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Abrielle Mullins is a 14-year-old country music artist who will be representing Alabama in the 2010 Colgate Country Showdown singing competition in Nashville, Tenn. It is the longest-running talent search in Tennessee. She lives in Graysville now, but spent the first 10 years of her life in Gardendale. She is the daughter of Chris and Kelly Mullins.

• How did you get into country singing?

My grandmother was a big part of it. I learned my first country song when I was 2 years old, sitting in my grandmother’s kitchen. Country songs were the first songs I learned, besides church songs, of course. I grew up loving the music, and then we found out my voice really fits it; I have a deep, country southern accent. I want to have a singing career with all my heart.

• How long have you been competing?

I’ve been competing since I was 12, but Colgate Country Showdown is my first country music competition. I’ve done some local competitions for churches. I also opened for Sara Evens a couple of weeks ago, and I’m on my way to Nashville right now to sing at a showcase, and record people are going to be there, so I’m really excited.

• Do you do any songwriting?

I’m working on a CD project right now, and I wrote about five of the 10 songs. I get a lot of my inspiration from my grandaddy, who passed away five years ago. I play a little piano, and I’m taking some guitar lessons that are going really well. I can compose simple melodies with the guitar that go along with my songwriting.

• Do you have any interests besides singing?

I love fishing and hunting with my daddy. I also love to horseback ride. We actually have three horses.