Musicians who love the spotlight and dream of the day when millions of fans will scream their name now have the chance to show their mettle.   

   Television network Great American Country (GAC) is joining the ranks of its sister networks HGTV and Food Network by premiering “The Next GAC Star,” a nationwide talent search for the next country music star.   Six finalists will be flown to Nashville to be featured in a final two-part television special on September 3 and 10, with a live elimination in the second show.  The winning artist will receive a record deal and a music video, which will air on GAC.

   Now through July 14, GAC will accept videos, mp3s and photos from hopeful country music enthusiasts looking for their shot at becoming a recording artist. To make submissions and for more information, go to www.gactv.com/star.  

   Voting began May 23 and will run in three phases.  For the first eight weeks, the public will vote on submissions using Music Nation’s head-to-head player, which randomly pits two artists against each other and asks the user to choose a favorite.  During this period, there will be two weekly winners: the highest ranked artist from the head-to-head standings and an “Industry Insiders” Pick, an artist collectively chosen by GAC and Music Nation.    

   Select video submissions will also air in the new series “The Next GAC Star” that premieres June 1 and airs Sundays at 4:30 p.m.    

   During the second phase, the 16 weekly winners will be narrowed down to a field of six by Next GAC Star’s panel of celebrity judges.  These six finalists will move on to be featured on the two TV specials, where the Next GAC Star will ultimately be determined.