Homecoming: A Mayer Family Reunion

After being named the top four finishers in America's search for country music's next star, May City native Shawn Mayer returned to northwest Iowa with fellow performers Coffey, runner-up Gabe Garcia and NBC's Nashville Star winner, Melissa Lawson to close out the 2008 Nashville Star Tour at the Clay County Regional Events Center Saturday night. The 2,200-plus appreciative fans showed their love for Mayer and the other performers by standing, shouting and singing along. [Order this photo]

(Photos and text by Randy M. Cauthron)

Coffey, Shawn Mayer, Gabe Garcia, Melissa Lawson. One has already secured their spot on the country charts, claiming the 2008 Nashville Star title on the national NBC program and launching her popular country hit, "What If It All Goes Right?" Lawson and her fellow final four members of the TV show put on a wild show for the fans at the Clay County Regional Events Center Saturday night as they concluded their national tour. The final stop was a bit of a homecoming for northwest Iowa native Mayer who was greeted warmly by her fans.

Melissa Lawson concluded the evening's solo performances, delivering several songs, including one, "Unbreakable" from her forthcoming album, as well as her current hit, "What If It All Goes Right?" [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Shawn Mayer's familiy, parents Mark and Shandra Mayer, and sister, Shayne were front row center for the show Saturday night, cheering and sometimes dancing the night away. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Gabe Garcia performed several songs, using his George Strait like style, staying close to the mic. He did receive an ice water bath from co-star Shawn Mayer during his set; then the two teamed up to deliver an ice bath to Melissa Lawson. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Coffey opened the show Saturday night, emerging from the back of the auditorium while singing "Sweet Home Alabama." He spent the first half of the song walking through the audience, pumping the crowd up for the rest of the night. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

One of Shawn Mayer's many fans in attendance got head and shoulders above the rest for a couple of unobstructed pictures of her favorite Nashville Star. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Melissa Lawson and Shawn Mayer come together during the finale of the show, all stars taking the stage together one final time. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The four friends, who have spent the last several months performing with each other on national television and on the touring stage, took the stage together for the final time Saturday - thanking the audience for its support. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]