The Georgia Lottery has paid off in an unusual way for one Covington-area musician.

Hannah Thomas has earned a chance to record at the Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood after she was named the best country act in the Georgia Lottery’s All Access Music Search.

"It means the world to me," Thomas wrote in an e-mail. "Music is the center of my universe and to actually be recognized for something I love doing and put so much time into is an awesome feeling."

She bested two other finalists in the category, Julie Gribble of Atlanta and Jessi Scott of LaGrange, according to information from the lottery.

The Top 12 acts were featured in a TV special that aired on Jan. 14 and performed at an Atlanta Falcons halftime show on Nov. 28. The winners were selected through online voting and by celebrity judges, including Dallas Austin, Monica, Shawn Mullins and Clay Cook of the Zac Brown Band.

A date has not been determined for her trip to Hollywood.

Thomas in the fall released a CD, "Acoustic Sessions," which featured her vocals and guitar playing. Her original tunes include a sing-along of "Watch out for the Deer" and "Backyard of Georgia"; a ballad, "Tuesday Tears"; and "sophisticated country" on "Love" and "Henry."

She performs Feb. 3 at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta, a 21st Birthday Bash. Life and Limb opens at 9 p.m., according to Thomas.

Thomas also said she will tour in February with Connor Christian and Southern Gothic, with performances slated for New York, Boston and Philadelphia.

She’s also working on new material and a new album, set for release later in the year.

Learn more at her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/hannahthomasband