Rising Country Artist Boasts Three Top-5 Hits, Gold Debut Album

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Country music sensation Josh Gracin will make a special appearance at the Grand Rapids Griffins game on Saturday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at Van Andel Arena.

The former American Idol star will sing the National Anthem and perform a song during each intermission of the Griffins game against the Toronto Marlies, courtesy of B-93. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet Gracin from 5:30-6:30 p.m. during a pre-game autograph session on the main floor of Van Andel Arena.

Gracin, 25, has rocketed to stardom since finishing fourth during the second season of American Idol in 2003. His self-titled debut album, released in 2004, reached gold status last year on the strength of three top-5 hits on Billboards Hot Country chart. Nothin to Lose hit No. 1, while I Want to Live and Stay With Me (Brass Bed) reached as high as fourth and fifth, respectively.

In 2005, Gracin contributed the song Working for the Weekend to the Herbie: Fully Loaded soundtrack, and he also sang on When I See an Elephant Fly on The Disney Songbook.

Born and raised in Westland, Mich., Gracin competed on American Idol 2 while serving as a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps. After being granted permission by the Marines to compete in the show, he rejoined his unit, preventing him from participating in the subsequent American Idol Finalists concert tour of American venues. After four years of service, Gracin was honorably discharged in September 2004.

As part of the celebration of Nashville-or-Bust Night, presented by Chemical Bank, Griffins fans can win trips to country music concerts across the United States.

Single tickets for the March 18 game can be purchased at The Zone at Van Andel Arena and all Star Tickets Plus locations (including Meijer stores), by phone through Star Tickets Plus at (800) 585-3737, or online.