Alabama Baptist Brad Cotter named Nashville Star

Alabama Baptist Brad Cotter sang his first solo at age 8 at Calvary Baptist Church in Columbus, Ga. He recorded his first southern gospel album at age 10.
   
In 1982 at age 12, he was named “America’s #1 Child Vocalist” at the National Quartet Convention in Nashville.
   
Twenty-two years later at another venue in Music City, Brad was named America’s Nashville Star.
   
More than 8,000 contestants submitted their demos in fall 2003 for a spot on the USA network reality show “Nashville Star,” country music’s version of “American Idol.”
   
Cotter was one of 20 finalists selected for the nine-week televised competition and walked away with the title “Nashville Star” and a Sony Music Nashville record deal May 1.
   
“I know that I would not be here without God and His grace,” Cotter said. “I wouldn’t even have made it on to this show.”
   
Greg Cotter, pastor of Harmony Baptist Church in Andalusia, better known now as “Brad’s Dad,” was along for the ride. In fact, he and son Brad have traveled together before. Greg Cotter was an evangelist for six years.
   
During that time, the bivocational dad and son team would leave home every Friday evening and drive back late every Sunday night. Greg would preach and Brad would sing. Greg said it was evident at an early age that Brad was gifted for a career in music.
   
“God has given Brad a gift to connect with people. In our church circles, we call that anointing. Even at 10 and 12 years of age, God used Brad to touch people. He can really connect with an audience,” said Greg Cotter.
   
Brad Cotter said that while he is “far from the role model of the perfect Christian … my faith had everything to do with this.”
   
Brad Cotter grew up in the Opelika-Auburn area but has lived in Nashville for the past nine years as a freelance demo singer and songwriter.
   
“I’ve been passed over by every label at least five times,” he said, noting “this year was the worst year ever, financially, spiritually, physically and mentally.”
   
“I was at the end of my rope,” Brad Cotter said. “I just wanted to … run. So, I just threw my hands up and said God if this is what you want, I need you to open the door and lead me through it. I’ve exhausted everything.”
   
Now on the other side of fame, Brad Cotter said, “I’m so thankful that God’s plans are a lot bigger than my plans.”
   
His fans would probably agree. In fact, he was an audience favorite early on in the competition. He did not make the top 10 cut on the season premiere but was brought back as the viewer’s choice contestant to stay in the competition.
   
His talent and charisma charmed not only the judges but the viewers as well helping him to edge out other top contestants George Canyon and Matt Lindahl.
   
“All these memories will be cherished for a lifetime,” Brad Cotter told the audience after winning. “I’m living proof that God has a plan for His children, and no man can change His will.”
   
Brad Cotter’s debut single, “I Meant To,” which he co-wrote with Rick Giles and Steve Bogard and performed during the finale of Nashville Star, was released to country radio stations nationwide May 3.
   
“I don’t know God’s plans for Brad, but I do know God will continue to use Him to touch others,” said Greg Cotter. “He just has a greater platform to do that now.”