Stephanie Beck Williams, who was born in San Antonio but now resides in Nashville, Tenn., recently was named the winner of the CMT Music City Madness national talent search.

The competition began with 64 finalists in February, with the number being whittled in half each week until a champion was crowned on April 3. That champion was Williams, whose video for “D.R.U.N.K.” was chosen by an online fan vote. Williams, who was raised in Biloxi, Miss., now runs a talent agency in Nashville.

After winning the CMT competition, she took some questions from 210SA.

How did you hear about the competition, and what inspired you to enter it?
I heard about the contest through a friend of mine, Karen Tallier, and already had a music video sitting around that I had made for my husband's production company. It was a demo reel of the song “D.R.U.N.K.” that I co-wrote with my husband, Dan Williams, and Jerry Kimbrough.

When you found out you had won, what was your reaction?
Complete shock. There were so many talented artists that entered the contest, and I would never have dreamed that I would be the winner.

At what point did you think you had a real shot of winning?
It really didn't hit me that I really had a shot of winning the contest until the last round. At that point, I figured my chances had finally reached 50/50.

Which round worried you the most, in regard to your competition?
I guess I never felt like I was truly safe in any round. All of the talent that I was up against in each round had really cool songs.

What is it about the song that people relate to?
Even though the song is meant to be tongue-in-cheek and a song for the women out there, it does remind us that it's hard to be the perfect mom, woman or human being, for that matter, when you have kids around. Sometimes you just have to spell out what you feel.

How did your family take the news?
My family was so supportive during the entire contest, and they are as thrilled as I am. What was great about this contest was the fact that I had the chance to reconnect with friends from high school and college and meet new fans around the country.

How much do you see your life changing with the victory?
Walking the red carpet at the CMT Awards on April 16 will be a thrill, but the chance for the Studio 330 session on CMT will definitely be priceless.

What's next for you personally and professionally?
I'm getting ready to release my first CD, Not Your Normal Country Girl. Release information will be posted at stephaniebeckwilliams.com. Personally? My 4-year-old son just officially turned me into a soccer mom.
 
Clint Hale | 210SA