‘Idol’ finalist Carmen Rasmusen to perform

Country music artist and former “American Idol” finalist Carmen Rasmusen brings her vocal and instrumental talents to Pellissippi State’s balloon festival Friday, September 28.

The 7 p.m. show is sponsored by WIVK-FM 107.7 radio station. Rasmusen will perform on the outdoor stage by the pond, and festival-goers are invited to bring chairs or blankets.

Rasmusen gained instant fame in 2003 at the age of 17 when she became a finalist on the second season of “American Idol.” At the time, she was a student at Brigham Young University.

Last year she signed a record deal with independent country label Lofton Creek Records. Her debut album, “Nothin’ Like the Summer,” was released August 28, following her debut single by the same title, which hit music stores in April. The music video of the single recently was released in China, Australia and the U.K.

Born in the Canadian province of Alberta, the 22-year-old singer-songwriter has appeared frequently as a commentator on MSNBC’s “Scarborough Country.”