Jesse Ritter: Your NASH Next Winner
• Jessie Ritter from Fort Walton Beach, FL was declared the winner of Cumulus Media’s 4th annual NASH Next competition in search for America’s newest Country star. The final competition event featured live performances from the top ten national finalists, and a special performance by Radio Romance, last year’s NASH Next winner, whose single “Weekend” rose to the Top 40 on the Country Airplay charts.
Ritter was selected by a panel of Country music pros, including Jimmy Harnen, BMLG Records President/EVP BMLG; Dann Huff, record producer and guitarist; veteran Country music journalist Cindy Watts and Terri Clark, platinum Country artist and host of Country Gold. And as the big winner, Ritter will receive national radio airplay on Cumulus radio stations and a recording contract with Nash Next Records under the Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) umbrella.
Harnen remarked, “Jessie is just so darn likeable! Incredibly refreshing and in a complete lane of her own. We look forward to making an amazing record with her at Big Machine.” Commenting on her life-changing experience, Ritter, said, “I’m very excited and blessed for this opportunity. God has given me patience and strength throughout this entire process and I’m humbled to be crowned the NASH Nextwinner. This is where I’m meant to be and I can’t wait for the adventure that lies ahead!”
Mike McVay, EVP Programming and Content, Cumulus Radio Station Group and Westwood One, commented, “Radio leads the way when it comes to music discovery. NASH Nextgenuinely discovers new artists, enables all of the contestants to be heard and allows the winners to take advantage of an amazing opportunity to have their music backed by a major label as well as played nationally on the radio.” Pictured, (l-r): Jimmy Harnen, Cindy Watt, Jessie Ritter, Terri Clark and Dann Huff.
