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BULL'S INFORMATION UPDATE
Wednesday, December 10, 2008

COLGATE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27th Annual Colgate Country Showdown National Finalists Announced
LeAnn Rimes hosting


LeAnn Rimes will return to host the 2008 Colgate Country Showdown where five national finalists compete for $100,000 at the Ryman Auditorium on Thursday, January 15th. Pictured (l-r) WKDF's Walls; legendary musician Charlie McCoy; finalists Korey Blake representing WLKS West Liberty, KY; Adam Reynolds (of Lance Lipinsky) representing KBUK LaGrange, TX; Bobby Degonia, Robbie Helms, Andy Eustler (of LiveWire) representing KXKX Sedalia, MO; Lance Lipinsky, Nat Reynolds (of Lance Lipinsky); Cory Shultz, Adam Hagerman, Danny Bell (of LiveWire); Johnny Bulford representing WWKA Orlando, FL; Aaron Covington (of Lance Lipinsky) and Matt Reeves representing KIXW Barstow, California/Las Vegas, Nevada.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (December 10, 2008) – Korey Blake, Johnny Bulford, Lance Lipinsky, LiveWire and Matt Reeves have advanced to compete for $100,000 in this year’s Colgate Country Showdown National Final. The Country Showdown (sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive) is the Nation’s largest and longest running country music talent search. The 27th Annual National Final will take place at the Ryman Auditorium on Thursday, January 15, 2009 with Grammy-award winner, LeAnn Rimes, hosting the show for the third consecutive year. The televised one-hour special is syndicated nationwide. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. with an incredible, all-male line up. For free tickets, call the Ryman Box Office at 615.458.8781.

Lafayette High School senior, Korey Blake (Northeast winner), has always been inspired by music. His first introduction came while watching his family playing bluegrass in eastern Kentucky. He began dabbling in guitar at age seven and transitioned from his original bluegrass upbringing to country, finding George Strait, Alan Jackson and Keith Whitley as major influences. He’s played at several competitions, festivals and a few bars. In his spare time, the Lexington, Kentucky native writes songs about everyday life. For more, visit www.myspace.com/kbr07. He will be representing WLKS West Liberty, Kentucky at the National Final.

Johnny Bulford (Southeast winner) is a singer/songwriter whose music has depth well beyond his years. At just 23 years old, he has opened for Collin Raye, the Warren Brothers, Josh Turner, Emerson Drive, Chris Cagle, Diamond Rio and Tanya Tucker. His style has been compared to Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and James Taylor. He was a State finalist in the 2003 Colgate Country Showdown and won the state title in the 2004. Johnny wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on his CD What Happens Here Stays Here. He performs in his hometown of Orlando with a five-piece band at various festivals. Visit www.johnnybulford.com. He is representing WWKA Orlando, Florida.

Lance Lipinsky (Southwest winner), from Wimberley, Texas, is a premiere piano-pumping entertainer and songwriter. He also plays lead guitar but says, “piano came naturally and at 14 I taught myself to play like my hero Jerry Lee Lewis.” His wildly energetic live performances showcase his version of 1950’s country and rockabilly. After a stint in Las Vegas performing on various stages, he moved back to Texas and put together a band with former high school buddies – Nat Thompson (drums), Aaron Covington (stand up bass) & Adam Reynolds (lead guitar). These four talented men are in the process of writing songs and recording. Visit www.myspace.com/lancelipinsky or www.lancelipinsky.com. This year they will be representing KBUK LaGrange, Texas.

Since 1995 Sedalia, Missouri’s LiveWire (Midwest winner) has been rated one of the premiere country bands in the Midwest with their high energy stage performances and jaw-dropping harmonies. The band consists of Robbie Helms (bass guitar/vocals), Adam Hagerman (drums), Danny Bell (guitar/vocals), Cory Shultz (fiddle/vocals), Andy Eutsler (lead vocals/guitar) and Bobby Degonia (lead guitar/vocals). In 2000, they hit the road to play some of the biggest clubs in the U.S. including, The Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, TN; Billy Bob's in Fort Worth, TX and The Saddlerack in Freemont, CA. They have shared the stage with entertainers such as Montgomery Gentry, Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley and various others. Visit www.myspace.com/livewiremo. LiveWire will be representing KXKX Sedalia, Missouri.

Although this was essentially the Gravette, Arkansas native’s first time competing, the 18-year-old singer/songwriter has spent years honing his craft. Some of his earliest musical influences include his dad, Jack Reeves, Ray Willis and Clarence White. Coming from a musical family, he has also seen his cousin – Scott Reeves (of country duo Blue County) – excel musically with the single, “Good Little Girls.” Matt Reeves (West winner) has a recording studio and produces his material as well as others. When he’s not recording, you’ll find him on stage at places like The Wet Barbeque in Fayetteville, Arkansas and The Maverick in Pahrump, Nevada. Check out Matt at www.myspace.com/mattreevesshow. He will be representing KIXW Las Vegas, Nevada.

About the Showdown: Each year, more than 50,000 artists compete in local competitions throughout the U.S. All participants are judged on five core criteria: Marketability in Country Music, Vocal/Instrumental Ability, Originality of Performance, Stage Presence/Charisma and Talent. Past local, state and regional winners include Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans and Miranda Lambert.

About Colgate: Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet pet foods. For more information about Colgate's global business, visit the Company's website at www.colgate.com.

For more information on the Colgate Country Showdown and National Finalists’ photos, visit www.colgatecountryshowdown.com

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