Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

February 15, 2007 issue

ASU Grad Wins the 25th Anniversary Colgate Country Showdown

Former Music Therapy Major Takes Home $100,000 Grand Prize

Story by David Brewer

American Idol isn’t the only music-themed TV show where talented North Carolinians are making their mark. On January 25, ASU graduate Megan Peeler won the 25th Annual Colgate Country Showdown, the nation’s biggest and longest-running country music talent search.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, Peeler graduated magna cum laude from the Hayes School of Music in 2005. The singer-songwriter is trained in classical piano, guitar and voice.

The Colgate Country Showdown is designed to find the most promising country music talent in America and to give these performers a chance to launch their professional music careers. The contest begins each spring with more than 450 local talent contests sponsored by country music radio stations throughout the United States. Winners advance to their respective state competitions held at leading fairs and expositions.

Peeler’s journey to the finals in Nashville began in July of 2006 when she won the local contest in West Jefferson sponsored by WKSK 580 AM. Following victories at the state and the Southeastern regional competitions, Peeler took the stage at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, competing against four other finalists from around the country.

All participants are judged on five core criteria: marketability in country music, vocal/instrumental ability, originality of performance, stage presence/charisma and talent. Observing Peeler and the other contestants was a panel of seasoned music industry executives.

Peeler earned the title of Best New Act in Country Music and the grand prize of $100,000 after performing an original song entitled “Damsel In Distress” and Waylon Jennings’ classic “The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don’t Want to Get Over You).”

According to Peeler, watching her reaction in a recording made by her father was a little less than glamorous.

“My arms were flailing, I just looked awful,” said Peeler.

While winning the competition was an incredible achievement for the Shelby, N.C. native, Peeler relished the opportunity to take center stage in country music’s most hallowed hall.

“I got to stand on that stage that so many other country music legends have stood on,” said Peeler. “That’s win-win whether you win or not.”

The ASU grad also noted that the victory was even more meaningful because she was able to perform a song she wrote, a feat almost never attempted on other talent shows.

Currently, Peeler is performing with the band Out of the Blue at Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte, writing new material and focusing on taking advantage of her victory. Though Peeler could be bound for stardom, she has no intentions of forgetting her training at ASU.

“I feel like I’ll always be a musical therapist, but right now I’m focusing more on the music industry,” said Peeler.

The Colgate Country Showdown boasts a star-studded roster of former local and regional winners including Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans and Montgomery Gentry.

Hosted by country music star Leann Rimes, the Colgate Country Showdown one-hour finale special will air nationwide in April. For more info, click to www.countryshowdown.com.