Some of Jason Aldean's local fans were willing to do almost anything to see him in concert at 8 p.m. Saturday at John R. Emens Auditorium.
"I was gonna say ‘I do,' run out of there, hear him sing one song [while] in my dress, then run back to my wedding," 19-year-old fan Ashlee Black said.
Others were willing to do manual labor to see the country music star.
Wednesday was the last day that photos could be submitted for the 102.5 WMDH "Big Green Tractor" contest, named after Aldean's new song.
About 120 contestants took a picture of themselves beside or on a green tractor and submitted it to the radio station for a chance to win tickets and backstage passes to the concert.
"A lot of people wanted to meet Jason Aldean," said Cara Denis from 102.5 WMDH. "[The contest] was a lot of fun."
The country artist is known for the songs "Hicktown," "Amarillo Sky" and "Laughed Until We Cried."
He was also featured on "CMT Cribs" in April 2009 which will be aired again at noon Eastern Standard Time on Nov. 11.
The Macon, Ga. native has sold 2 million copies of his first two albums — "Jason Aldean" and "Relentless," won the "Top New Male Vocalist" award for the 2006 Academy of Country Music Awards and his newest single — "Big Green Tractor" — was no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 list.
"I love that song; I play it all the time," Black said. "My 3-year-old nephew knows all the words!"
If you haven't heard the song on the radio, you've probably heard it on someone's phone, "Big Green Tractor" is also ranked the 5th most popular ringtone, according to Billboard Hot 100.
Aldean's new album, "Wide Open," which was released on April 7, is symbolic in many ways for the artist.
"‘Wide Open' is the only way I know how to live. I don't do anything half-ass, and you never have to guess on where I stand on things. I'm pretty much an open book. I understand there may be hitches along the way, but if I'm in, I'm in no matter what," the artist wrote on his Web site.
"Wide Open," also the name of a song on his album, represents the struggles and opportunities available during a lifetime.
"I like the underlying meaning of this song, that the world's wide open and the possibilities are endless," Aldean wrote. "I also like the line in the chorus, ‘Slingin' eggs and bacon with a college education,' because it is really vivid description of the situation she's in. She's doing what it takes to pay the bills for the moment, but there's something bigger waiting on her."
Jason Aldean will perform with Love and Theft this at 8 p.m. Saturday at Emens Auditorium. Tickets are $31.50 each. For more ticket information call (765) 285-1539 or visit bsu.edu/emens/jasonaldean/
* Big Green Tractor Contest
-About 120 participants submitted photos
-The winner, Katie Smith, was chosen randomly from the submissions.
*Well-known songs and awards:
"Hicktown"
"Why"
"Amarillo Sky" – 2005
Top New Male Vocalist – 2006 Academy of Country Music Awards
"Johnny Cash"
"Laughed Until We Cried" – 2007
New Album: Wide Open – released April 7
"She's Country" seventh single
"Big Green Tractor"
DVD "Wide Open Live & More" released Aug. 25
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
