California band Poor Man's Poison outdistanced the competition and won the 31st Annual Texaco Country Showdown, Thursday night, Jan. 17, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Singer/songwriter Jewel hosted the show and presented the Grand Prize, a $100,000 check, to the winners.

Poor Man's Poison was one of five finalists for the competition, which also included The Brothers Roberson, Kassie and Ben, Deidre Thornell and Kate and Corey.

The band was selected as the winning act by a group of industry executives and artists, including top songwriter Victoria Shaw. The Texaco Country Showdown final was taped and will air on various broadcast TV stations throughout the country in March and April. Check local listings for the dates and times in your area.