Jessie Ritter Bests More Than 800 Artists to Win 2018 "Nash Next" Competition

After a four-month-long competition that featured more than 800 artists from around the country, Jessie Ritter has been named the 2018 Nash Next champion.

(from left) Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford, Chuck Wicks, Jessie Ritter, Elaina Smith and Shawn Parr

Jessie, a Fort Walton Beach, Fla., native, bested nine other finalists during the Nash Next finale at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Oct. 11. As winner of the fourth annual competition, Jessie will receive a recording contract with Nash Next Records under the Big Machine Label Group umbrella and substantial radio exposure on Cumulus radio stations nationwide.

“I’m very excited and blessed for this opportunity,” said Jessie. “God has given me patience and strength throughout this entire process and I’m humbled to be crowned the Nash Next winner. This is where I’m meant to be, and I can’t wait for the adventure that lies ahead.”

Congratulations to our @NashNext 2018 winner @JessieLRitter!

Catch her on the show TOMORROW morning!! #NASHnext pic.twitter.com/RgF9N57cDz

— Ty, Kelly & Chuck (@TyKellyandChuck) October 12, 2018