First we get a recap of last week's show, showing Jennifer Hicks leaving and Terri Clark and Trace Adkins performing with four of the contestants. We're told this week we'll get to see videos of the contestants going home.
Matt, Brad, Lance and George come out and sing "Born To Fly" and then introduce Sara Evans who joins in on the song. After the song Sara goes back to sit in the audience. Nancy introduces the four finalists and reminds us that one of them has already been voted out. As usual, she will read out the names of the contestants that have made it into the final round. The first name is read and it's Matt Lindahl.
Nancy introduces the judges and then says the contestants went back to their home towns after the show last week, and got a chance to raise money for the American Red Cross. They are told that State Farm will match the amount the finalists earn.
We're shown Matt's trip home where he goes to the radio station and talks about his show where he will raise money for the Red Cross. Matt visits his old high school and everywhere there are people with red caps. State Farm comes on stage with a check for $10,000 to go to the Red Cross.
Matt sings "The Greyhound Song."
Billy: Alright Matt, I'm just gonna lay this on the line. You know I think you're one of the best entertainers on the show, but you also know that it's coming down to the wire. It will not translate on the radio. I promise you that. But, you're gonna be a huge entertainer on the stage for many years.
Brett: I disagree. In the words of Bob Dylan, "Times they are a-changing." The fact that Brad and I are sitting here...you got Big & Rich getting played like crazy, and Gretchen Wilson, "Redneck Woman," I think America's ready to party, my friend, and you're it.
Brad: I just can't wait for Sony to try to make a commercial record on you. It's gonna be great.
Tracy: I was just going to say...forget this Nashville Star. Do an independent record, and I wanna be your agent for your own variety show.
My thoughts: What an awful song! He sounded all off key, and the yodeling and falsetto were horrible. I've never heard him sing so badly. If he is the next Nashville Star, something is definitely wrong.
Nancy announces next week for the finale, LeAnn Rimes will join them on the show.
We're down to three contestants and Nancy reads the next name. That name is George Canyon.
We're shown George's trip home to Nova Scotia. As he comes in the airport he's met by his kids and wife, and then lastly a group of fans saying "We want George." April 19th was named "George Canyon Day." Then George takes the stage and sings.
George sings "Letting Go."
Brad: George In the words of the great Hunter S. Thompson, "The music business is a plastic trench filled with pimps and thieves, where good men die like dogs, and there's also a down side." You've actually stuck around. You're not some snotty nosed 18-year old kid that just kinda fell in here. I think you've kinda earned it, and you're already a star. So I think you won, whether you win or not.
Brett: George, I don't know what else to say, except I'm glad that I'm not in America voting tonight. You're probably gonna be the next Nashville Star.
Tracy: George, you always do a great job, and that was a great song, and you can do it on Matt Lindahl's Variety Show, I'm sure.
Billy: I was just writing down that I need four backstage passes when you come through town.
My thoughts: I remember when he was on the Imus show he sang part of this song and I'm glad I got to hear more of it. He sounded awesome, as usual.
Nancy brings out the last two contestants, Brad Cotter and Lance Miller. Then, it's off to a commercial break.
The final four are back on the stage after the break, and Nancy asks Brad and Lance to step forward. The final name is Brad Cotter.
First Nancy talks to Brad who is happy, but he says he's sad to see Lance go as they've been friends a long time.
We see the hometown video for Brad next. He meets with fans, and they proclaim the day Brad Cotter day. He visits his grandfather's farm. He mentions that his mom passed away in 2001 and before he goes on stage he winks at his mom cuz he knows she is watching. They show State Farm presenting a check for $10,000.
Brad sings "Patient Man."
Tracy: Oh, good job, Brad, good job. You know Brad, you're like a phoenix who has risen from the ashes, you know. And I think you've done such a great job, and I think you are proof that the voting public knows what they're doing, to put you back into thise competition.
Billy: Brad, I will always be proud to be part of this show, and it's only because we found you.
Brett: Brad, there's no doubt that you have the most soul in your voice, of the three contestants left. There's a good shot, you may be the next Nashville Star.
Brad: Congratulations.
Brett: Your mom's smiling tonight, my friend.
My thoughts: Brad sang a mid-tempo song that he wrote. He sounded really good.