Mario Tarradell

Attention Nashville Star fans: This is it! Tonight the winner will be crowned in the sixth season finale. So what better time to examine the final three contestants, especially since two of them are Texans. Let's even predict the victor by detailing the intensity of their starlight.

NBC

Melissa Lawson

Arlington's supermom takes care of five boys and a husband, and still manages to belt out country songs under the pressure of celebrity judges and a viewing audience controlling her artistic destiny. That she's made it this far speaks volumes about the sheer force of her performing powers. She has an amazing voice – strong, lived-in and believable. And she's an inspiration to every talented woman who isn't a size 2 and still wants to pursue a dream in such an image-conscious music world.

Star brightness? Shining.

NBC

Gabe Garcia

It took a bit for this finalist from Lytle, Texas, to emerge from under his brim, whether that of a cowboy hat or a baseball cap. But Mr. Garcia found his footing. He's country to the core. He proved that from the get-go with a honky-tonk-ready rendition of George Strait's "All My Exes Live in Texas." His Hispanic heritage makes him rare in a still Anglo-dominated genre. But like successful forefathers Freddy Fender, Johnny Rodriguez and Rick Trevino, Mr. Garcia radiates honesty and has an ambitious twinkle in his eyes.

Star brightness? Warm glow.

NBC

Shawn Mayer

The Iowa firecracker, albeit a teary one, immediately became the risk-taker of the bunch. She suffered through early gambling, particularly an ill-conceived cover of George Jones' classic "He Stopped Loving Her Today." But lately she's proven that defiance can deliver. Still, Ms. Mayer has had a rocky tenure on the show, languishing in the bottom two a few times and looking as if she might crack under the strain. Making it this far is essentially her reward. Give her credit for moxie, though.

Star brightness? Dim.

Plan your life

Nashville Star airs at 9 p.m. on NBC-TV (Channel 5).

Finalist Melissa Lawson's church home, Pantego Bible Church, welcomes the community to a watch party at 8:30 p.m. 8001 Anderson Blvd., Fort Worth. 1-866-726-8346.