Next country star may come from Aiken
5/13/2008 11:08 PM   1 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

By RACHEL JOHNSON Staff writer
Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, the 43rd Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM) are set to be held on Sunday in Las Vegas. This year country musicians like Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Alison Krauss, Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride will be joined by Aiken's own Maryann E. Brewer.
Brewer sang her way into the hearts of loyal listeners of Kicks Country 99 and viewers of WRDW News 12 who voted and agreed with a panel of judges that she has what it takes to make it to Vegas. Brewer was announced as the winner on the morning of May 3 on WRDW.
"I woke up at 5:30 that morning and at 5:45 I heard them announce my name. I started screaming, then I cried. I woke my husband up and called my mom. We screamed on the phone together," said Brewer from her Aiken residence.
She along with approximately 25 others entered the local contest sponsored by WRDW and Kicks 99. Brewer who has been singing since she was a child, recorded herself singing Martina McBride's "Anyway." She had no idea this simple act would lead her into an adventure of a lifetime.
Brewer, who recently attended her first major concert, has never been to Las Vegas, has never flown, has never met famous stars and has never been to a music awards show. To say she is excited would be an understatement.
She has spent the last few days preparing for the adventure of her lifetime. Brewer and her husband leave early Saturday morning, arriving in Las Vegas by mid-morning. They will spend the day exploring the city before attending the ACM's New Artist show at the MGM Garden Arena. Sunday morning starts with a Songwriters Jam breakfast with the ACM Awards in the evening followed by a post award show.
"I just can't believe it. I am a little nervous and very excited," she said.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com

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