NASHVILLE, TN. (Universal South) - Newcomer
Katrina Elam has made quite an impression since releasing her self-titled debut disc from Universal South on October 5 and hitting the road with
Keith Urban for CMT ON TOUR: KEITH URBAN BE HERE '04.
In fact, the once aspiring singer/songwriter from Oklahoma is not only enjoying the success of a top 30 radio single and a coveted opening slot on a hit tour, now she can even claim she's stopped traffic!
'I was jogging in Birmingham before a show the other day when I heard this car screech and a woman yelled, �I want your autograph!' It was so cool!' laughed Katrina. 'She told me I was in a bad section of town and insisted I turn around and go back to the venue. She even offered me a ride.'
Critics across the country are taking notice of Katrina as well. At the first stop of her tour with Keith Urban, Katrina earned high praise from the Muncie Star Press with Michelle Kinsey writing, 'Newcomer Katrina Elam opened the show and immediately captured attention with her powerhouse vocals and sweet, down-home style. Elam can handle ballads, country rockers - even yodeling. Her Oklahoma yodeling skills earned her a standing ovation, very rare for an opening act. Remember her name. She's one to watch.'
In People Magazine's 3 � star review of Katrina's self-titled CD, Ralph Novak wrote, 'Newcomer Katrina Elam, 20, doesn't confuse attitude with style...' adding she, 'displays vocal versatility. On �Normal' about a teen wanting to fit in, she sounds appropriately girlish, while on �Strong Anything' she is convincing as a woman who prefers strength in everything from coffee to men.'
USA Today's Brian Mansfield wrote, 'This ambitious debut portrays Elam as a small-town girl with big-time dreams. And she has several advantages over most such Nashville bound girls — stunning looks, a Martina McBride-sized voice, plus she writes.'
Finally, in an entertainment section cover story in the Houston Chronicle, Joey Guerra gushed, 'Vocally, Elam is a combo of LeAnn Rimes' polished youthfulness, Martina McBride's confident power and Jo Dee Messina's spunkiness.'
Catch Katrina Elam on tour with Keith Urban for CMT ON TOUR: KEITH URBAN BE HERE '04 making stops around the country.
CMT ON TOUR: KEITH URBAN BE HERE '04 is presented by Gain and sponsored by Sleep Inn. For ticket information, tour schedule and the latest tour news visit CMT's web site, www.cmt.com. For all the latest information on Katrina Elam visit www.katrinaelam.com
