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East Texan Heads To Nashville To Sing On National TV

More than 20,000 contestants sang their hearts out to be the next Nashville Star, and for the third time, an East Texan is among the top 10 finalists. In about a month, Casey Rivers of Lindale will be competing on USA's Nashville Star, a country music version of American Idol.

Twenty-three-year-old Casey Rivers has been singing since he was just three-years-old.

"My parents were in a gospel quartet and they traveled around singing and stuff and they would have their rehearsals and stuff," said Casey Rivers. "I was with them everywhere they went." Growing up in East Texas, Casey says it's hard not to love country music.

"It speaks of what we do have here in East Texas," said Casey. "It's good country living and songs about life and that's what I like to write and like to sing." His first audition for the show was last October in Oklahoma City. Casey sang 30 seconds of a cover song, but says he hopes to be able to sing his own songs on national TV

"The first four shows will be cover songs, but if I'm fortunate enough to get past that we'll get to show off some of our original material," said Casey. Next week, Casey will be heading to Nashville to get ready for the show.

"I'm ready for it to happen," said Casey. "I'm not really nervous yet. I'm sure I will be when they draw it in your head, hey millions of viewers are fixen to watch you." East Texas, Casey needs your help because it's the viewers that pick the next Nashville Star.

"If you have a telephone be sure to call and vote Casey Rivers," said Casey.

The first episode of Nashville Star will air on Tuesday, March 14th at 9:00 p.m. on USA. The winner of the show will be awarded a recording contract.

Molly Reuter, reporting. mreuter@kltv.com