THEN: Hurt went through several rounds of auditions, and finally won the gold for her performance of "Suds in the Bucket," by Sara Evans. She won free recording time at Bridge Kaldrow Music studio in Christiansburg.

NOW: Hurt is still singing with The Richards, a gospel group that includes fellow Star of the Blue Ridge semi-finalist Eddie Richards. Their latest self-titled CD will debut in a couple weeks and will be for sale at their local performances. Hurt is also singing with local bluegrass band Exit 109. "We’re starting to pick out some music and hopefully get some recording done too," Hurt said. "After the first of the year, I will probably be getting into the studio to do some of my own stuff."

Original story from Aug. 2: Car crashes a crowd favorite at New River Valley Fair