The 31st Annual Country Showdown is designed to find the most promising country music talent in America and to give these performers a chance to launch their professional music careers.

The Showdown is open to vocal and/or instrumental performers, individuals, or groups of up to seven members who have not performed on a record listed in the national record charts of Billboard, Radio and Records, or The Gavin Report within eighteen months preceding local competition. There is a $20.00 entry fee per act and all contestants must begin their competition by performing at showdowns produced by participating country music radio stations.

A uniform judging system is used at all levels of competition to ensure fairness.