A Big, Warm Howdy to the Newest Nashville Star

Melissa Lawson, 32, wins this season of the country-music competition

By Natalie Finn Aug 05, 2008 2:00 PMTags
Melissa Lawson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Nashville StarNBC

Melissa Lawson has something to write home about.

The 32-year-old mother of five was crowned the winner of the sixth season of Nashville Star, which was also the country-music competition's first cycle on NBC.

Barely holding back tears of joy, Lawson capped off her triumphant night by singing what will become her first single, the uplifting "What If It All Goes Right," produced by Big & Rich's John Rich.

For her clear-as-a-bell efforts, Lawson, who beat out fellow native Texan Gabe Garcia in the finale's dwindling moments Monday, gets a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records.

She has also secured herself some face time at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, where she'll perform live Aug. 12. Her appearance will be featured on the Today show.