Meet the 2013 Texaco Country Showdown Contestants

Kylie grew up in the rodeo scene and has been the Louisiana High School Rodeo Queen and a State Champion Goat Tier. Kylie is hanging up her spurs to pursue her dream as a country music artist. At a very young age, she started out singing the National Anthem at rodeos. Playing the guitar and writing lyrics came natural for Kylie.

Her music ranges from the love of her family to the sassy rebel within, Kylie stays true to herself and to her music. The 18 year old singer/songwriter is packing up for Tennessee to attend Middle Tennessee State University to study Music Business. This cowgirl is riding on faith, hope, and luck, determined to reach the stars.

Cayden is originally from Lafayette but moved to Mt. Juliet, Tennessee at a very young age. This is where his love for country music originated. He lived in Tennessee for nearly twelve years until he and his family moved to Houston to be closer to family.

Cayden currently lives in Duson and will soon pack up to attend LSU in the fall. He acquires his musical talents from his dad, as well as his grandfather, Curzy "Porkchop" Roy, who was a drummer his entire life and is featured in the Cajun Music Hall of Fame.

Lynda was born in Alabama and moved to Louisiana at the age of 10. These two, southern states molded her country voice into something special and unique.

She is now 22 years old and resides in Ponchatoula with her husband of two years. A recent graduate from Southeastern Louisiana and currently works at a local bank. Lynda began singing at the age of 13 and learned the piano at 15 years old. Also, she began songwriting at 17 and playing the guitar shortly after. She enjoys playing local gigs around her hometown. Her musical influences are Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless, and Miranda Lambert.

Kristen was born and raised in Carencro, and is currently attending LSU where she is earning a degree in Business Management. The 20 year old enjoys singing country music and playing the guitar in front of family and friends. She began singing solos in mass when she was in the 6th grade and was a part of her high school choir for three years. Once she started college she was encouraged by friends and family to sing in venues.

The first song she learned on the guitar was "Cowboy Take Me Away" by the Dixie Chicks when she was 16 years old. She is a down-home, country girl who loves her cowboy boots and horses. She is excited to get on stage and sing for the Showdown!

Learning to play the guitar became second nature for Brandon. He enjoys playing for his church because he can really wind down, relax, and sing from his heart. He recently just started singing and enjoys what country music has to offer.

He believes a good voice paired with a couple chords can do some great things. Some of his musical influences are Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and George Strait.

Lakeyn is 17 years old and recently graduated from Comeaux High School. She will begin the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the fall. Music has always been a big part of her life. She began teaching herself how to play the guitar at the age of 13.

She enjoys creating her own music and is ready to share it with the world. She is excited for her first-time, live performance at the Showdown.

Airelle has been singing and writing music since she was a little girl. When she writes music, it is normally about people, things around her, or experiences she has been through.

She has performed in front of a live audience a couple times before, but has not been given the chance to sing her own, original songs. Her songs illustrate her life through her lyrics.

Courtney Savoie is 24 years old and she began performing with local bands and modeling at the age of 9. She would love to make a career out of her passion for music one day. Her 2 year old son is her inspiration and whole world.

Ashlee is a 16 year old, junior at Delcambre High School. She has been singing since she was 6 years old and became a member of Louisiana Kids and Valarie's Vocal Studio where she matured into a young woman who can work the stage.

Ashlee is a small town girl with big city dreams. She continues to follow those dreams in hopes to have a successful music career one day.

J'Leigh's roots are nestled along the scenic, beautiful banks of Bayou Lafourche. The 18 year old has overcome and accomplished a wide range of personal goals from the age of 9.

She led off her career by entering local singing competitions and has worked her way to the national level where she performed before celebrity judges in Hollywood, CA, as well as the millions that tune into watch

Her musical influences, across a broad spectrum, range from Patsy Cline, Billy Holiday, Ray LaMontagne, Steve Wonder, and Chris Cornell. Her drive is pioneered by Bob Marley's quote: "Love the life you live, live the life you love."

Cody became interested in music at an early age. He learned the keyboard and piano when he was seven years old, and taught himself how to play the guitar in junior high. He won his first music contest by singing and playing to Jason Aldean's "Big Green Tractor."

Cody began performing everywhere: local restaurants, bars, talent shows, schools, and even private parties. He recently began writing his own music; singing about big trucks, mud riddin', and gettin' dirty. His musical influences are Jason Aldean and Brantley Gilbert.