An up-and-coming country musician with local ties is counting on your vote for the chance to perform in front of a sold-out concert hall with “American Idol” runner-up Lauren Alaina.

Wade Trammell, son of Tim Trammell of Centre and Allison Griffith Hilton of Chattanooga, Tenn., has already cleared the first hurdle in the process. Wade, 18, became one of the top-five Backwood Country Artists selected by country music fans in an online poll on country radio station US 101 in Chattanooga.

Trammell now potentially has the opportunity of a lifetime. Producers are allowing one additional performer to join the Lauren Alaina concert through another on-line vote.

As you might expect, Trammell is excited about the prospect of opening in front of the packed house.

“I'm so thankful to everyone who voted for me,” he said. “To be in the top five is an honor in itself. This would be awesome to be a part of something this big. The level of talent that will be on that stage just blows me away. It is indescribable.”

Alaina is riding the wave of publicity after the October release of her first CD, “Wildflower.” The album debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, making her the highest-rated debuting female country artist since LeAnn Rimes in 1996.

Alaina is set to be in Chattanooga Dec. 7 and will perform for “Christmas for Kids” and the “Forgotten Child Fund” at Track 29, the new music venue at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo. She will perform with special guest Jacob Lyda.

Trammell started writing music at 16. Among the songs he has had produced so far include “One Last Cry”, “This is Not Goodbye”, “From Miles Away”, and “Remember Me”.

When asked about his insight into his songwriting, Trammell said he just looks into his own heart and soul.

“It's not easy to describe, but it's the things that I feel and they come to me naturally,” he said.

Trammell graduated from high school in May and hit the ground running, signing a recording contract with C-Bomb Records. His debut album is expected to be released soon.

Trammell said his inspiration for “Remember Me” came from the close relationship he shares with his grandfather, Centre resident Bill Trammell.

Recently, Trammell took time out of his hectic schedule to make a guest appearance at Liberty Day in Cedar Bluff.

“I always love being in Cherokee County,” Trammell said. “I've spent so much time there. Having the opportunity to perform at Liberty Days was really special because so many friends and family were able to see me perform. It was a blast.”

To cast a vote for Wade Trammell to appear in the Dec. 7 benefit concert, go to www.us101country.com. Once there click on “contest”, then scroll down to the selection “Vote for Your Favorite Backwoods Artist”. Voting is open through November.