Judge for Mark Richardson

Mark is a Michigan born singer / songwriter who cut his teeth with his father in law's band "BRANDED". Branded was a mainstay in some of Flint's authentic honky tonks. While Mark was honing in his skills as a guitarist, he was given an Alan Jackson CD and he began to develop his singing skills. Mark was also heavily influenced by George Strait and Gary Allan. He appreciates their contributions to the country music industry and credits them for shaping his musical "personality".
In 2003, Mark joined forces with producer Dan Crabtree and recorded "Sounds from Tequila Town". This is all original songs written by Mark himself. He pays tribute to his heroes with his ballads like "My Heart and If We Meet Again" and his up tempo edgier numbers like "The Road and Heart To A Strange Hand". The most popular song on the CD "Walk Away" unabashadly acknowledges the unique bakersfield style of Buck Owens and was recently revitalized by Dwight Yoakam.
"Sounds from Tequila Town" drew attention of Nashvilles Platinum Plus record label and they released "She's Gone", which broke the Billboard Magazines Top 100 by the end of 2004. This is an achievement establishing Mark as a bona fide artist and songwriter in the country music industry.
Mark has had the great honor of sharing the stage with Clay Walker, David Lee Murphy, Raymond Harris, John Berry, Cole Deggs & the Lonesome, Liz Carlisle and Justine Blazer.
Mark is looking forward to 2009 and is sure that it is going to be "the best year yet".