Ex-El Pasoan sings about El Paso; wins Country talent contest

“And that star on the mountain seems to call me back home.”

That’s one of the lyrics in the song “El Paso Skyline” by Drew Hale, an ex-El Pasoan who recently won the National Finals at the Country Showdown talent search.

One of his winning songs, “El Paso Skyline”, mentions the star on the mountain and a few other El Paso things.

Along with winning the title “Best New Act in Country Music!”, the singer/songwriter took home $100,000.

“It was amazing to represent El Paso, the place I grew up, and the place that I call home”, Hale told ABC-7. “There’s so much history in El Paso, and I’m proud to represent that.”

Although Hale is currently living in Traverse City, Michigan, he was born and raised in the Sun City. Hale is a graduate of Eastwood High School and attended UTEP.

He left El Paso in 2008 and has since made a name for himself playing the clubs, pubs, and taprooms in Michigan.

When asked how he felt about earning the title “Best New Act in Country Music”, Hale replied “It’s a feeling I can’t describe. It’s a huge honor and a huge responsibility because people look at me and say, ‘oh, that’s somebody from El Paso, that’s somebody from Traverse’. So I kind of feel the weight of representing where I’m from.”

Despite it all, Hale adds ‘I’m proud to represent the 915″.

To hear the “El Paso Skyline”, visit: http://drewhalemusic.com/video/el-paso-skyline-drew-hale/.

To learn more about Hale, visit his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/drewhalemusictc.

The 32nd Annual Country Showdown is America’s largest Country music talent show. It’s designed to find the most promising country music talent in the nation and to give these performers a chance to launch their professional music careers.

The Country Showdown begins each spring with over 450 local talent contests sponsored by country music radio stations throughout the US.

Winners advance to their respective State competitions held at leading fairs and venues.

Acts then compete for a $1,000 prize, the State Title and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional Finals. It’s the last step before the prestigious, televised National Final.

The audience cheers on the Regional Winners, as they compete for the Grand Prize of $100,000 and the title of “Best New Act in Country Music.”