"It was nice, but living on a farm in a small town, we just never thought that was an option," she says. "We didn't dream outside the box."

Fortunately for country music fans everywhere, her talent turned the dreams she had into reality. With her first single, "Cowgirls", the dream reaches a major milestone as she enters the national spotlight with a song that showcases just what hard work and talent can accomplish.

A song with energy and attitude to spare, "Cowgirls" is Kerry celebrating one of life's true pleasures.

"It reminded me of the experiences you have just putting on your jeans and going out with your girlfriends, having a killer time and feeling like your queen of the world in that moment."

Kerry's journey from talent competition to national record deal wound its way through the region's local Oprys until she reached college, where she knew she had a decision to make. After a heart-to-heart talk with her father, she moved to Nashville at the age of 19. She landed a slot on "Live at Libby's", a radio show that had helped launch the careers of Tracy Lawrence and Jo Dee Messina, where her voice caught the attention of manager, Don Light and led to a publishing deal with Cal IV Music.

"That gave me an unbelievable chance to meet great songwriters and develop my writing and singing style," she says. "It was a way to create my own musical identity."

Along the way, she wrote "Till Nothing Comes Between Us," which became a hit for John Michael Montgomery, and nurtured a relationship with Lyric Street Records that ultimately led to her signing as an artist.

"Persistence was key," she says. "I think if you work hard enough and want something bad enough, you'll find a way to make it happen."

Kerry's first single - and the debut album she is currently finishing up with producer, Byron Gallimore -introduce country music audiences to a genuine star-in-the-making. She also recently landed the title role in a pilot presentation for E! Entertainment TV.