OurStage

NASHVILLE, TN. (Webster PR) - Country Thunder USA festival officials have announced the 2005 reality web-based talent competition results, otherwise known as the 'Young Guns' competition, and the winner is Chicagoland native Holly Staiton! The dynamic 18 year-old country singer will perform on the mainstage July 22nd at this year's festival, slated for the 1:00 PM performance time. In addition to awarding the contestant with a slot on the line-up, the festival is also proud to present Holly with the grand prize of $3000! After tallying the thousands of votes cast daily for the 50 acts competing for the coveted spot on the Country Thunder USA main stage, Holly Staiton is now slated to open for Reckless Kelly, Billy Currington, Harry Luge, Sara Evans, LeAnn Rimes, and Montgomery Gentry! Held in beautiful Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Country Thunder USA will also include performances from Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Hank Williams Jr., Charlie Daniels, Phil Vassar, ZZ Top, Big & Rich, Terri Clark Lynyrd Skynyrd, LeAnn Rimes, Montgomery Gentry, Darryl Worley, Sara Evans, Joe Nichols, She Daisy, Jamie O'Neal, Julie Roberts, Little Texas, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Warren Brothers, Julie Roberts, Miranda Lambert, Shelly Fairchild, Billy Currington, Josh Gracin, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, George Canyon, Madison County, Jerry King and the Rivertown Ramblers, Big Guitars from Memphis, Harry Luge, Drew Davis Band, Laurie Hayes, and Hello Dave. A native of San Antonio, Texas, Holly moved to the Chicago area in 1990. She began her singing career by leading worship for the church youth group, and performing in various choirs and school musicals. She is currently performing with her own band, "The Holly Staiton Band", and can be found on stage in and around the Northern Illinois area. Her influences are Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, and Faith Hill among others. Her unique musical style is a blend of blues and country. She is currently working on two projects at LSI Studios in Nashville. She can be heard singing on "The Staitons: Carrying On" album, due to be released this summer, and her own solo album, which is in the works and scheduled for release next year. Holly enjoyed brief radio play with the release of her soulful tribute to 9/11, "There's a Canyon in Manhattan", which was released as a single last September, and is on the album, "The Staitons: Carrying On." Holly is attending college in Indiana, where she is majoring in "Vocal Performance.' The Country Thunder USA festival is a five-day event, considered a premiere country music experience, featuring top outdoor camping, food, and arts attracting over 150,000 fans each year. You can see Holly Staiton along with the mega line-up. Promising to deliver mega savings, as mega tickets to the event are at a special sale price when purchased before July 20th—THE MEGA TICKET. Buy a 4-day ticket and get the 5th (Tim McGraw) day FREE! Any 4-Day CTUSA ticket gets you General Admission to the Wednesday show for FREE. CTUSA expects the FIRST SELL OUT EVER in the festival's 12 year history! For additional information on reserved seating, camping, and VIP admission, please call (262) 279-6960 or visit www.countrythunder.com.