Colgate Country Showdown Application Deadline Approaching 

The Colgate Country Showdown will be Held by KBEL 96.7 at the 9th Annual Valliant Watermelon Festival. The deadline for all showdown applications is Friday, July 23rd. Applications can be picked up at the KBEL 96.7 radio station at 813 E. Lincoln Rd. Idabel, OK 74745, or call (580) 286- 6642 for more information.

The Showdown is open to vocal and/or instrumental performers, individuals, or groups of up to seven members who have not performed on a record listed in the national record charts of Billboard, Radio and Records, or The Gavin Report within eighteen months preceding local competition.

There is a $15 entry fee per act and all contestants must begin their competition by performing at showdowns produced by participating country music radio stations like KBEL.

The winner at the Valliant Watermelon Festival Showdown will win $500. The winner will advance to their respective State competitions held at leading fairs and expositions. Acts then compete for a $1,000 prize, the State Title and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional Finals. It’s the last step before the prestigious National Final held at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The audience cheers on the Regional Winners, as they compete for the Grand Prize of $100,000 and the National Title.

A uniform judging system on all levels of competition ensures fairness.

No online entries.  

Over the years, stars such as Garth Brooks, Sara Evans & Brad Paisley have competed in the Country Showdown. At the 1983 National Final, Martina McBride & Neal McCoy competed against one another, only to lose to The Jim Arnold Band. In 1985, Sweethearts Of The Rodeo won the National Final before becoming one of country music's hottest duos.

The Colgate Country Showdown begins each spring with over 450 local talent contests sponsored by country music radio stations throughout the US.

For more information contact KBEL 9.67 at (580) 286-6642 or visit www.colgatecountryshowdown.com