AMERICAN IDOL Finalist Lindsey Cardinale Celebrates Silvercreek Signing at Bridgestone Arena Tonight

Since leaving "American Idol" in 2005, Lindsey Cardinale has continued performing steadily, not just on stage, but often on horseback.

Now the country singer/songwriter and former rodeo roper is about to begin working on a new album, after signing with Silvercreek Records on Nashville's Music Row. The Lindsey Cardinale Band (LCB) will celebrate their new contract with a performance during tonght's February 26th game between the Nashville Predators and the Minnesota Wild at Bridgestone Arena.

"I'm super excited to be starting a new chapter in my career," Cardinale said. "Silvercreek Records is an innovative record label with great ideas. I have two new guys in my band, and they are absolutely incredible."

Cardinale, who has been singing since she was a young girl in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, placed 12th on Season 4 of "American Idol" and then watched as Carrie Underwood, her roommate at the time, finished first and skyrocketed to fame. Still friends with the six-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Cardinale moved to Nashville and started performing at the city's popular songwriters' rounds, where her sultry voice, beauty and rugged sense of humor soon won over the locals. Before long, she was collaborating with other, more seasoned songwriters.

"My style tends to be old-style country," she said. "I love Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty and all those classic stars. As for current artists, Lee Ann Womack and Alison Kraus are two of my favorites."

Until recently, Cardinale divided her time between music and one of her other passions-competing in rodeos. As a roper, she has won several competitions.

"I grew up around horses and have always been surrounded by the rodeo world, whether I was singing, carrying a flag or roping," she said. "I had a friend who was a team roper. He encouraged me to give it a try, and I fell in love with it."

While participating at the World Series of Team Roping in Texas, Cardinale met country recording artist Trent Willmon, who was headlining at the event. The two became songwriting partners, and Willmon later produced some of Cardinale's songs.

Lately, Cardinale has been devoting more time to making music than catching calves. Her deal with Silvercreek Records includes the addition of two new band members: Stafond Seago (rhythm guitar), who is president of Silvercreek Records, and Jonathan Nuccio (drums). They join Cardinale's existing musicians Augie King (bass) and Kaleb Payne (lead guitar).

"I'm thrilled to be working with Lindsey," said Seago, who is also the singer's new manager. "She's an amazing talent with a good fan base. I'm confident her popularity will take off, after she finishes her album later this year."

The Lindsey Cardinale Band (LCB) will perform at Bridgestone Arena between quarters during the Nashville Predators game tonight, February 26, beginning at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit predators.nhl.com/

More information is available at www.SilvercreekRecords.com, www.ReverbNation.com/LindseyCardinale and www.LindseyCardinaleBand.com.