In October 2016, Todd O’Neill bested nine other finalist—and hundreds of additional competitors—to be crowed the 2016 Nash Next champion. And to the winner went the spoils, which included a recording contract with Big Machine Records, a single produced by Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus and guaranteed airplay on all Cumulus country radio stations.

Todd dropped his debut single, “Love Again,” in April, and it is currently No. 37 on Billboard’s Country Aiplay chart after nine weeks.

“I think the guaranteed radio play and national radio exposure are complete game-changers,” says Todd to NCD. “You cannot ask for something bigger than that—to get that out to the masses and have your original song played on the radio. Nash Next changed my life and it can change yours.”

NASH Next 2017 officially launched on May 31, bringing together a new cache of unknown talent, a major record label in Big Machine Label Group, the power of country radio in Cumulus Media and a national sponsor with Country Inns & Suites by Carlson. The winner of this five-month-long national competition, which will be announced by reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Garth Brooks, will receive a record deal with NASH Next Records under the Big Machine Label Group and radio exposure on Cumulus radio stations nationwide.

In more than 62 markets across the United States, including Dallas, New York, Atlanta, Detroit and Nashville, local artists can enter the competition until June 30 via NashNextPresents.com.

“I went from singing at local bars in Hammond, Louisiana, to a recording contract in Nashville, Tennessee,” adds Todd. “It’s awesome. It’s been an amazing experience.”