It was a sentimental night of music and nostalgia at the longest running talent competition in the Uintah Basin on Wednesday evening. The 42nd Annual Country Showdown was a culmination of hard work and talent and brought country music and the people of the basin together for an amazing night! 17 local, talented contestants vied for the title of showdown winner and the opportunity to open for Easton Corbin. A move in location back onto Vernal’s Main Street in the old True Value parking lot, future home of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary, brought back an old school nostalgia to the Showdowns “good ole days”. The panel of judges had a tough job of narrowing the first round down to 9 contestants and then to a top 3. Aiden Sharp really wowed the judges and the crowd this year with her beautiful voice and great stage presence and took home third place. Alexandra Gingel rocked the stage with her animated choices in music and brought a witty vibe to the competition and walked away with second place. Rowdy Martin Rosendahl from Meeker, Colorado really brought down the house with his rendition of the song the Auctioneer and then in round two he took it to a whole other level with an original song he had just written, his captivating voice and unique tone really brought the song to life. Rowdy was the judges top pick in both rounds and was named the 1st place winner of the 2023 Country Showdown. This year the top three winners were each given cash prizes and as the winner, Rowdy will open for Easton Corbin at the Uintah County Fair on August 17th .
Joe and Teddy Evans first brought the Country Showdown to the Basin as the owners of KNEU and it has been a staple in the Basin for a night of summer fun every year since. When the national sponsors shut down the Showdown, Joe and Teddy kept it going here on the local level and we are so grateful for them. Without them we wouldn’t be able to celebrate our 42nd year. This is the first year for Joe’s son, Steve Evans and his family to take over the Country Showdown tradition that they have enjoyed throughout the years.
