November 17th, 2011.
Infrared Records, North Little Rock

Haggard Collins was announced as the Grand Prize winner of the 2011 Great Arkansas Talent Search Thursday night.   A favorite of the audience as well as other GATS contestants, Collins receives $3000 in cash, a fully produced album by Infrared Studios to be released on Infrared Records, a complete marketing package and presentation to Virgin Records.  Collins performed “Diamonds On The Inside,” and followed with Adele’s “Rollin’ In The Deep,” to a packed house at First Presbyterian Church in North Little Rock.

Kim Stephens, Vice President of A&R for Capitol Group (which includes Virgin Records), attended the GATS Finals and was a guest judge.  Stephens said that of the 4 years he has attended the GATS Finals, he felt this year’s talent was the best he has seen. “And Haggard Collins could go on tour tomorrow.”

Infrared Studios/Infrared Records Producer Eric Chesher noted that selecting a grand prize winner out of 13 finalists is tough, and agreed with Mr. Stephens’ assessment.  “Haggard is the contestant who is the farthest along in his career.”

All 13 finalists won a paid membership into  the Recording Academy of The Grammy Association, and a fully produced, two song demo package.

Plans are in the works for a repeat showcase of the 13 Great Arkansas Talent Search finalists.

In addition, it was announced earlier in the day that Round 1 Auditions of the 2012 Great Arkansas Talent Search will start on March 19th.

The 2011 Great Arkansas Talent Search Finalists:

• Zach McKenzie
• Amelia Futch
• Denise Graham
• Katie Johnson
• Haggard Collins
• Mary Sanders
• Justin Shaw
• Brent Pless
• Anthony McGee
• Lauren Faulkner
• Tori Sneed
• Josh Green
• Jax Nassar

The Great Arkansas Talent Search completed its 6th season November 17th, 2011.   Round 1 auditions started in June of 2011, and over 150 contestants performed on stage in front of a live audience.  Round 1 auditions were held at Infrared Studios in North Little Rock, and in locations across the state including: The Little O’ Oprey in West Fork, AR, Morrilton High School, The John T. Lightle Center in Searcy, AR, and Guillermo’s in West Little Rock.  One Round 1 event was held at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, MS.

The 2011 Great Arkansas Talent Search would like to thank the sponsors:  Argenta Arts Foundation, Crain Media (Big Rock 93.3, 106.3 The River, Y 107, kHits 96.5, and K99.9), 107 Liquor, Guillermo’s Gourmet Grounds, Cornerstone Pub, and shutterTHAT! Music Photography.   Dr. Rex Bell is the Director of the Great Arkansas Talent Search and Infrared Studios / Infrared Records.