NBC photos by John Russell

Daily Reporter Staff

The course of their careers will go in different directions, but "Nashville Star" finalists Melissa Lawson, Gabe Garcia and Shawn Mayer faced the same question after confetti was swept from the floor of the Acuff Theater on Monday night:

What's next?

As the winner, Lawson has at least one definitive answer. She has to prepare for a trip to 2008 Summer Olympic Games and a performance August 12 in Beijing.

Nothing could prepare her for the moment her name was announced as the winner of the NBC country music competition series, however.

"Right up in the second still we're standing there -- and of course, it's that horrible (suspense) music they're playing, that 'duh-duh-duh' -- so we're all listening there and standing next to Gabe," she said. "And I was just telling myself gosh, I've made it to the top three. This is unbelievable. And I was really sure they were going to call Gabe's name so that's what I was anticipating in my mind. And so when they called my name, it was so shocking. I was just - I was so excited."

Lawson said she had to compose herself enough to sing the single created for the "Nashville Star" winner. The song, "What if it All Goes Right?" was released Tuesday morning.

"I want to make sure I'm not crying so I can actually sing the single," she said. "And I was laughing because it was so awesome and a lot of disbelief - just an incredible feeling at that moment."

Lawson's success on the show is sending her to China, but she's not the only one packing.

All three finalists, plus fourth-place finisher Coffey, will embark on a nationwide "Nashville Star" concert tour this fall. An 8 p.m. concert Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer is one of the dates.

The top three talked about their futures and experiences on the show during a set of conference calls Tuesday. All three have busy schedules ahead as they try to capitalize on the exposure they received from the show.

Shawn Mayer, Melissa Lawson and Gabe Garcia acknowledge the audience during the season six finale of "Nashville Star" Monday night. Regardless of the results, all three contestants are filling their schedules with tour dates to capitalize on their big breaks.

"We just had the largest showcase you could possibly ask for in front of, you know, the industry and in front of America," said Mayer, of May City, an unincorporated town of 45 in Osceola County. "And we've gained so many fans, and we're so thankful for that. And one thing is, it's truly a stepping stone for our careers."

Lawson, from Arlington, Texas, will be moving her young family to the Nashville area -- the oldest of her five sons is going into third grade.

"In order for me to try to focus on the music side and still give the kids the time that they need from me as a mom, I'm going to have to have them here with me," she said. "And when I do - when I am on the road, I'm going to be making sure that at every opportunity that I have, that they can be a part of what I'm doing. I'm going to make that happen as well."

Lawson is guaranteed a recording contract as the winner. Garcia, from Lytle, Texas, said Warner Bros. Records gets first opportunity to sign the other contestants as well.

"Actually, all three of us had a little chat, you know, going in before the show just knowing that we're all sitting in good seats right now and no matter, win or lose, we're all doing pretty well as far as record-deal wise."

Industry insiders Jeffrey Steele, John Rich and Jewel provided feedback during the live Monday night telecasts. They also served as mentors in the week between episodes. The judges occasionally told Garcia his laid-back style made it harder for him to connect with the audience. In one memorable comment, Rich told Garcia to "turn his Texas on," meaning he should flirt with audience members a little more.

Cast members saw a more playful side from the former electrician. He has a reputation as a prankster behind the scenes. Garcia said audiences can expect to see a more outgoing performer on tour.

The way "Nashville Star" is structured, the band is somewhat isolated to keep the contestant as the focus on stage. On tour, Garcia said he'll have a better chance to jam out with his fellow musicians.

I'm just anxious to get on the tour and just have a good time and doing what I do," he said, then acknowledged: "I don't think I'm going to be jumping on speakers."

For Mayer, self-confidence was her biggest challenge on the show.

"I was an extremely self-conscious person," she said. "I didn't - couldn't, like, look at myself in the mirror. I was constantly comparing myself to the other artists on the show going man… they're so good. I don't even know why I'm here."

Mayer told reporters the other contestants made a pact that every time she put herself down, they wouldn't talk to her for three minutes. As the season progressed Mayer said she found optimism from the voting results.

"You know, Shawn has grown leaps and bounds in this process," Lawson said. "I'm so proud of her. I mean, it's - she's like - I mean, even though she's 21 and she's probably more like a younger sister age-wise, she's really like one of my children.

"And I love that she takes everything in and that she has tried to turn it around for the better," Lawson continued. "Most importantly with Shawn, I just want her to stay confident. You know, it's - that's a challenge for her. She's really, really hard on herself."

Lawson said she didn't want Mayer to be quite so hard on herself because she's got a lot to offer.

"It's okay to be critical and critique yourself but to, you know, have moments where you might be tearing yourself down over things that aren't necessary, that's tough," she said. "And… she's a tough-skinned girl… there is no doubt in my mind she's going to stick with it. She's going to keep at it and she's going to get somewhere."

Lawson had kind words for the second-place finisher as well.

"I'm real proud of him," she said. "Gabe is literally the most laid back, mild-mannered man I've ever met in my life. He does not raise his voice, period. I don't care if he is rage-fully furious. He's just kind of like 'OK, I feel like going to hit a wall now.' I mean, like he's so calm and cool and collected. And I've so enjoyed meeting him because I think it's really his personality that shines through his singing."

Lawson also has plenty of people who are proud of her, too.

"Right after they announced it I was walking up and I made it to the center of the stage and there was a moment that I caught my husband's eye and he was just beaming from ear to ear, and the boys were smiling and they were sending me - you know, we do some sign language with them so they were sending me the 'I love you' sign.

"And I just was so proud because I knew that at that second it wasn't just me that was winning. It was, you know, my kids too and my family, and everybody that voted for me. And it was just such a special moment."