Eight new artists chosen for country showcase

Britt and Carly McKillip of Saving Grace, a Vancouver duo who have sung together since they were little, will appear in the new artist showcase. (Canadian Country Music Awards)Former Canadian Idol hopefuls Karen Lee Batten and Jason Greeley are among eight emerging artists who will show off their talents to country music lovers at the New Artist Showcase during Country Music Week this September in Winnipeg. A jury of industry members has chosen the artists, who will perform Sept. 5, ahead of the Canadian Country Music Awards. Batten, who has been awarded the B.C. female vocalist of the year award three times, has parlayed a third place finish on Canadian Idol into a music career. Her first album, Every Moment, was released in 2006 and her first video, Hearts on the Run, came out this year. Newfoundland-born Greeley, who spent... [read full story]