Laura Bell Bundy Surprises Aspiring Singer

Mercury Records artist/Broadway star Laura Bell Bundy stopped by Pope John Paul II High School in Hendersonville, TN recently to inform student Michael Nelson that he would be performing a song on the Sports Zone Stage at this year’s CMA Music Festival.

Bundy, star of Broadway’s Legally Blonde: The Musical, took time out from promoting her Top-5 selling country debut, Achin’ and Shakin’, to personally deliver the news to the high school senior and aspiring singer/songwriter during his lunch break at the school.

“It always amazes me when I see young people with raw talent and passion,” said Bundy. “Michael may be inspired by country music, but I was inspired by him today. I love being able to see beyond the surface of the fans, it’s incredibly humbling and makes me feel blessed.”

“This is amazing, just completely awesome,” said a near speechless Nelson.

Nelson, who has been playing guitar and writing songs for just over a year, came to the attention of CMA after he performed at the high school’s student talent show. After graduation this month, he will be attending Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio on an ROTC scholarship. He hopes to become an Apache helicopter pilot in the Army after graduation.

“Today’s young singers and songwriters are the future of Nashville’s music industry,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. “It’s great to be able to showcase talent that may be performing on the LP Field stage someday.”

Nelson will perform his song “Feels So Right,” on the Sports Zone Stage at 3:45 PM CT on Thursday, June 10. After his performance, he will introduce Bundy, who will host a dance clinic, teaching fans the moves from her hit video and single “Giddy On Up.”

Now in its 39th year, CMA Music Festival will be held on Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13, in downtown Nashville.