The Best New Nashville Winning Artists

Congratulations and thank you to all of the Best New Nashville artists!

You voted and Adrianna Freeman is your choice for the next great new sound in country music!

Grand Prize: Adrianna Freeman
$3,000 with a chance to open a show for a national touring country act

Adrianna, a native of Tallahassee, Florida, gave her first performances at the local farmer’s market, donning a yellow can-can dress and ribbons in her hair. Adrianna grew up with country music and spent her childhood singing in church and at county fairs, belting out powerful songs. In her early career, Adrianna worked overseas with missionary organization Teen Mania. It was there that she realized the healing and joy her voice could bring to others.

Realizing that she had to do more with what God had given her; Adrianna chose to pursue a professional music career. Adrianna began working with Teddy Gentry as her mentor and producer in 2007, when she recorded her first master scale record. With faith and the determination of generations before her, Adrianna walks what she knows is the right path.

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First Prize: Chip Davis
$1,500

Chip Davis, born in West Virginia, was blessed with a rare musical ability. At the age of five, he began playing piano by ear, and by twelve he was writing his own songs. The son of a pastor, Chip grew up listening to country, gospel, and bluegrass, but managed to sneak in a steady diet of the Beatles and Motown. His great love for music led him to Nashville, and, after many tries, Chip began his career at the Opryland Hotel, performing in the trio Texana.

Chip quickly established himself in Nashville and has since recorded with and written for many country music icons, including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly Parton. Chip continues to grow as a performer and songwriter, and is currently a five-time nominee in songwriting for the Dove Country Recorded Song of the Year.

Second Prize: Samantha Landrum
$500

Samantha Landrum comes to us from Laurel, Mississippi. Her love for music began at an early age, performing at her family’s business, Landrum’s Homestead & Village. There, she learned the importance of her faith and family. She brings this, along with the influence of great performers like Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, and Martina McBride, into every aspect of her music and career.

In 2008, Samantha was the Mississippi state winner at the Colgate Country Showdown.  She advanced to the regional competition in Nashville, at the Wild Horse Saloon, where she met Bernard Porter and began her relationship with Porter-Gentry Productions. Samantha has performed in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Crawfish Festival, as well as opening for Joe Nichols and Blake Shelton. She is looking forward to returning to the studio to begin work on upcoming projects.

Remaining nine artists receive 10 gold cards each – $250 for each artist