Chance McKinney, a high school math teacher from Mukilteo, Wash., could be considered the improbable finalist on the fourth season of “Music City Madness," CMT.com's online, fan-driven talent search contest.

“It's like working two full time jobs right now, between teaching Trigonometry classes during the day and doing interviews and all the online stuff at night," McKinney says. “I get a lot less sleep right now. It's just been a whirlwind after that first domino fell back in October and I got the call that I had been selected as one of the first 64. It's been quite a humbling experience for a math teacher."

McKinney began his journey to the final round after being selected by CMT from a field of thousands of contestants. CMT chose 64 of the best entries, which were posted online for fans to vote on each week. McKinney advanced through each round on the strength of his ballad, “Be Real," thanks in part to help from current and former students at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo.

“Probably the most impressive part of this is the support I've gotten from the kids," McKinney says. “The fact that adults like ‘Be Real' is flattering, but when my students can relate to it, that's really something. If you can get 14-18-year- old girls to like your music, that's the most powerful network to tap into right now. They really move the market in this business."

The grand prize winner of CMT.com's “Music City Madness" will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Nashville to record an episode of the CMT online series, “Studio 330 Sessions," a private audition with Valory Music's A&R department and a special meeting with Country superstar Reba.

“Chance McKinney is a great example of what CMT.com's Music City Madness is all about. It's about giving singers and songwriters an opportunity to showcase their talents to a national audience of country fans to see if they have what it takes to launch a music career," says Stephen Linn, Director of CMT Digital Media. “Chance certainly has shown his music connects with fans, and has a real shot at working with Valory Music Co. and getting his own Studio 330 Session when the winner is announced December 15."

Already a successful act in the Northwest, McKinney has opened for some of the biggest names in Country music when artists tour through the region, including Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and George Strait.

All country music artists have to start somewhere, and most often that's amongst family, friends or their local community. The best country music isn't necessarily found in the world of the existing popular or famous stars, but often in the small clubs, venues and organisations that provide country performers of any "level" the chance to share their music. That's the true nature of country music, it comes from the heart and real lives of real people.

Giving all artists the opportunity to air their music to a wider audience is an important aim of Country Music Broadcasting. CMB is keen to hear from show presenters, artists and country music organisations to see what assistance, support, promotion and broadcast opportunities CMB can help provide. Remember everyone has a beginning, and this offer via CMB to be heard on-air is an excellent chance to achieve exposure. So don't hesitate to contact CMB with your ideas and suggestions or to let CMB Radio know about any existing country radio shows you believe could benefit from the backing or support of CMB.