HAMMOND, La. (AP) - Hammond’s own country star Todd O’Neill will soon be writing and recording music with Big Machine Records.
After winning Nash Next 2016, O’Neill signed a major-label record deal with the company.
“This is such a window for me opportunity actually,” he said. “It’s definitely going to change my future.”
Although a specific starting date has not yet been set, O’Neill said Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts will be producing his songs.
“I’m just blessed to be in this awesome opportunity,” he said.
O’Neill heard about this competition a few months back when several friends and family member emailed information within a 24-hour period. “That’s when I knew I had to do it,” he said.
Although this was his first competition, O’Neill made it to the top 10 out of 700-plus entrants.
O’Neill and the other top contestants were invited for the grande finale at Mercy Lounge in Nashville to battle for the prize of recording with Big Machine Records as well as substantial radio play on Cumulus radio stations nationwide.
Each contestant got to perform one song in front of a panel of qualified judges which included Danielle Bradbery, past Voice contestant; Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn; Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts and Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Records
O’Neill performed his original song “I Got Your Number” and blew the judges away.
“I knew I was a contender, but I didn’t expect to win,” he said.”I was very nervous. I hardly ever get nervous because I perform all the time. But being in a competition, it was very nerve racking.”
O’Neill said the judges told him he had individuality and his voice was genuine and unique.
“There were lots of great compliments flying around last night,” he said.
O’Neill thanks the friends, family and fans who voted online to help him make the top 10.
Living in his hometown of Hammond, O’Neill travels to Nashville every other weekend. However, he said he will probably move to Nashville soon.
O’Neill will perform at Boomtown Casino in Harvey on Friday evening and in Gonzales on Saturday for Marc’s Madness to benefit ALS.
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Information from: The Daily Star, https://www.hammondstar.com
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