Nashville Star

Who are the twelve finalists?

Remember, thousands auditioned all across the country for these twelve coveted finalist positions. The twelve finalists are comprised of:

Four Texans, Three Tennesseans, Two Californians One Kentuckian, One New Yorker, and One Arizonian, although most of the twelve originated from other states.

Texas has given us:

1. Kristen Kissling
   22 year-old preschool teacher
   Singing style is contemporary pop country
   Currently resides in Austin, Texas originally from Topeka, Kansas
   
   
2. Miranda Lambert
   19 year-old singer-songwriter
   On tour with her band
   Resides in Lindale, Texas, originally from Lindale, Texas
   
   
3. John Arthur Martinez
   41 year-old owner of a small record label
   Sings traditional and classical country
   Resides in Marble Falls, Texas, originally from Marble Falls, Texas
   
   
4. Prentiss Varnon
   22 year-old who works at his family owned business. Sings traditional country style
   Resides in Uvalde, Texas, originally from Uvalde, Texas
   

Tennessee has given us

1. Anne Louise Blythe
   24 year-old waitress
   Chasing her dreams in Nashville. Currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, originally from San Lorenzo, California
   
   
2. Amy Chappell
   27 year-old singer/songwriter. Sings in small venues in the Nashville area
   Currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, originally from Hutchinson, Kansas
   
   
3. Buddy Jewell
   41 year-old professional demo singer
   Sings traditional country blended with contemporary
   Currently resides in Antioch, Tennessee, originally from Osceola, Arkansas
   

California has given us

1. Travis Howard
   32 year-old singer/songwriter
   Had a traditional Southern upbringing
   Currently resides in Los Angeles, CA, originally from Chalybeate, Georgia
   
   
2. Brandon Silveira
   24 year-old farmer and songwriter
   Sings with a classic country voice.
   Resides in Hanford, California, originally from Hanford, California
   

Arizona has given us

1. Tasha Valentine
   21-year-old part-time Patsy Cline impersonator
   Sings traditional country style
   Currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico
   

New York has given us

1. Jamey Garner
   32 year-old performer
   Sings a new country sound
   Currently resides in New York City, New York originally from Chester, Illinois.
   

Kentucky has given us

1. Brandi Gibson
   21year-old emergency dispatch operator
   A 4-H alumnus and current volunteer
   Resides in Arlington, Kentucky originally from Arlington, Kentucky
   

Whether or not the winner reaches the pinnacle of country music stardom, this is a national once in a lifetime opportunity for one lucky person. There are many musicians that live and perform right here in Nashville, for years and years, that never even get close to this type of visibility or opportunity.