NASHVILLE – Erika Jo (search), an 18-year-old Tennessee high school student, became the first female and youngest winner of USA Network's "Nashville Star" (search).
More than 10 million viewers cast votes Tuesday night during the show's third season finale. The other finalists were Jason Meadows, 33, who grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, and Jody Evans, 28, a police officer in Arkadelphia, Ark.
Jo, of Mount Juliet, won a recording contract with Universal South Records and an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
"Can you believe that just last weekend I was at my prom? And now here I am with a record deal and an album to record in the next month," Jo said. "I'll barely be done in time for finals and graduation!"
Her debut album will be released June 14.
Previous winners were Brad Cotter (search) and Buddy Jewell (search).
"Nashville Star" combines country music with reality television by placing contestants in a wired house on Music Row (search). Cameras capture their daily interaction and weekly live performances, which are judged by viewers and industry professionals.
Jo's debut album will be released June 14.
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