Keith Urban Picks ‘Green’ Singer as Opening Act
Mississippi native Brandon Green now knows what it feels like to be handpicked by Keith Urban. The current Grammy Male Country Vocal Performance winner selected Brandon from 6,000 submissions as the Guitar Center's Your Next Record Unsigned Artist Competition winner for his song, 'Love Lovin' You.'
"It was extraordinary to hear so many gifted artists submit their creations to this project," Keith said. "It was no easy task trying to narrow it down, and quite frankly I could've chosen a dozen easily. From solo singers and players to duos, trios, bands, it was amazing to hear so much great talent. But I heard something in Brandon's voice that resonated with me. An authentic blend of confidence and vulnerability that made me want to hear more. So I look forward to doing just that."
Brandon, who currently resides in Nashville, will now appear on the opening slot of one of Keith's Get Closer 2011 World Tour dates, record a three-song EP with producer Dann Huff and receive $20,000 in music gear and endorsements from Gibson, D'Addario, Evans and Planet Waves.
"Keith Urban is my icon," says Brandon. "It's cool that Guitar Center actually put this out there for small artists -- to little people like us to actually have a chance to do big things. I don't really know of anyone else that does that, or of any other companies that partner with people and do that."
This isn't the first brush with fame for Brandon, who appeared on Season 7 of 'American Idol' for a short time. In addition to his other prizes, Brandon will also be joined on the recording by Keith, who he had in mind when writing 'Love Lovin' You.' Brandon's single from the project will also be featured on iTunes.
The competition included eight weeks of peer judging through OurStage.com, before the top 100 artists were chosen. Keith and his creative team took it from there.
Keith was just in Los Angeles to attend the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, where he won the Best Male Country Vocal Performance title for ''Til Summer Comes Around.' His 'Get Closer' tour hits the road June 16 in Mobile, Ala., with Jake Owen opening the show. Get a complete list of dates here.
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