Tennessee high school senior Erika Jo Heriges has won the "Nashville Star" prize, becoming the youngest person and the first female to win the TV contest.
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Prizes awarded during the Tuesday USA Network show in Nashville, Tenn., included a record contract with Universal South Records and an appearance on the "Grand Ole Opry."
Promoters digitally delivered her debut single, "I Break Things," to country radio stations immediately after the broadcast, during which Heriges performed the song, Billboard.com reported.
The 18-year-old, from Mount Juliet, Tenn., has one month to finish her first album before finals and graduation. She plans a national tour this summer.
The 18-year-old is the youngest contestant and first female to win the "Nashville Star" competition, now in its third year, but she also has 13 years experience performing with her father's band.