This is probably the most important episode of the season. The four remaining finalists will each perform two songs, and the voting tonight will crown the winner next week. The Top 4 get to go back home, where they perform at a State Farm benefit concert to raise money for high school drop-out prevention.
The first finalist we get to see is Shawn Mayer. In her video clip, we see her at home in May City, Iowa. She finds out that the town has erected a sign saying "Home of Shawn Mayer." She has an autograph session for over 500 people. She leads a pack of motorcycles into her concert, and they show her performing.
Back to the live performance, Shawn performs "Here for the Party."
My thoughts: Shawn did a really good job with this song. She really worked the stage, and I think this is a good song choice for her.
John: Nice song. Shawn, at the beginning of this season, I would have said, please don't *ever* sing a Gretchen Wilson song. But, you've come so far, you've actually made that sound like a Shawn Mayer song.
Jewel: Shawn, you're really are starting to come into your own. I really want to make sure that as this process goes... with great fame comes great responsibility, and you need to start thinking about that as you go forward, and become more successful.
Jeffrey: Hey Shawn, I missed that little high note at the end. I wanted to hear you kill that note at the end. I know Shawn's under a little duress tonight. She's got a little wisdom tooth issue going on. I really dig the fact that you are being a real pro tonight. Make your next one your best one, it might be your last one. So give it your best shot. Good job.
Next is Gabe Garcia. We see his trip back home to Lytle, TX. We see him walk in, and a huge crowd is there to greet him, complete with mariachis. They give him a parade, and Gabe gets the key to the city. Next, Gabe performs in front of 10,000 people, complete with fireworks.
Back to the live performance, Gabe since It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere.
My thoughts: I think Gabe could sing anything sound good. Another great performance.
Jeffrey: A little shakey on the start, and a little shakey on the ending. I know you've been sick too. Your next performance is your last one, so make it your best one.
John: You know what, Gabe, I've said this right along, there is a real void in country music right now. That is the artist that can bridge where we're at to the Hispanic community of America. You are the real deal. I think you have a great chance to win this show.
Jewel: I was so glad to see you go home. I'm from a really small town in Alaska, and it's so nice to have your whole town to come out for you. But, the work is just beginning. I want to make sure you're dedicated to this, and being a star for Nashville Star.
Next up is Coffey.
Coffey goes home to Los Angeles. He's so excited to see his daughter and his dad again. He goes to his church, and finds a huge crowd screaming his name. He gets a star, and puts his hands in cement. He talks to the kids at the church, and tells them to believe in their dreams. He sees some stars that are supporting him, like Patricia Heaton and Simbad. Lastly, he puts on a show to raise money for drop-out prevention.
In his live performance, Coffey sings "Sweet Home Alabama."
My thoughts: He's back to the major vibrato in his voice again. Very energetic, but he's just not country.
Jeffrey: This week, this was pretty good. I think you're in your best element when you're doing these kind of songs, and you're not overdoing it too much. Your charisma is carrying you this whole way. You're a star. I don't know if you're the next Nashville Star, but you're a star.
John: I also agree with Jeffrey. You have an incredible charisma. You're an incredible showman. I do think you're a star. And I still doubt that you're a Nashville Star.
Jewel: I do think that your charisma has really been carrying you. That can't be taught. I thought it was great tonight.