GEORGIA NATIVE KURT THOMAS TALKS ABOUT HIS “MUSIC CITY MADNESS” VICTORY WHEN “UNPLUGGED AT STUDIO 330” PREMIERES TUESDAY, APRIL 21 AT CMT.COM
04/20/09
NASHVILLE – April 17, 2009 – Live from CMT’s Nashville studio, Kurt Thomas opens up about his MUSIC CITY MADNESS win and performs an acoustic set when UNPLUGGED AT STUDIO 330 premieres exclusively on CMT.com on Tuesday, April 21. The set includes his winning song “Follow Your Lead” about his wife, mother and first-born son. He credits family and the support of his hometown Dahlonega, Ga. for much of his success. Even though Thomas performs locally in Atlanta five nights a week, his recent success is still new territory.
“I’m nervous but tickled to death to get to do it,” said Thomas. “I want to soak it all in and not miss a minute of it; just ride the wave while it’s here.”
Thomas says he is happy with the outcome of his performance and describes his experience on set as a “dream come true.”
“There were so many cameras and so many people, it was like being on a Hollywood set,” Thomas explained. “I’m very pleased with how everything went.”
For a sneak peek of Kurt Thomas on CMT.com’s UNPLUGGED AT STUDIO 330, go to:
http://www.cmt.com/videos/misc/366684/unplugged-at-studio-330-sneak-peek.jhtml
Country music’s first user-generated talent search, MUSIC CITY MADNESS offers undiscovered singer/songwriters a chance to showcase their talent and let fans decide who takes home the prize in the online battle of the bands. Since its launch, the contest has expanded to include a special televised episode of CMT TOP 20 COUNTDOWN recapping the finalists. Warner Bros. Records served as the official record label, while Chevrolet returned for a second year as the official online and on-air sponsor. More than 20 million votes were cast at CMT.com to name Thomas the winner.
MUSIC CITY MADNESS returns with a fourth season in July.
UNPLUGGED AT STUDIO 330 features established country stars and rising artists in a “stripped down” performance series filmed exclusively for CMT.com. Since its launch in 2005, the series has premiered over 100 episodes including recent performances by Jamey Johnson, Colbie Caillat, Jake Owen, Joey & Rory and Randy Houser.
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CMT, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 88 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.
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