Morgan Evans from Newcastle was tonight announced the 2007 Telstra Road to Tamworth Grand Final winner and is off to Nashville to record his first single. Morgan follows in the footsteps of the inaugural Telstra Road to Tamworth winner and Australian Idol runner-up, Jessica Mauboy.
Singing before a crowd of over 1500, Morgan was selected as the overall winner after wowing the judges with two of his own songs, including ‘There’s no time’.
Morgan thanked the sponsors and judges before dedicating his win to his grandparents.
“I’m super-stoked,” he said. “Grandpa, it’s for you mate. One of my biggest supports was my Nan, and I’d also like to dedicate this to her”.
A performance from Jessica Mauboy was just one of the highlights in an entertainment extravaganza which saw the top eight grand finalists battle it out for top honours.
The Grand Final was held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre and webcast live to thousands of country music enthusiasts across Australia and overseas. Two international judges joined a panel of local industry officials live online to determine the outcome.
Briana Lee from Kialla will also head to Nashville as part of the Songwriter’s Encouragement Award. Judges recognised Briana Lee’s song writing skills and awarded her the highly sought after package which includes appointments with top American country music songwriters.
For the main prize package, Morgan sang alongside seven other grand finalists who initially qualified for the finals series after winning their hometown heat. Around 700 singers from across the nation entered the competition.
Telstra Country Wide Group Managing Director, Mr Geoff Booth, said the competition provided a way for young country music hopefuls to live out their musical dreams.
“The competition just gets better every year and the depth of talent it is uncovering shows that the country music genre has a bright future in this country.
“We are so excited to have uncovered another up and coming star through the program and look forward to following his career closely,” he said.
The package of prizes Morgan will take home from the competition includes:
* A single recorded and produced in Nashville through Sony BMG Australia and the CMA;
* A return economy airfare to Nashville, USA with living and accommodation expenses;
* A performance on the Riverstage at CMA Music Festival/Fanfair in Nashville;
* A performance at the Global Artist Showcase in Nashville;
* Publicity of performances in Nashville by leading PR company AristoMedia;
* Two Gold Pass Tickets to CMA Music Festival/Fanfair 2007 in Nashville;
* One year’s Sterling Membership to CMA America;
* A video clip produced by Rob Potts Entertainment Edge and played on the Country Music Channel shown on Austar and Foxtel pay TV;
* Two paid professional live performances organised through leading Country Music agency, Rob Potts Entertainment Edge;
* A Maton EM325C acoustic guitar, including case, fitted with AP5 professional pre-amp;
* A professional photo shoot with stylist to the value of $1500;
* A paid performance at Fanfest in Tamworth in 2007.
The Songwriter’s Encouragement Award winner receives a return economy airfare to Nashville, seven nights accommodation, a daily allowance and song writing appointments for five days.
The Grand Final concert included performances from special guests Jessica Mauboy, Adam Harvey, the Telstra Road to Tamworth ambassador, and last year’s competition winner, Nick Kingswell.
Telstra Media Contact:
Alix Varley
0413 838 404
Javelin Australia:
Harriett McCardell
0421 446 910
