the win and a slot to perform at CMA Fest, and promised to bring back country music and honor the country legends that came before her.
“Thank you to my incredible band, the bolts behind me, and a huge thank you to each and every one of you all for being here tonight. Couldn't have a show without you… especially after the week that we've had,” said Wright.
This article was written by Zach Watkins
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