First, Jeffrey, “Little Tony” and Tony tried to make it in San Antonio, then Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and third, they went to Las Vegas where they found their name -- Third Town. After their tryout for “Nashville Star,” the three were told that they didn’t make the show’s top 12 and they returned to Las Vegas and resumed their lives of pounding the pavement in pursuit of their dreams. Then, the day before the first show taping, they got the call that will forever change their lives -- they had made the top 12. Third Town competes on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Monday, June, 9, 2008, 9:9 PM

Tommy Stanley was working as an engineer on the USS Kitty Hawk and stationed in Japan when he filmed his video audition for “Nashville Star.” Once finding out he’d made it to the Norfolk military audition, Tommy flew from Japan to Virginia with the hope of taking a leave from duty to pursue his music. He hasn’t seen his father in a year or his mom in three years but he hopes to perform before them on the show. Tommy competes on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Friday, June, 6, 2008, 11:6 PM

The female trio Pearl Heart is a family affair with twin sisters Amy and Angela singing alongside their little sister Courtney. After watching their daughters perform together for years, Pearl Heart’s parents packed up their bags and moved their family to Tennessee for their daughters to seriously pursue their music career. By making top-12 of “Nashville Star,” the Krechel sisters are hoping to prove to their parents that the move paid off. Angela, Courtney, and Amy compete on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Friday, June, 6, 2008, 11:6 PM

From a town of 45, Shawn Mayer skipped lunch at school to avoid finding someone that would sit with her or having to sit alone, because unlike her classmates, Shawn was spending her weekends earning money by performing in bars and not hanging out at the mall. She’s worked on a hog farm, is a mechanic and a volunteer firefighter but the girl really just wants to be on a stage. Shawn competes on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Friday, June, 6, 2008, 11:6 PM

At age 31, Melissa Lawson is the oldest female contestant this season on "Nashville Star." A working mother with five sons, Melissa wants to prove that country music is about the songs and the voice, not about the size jeans you wear. She’s the “every woman” in pursuit of the ultimate dream and she didn’t leave her family to lose the competition. Melissa competes on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Friday, June, 6, 2008, 11:6 PM

Everybody has been affected by cancer but for Charley Jenkins, it partly defines who he is. Five years ago Charley moved away from home to pursue his music career but when his dad was terminally ill with cancer, Charley returned home to Utah. A year later, Charley’s dad passed away and now Charley includes a song he wrote about his father in every set he performs. Charley competes on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Friday, June, 6, 2008, 11:6 PM

With her dad currently in Iraq training Iraqis, Ashlee Hewitt is hoping to stay on the show for a few weeks so her dad can see her perform when he returns to the States for a short leave from overseas. One of 13 children, Ashlee grew up on a 2,500 acre horse ranch in Minnesota and is a true country girl. Ashlee competes on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Friday, June, 6, 2008, 11:6 PM

Originally from Louisiana, Justin Gaston left home at age 17 to pursue a career in music, while supporting himself as a model. Only after suffering heartbreak from breaking up with his long-distance girlfriend did Justin realize how isolating living on his own can be at a young age. With his good looks and great voice, Justin is the ultimate teenage country heartthrob. Justin competes on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Friday, June, 6, 2008, 11:6 PM

Stunningly beautiful former Miss St. Paul, Alyson Gilbert has a passion for music and animals. When not performing at local bars and parties, Alyson studies veterinarian science at the University of Tennessee in Martin. Alyson competes on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Friday, June, 6, 2008, 11:6 PM

Gabe Garcia is proud of his roots and wants to inspire other Hispanics to pursue a career in country music, just as Rick Trevino inspired him. The ultimate Tex-Mex cowboy, Gabe left San Antonio and his job of 10 years after his father passed away last October to follow his dream and he’s not turning back. Gabe competes on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Friday, June, 6, 2008, 11:6 PM

According to Coffey, being away from his 5-year-old daughter Savannah is like holding his breath and suffocating. As a single father, Coffey is competing for two -- himself and his daughter. While most move to Nashville, Coffey left his small town in Texas for Los Angeles where he can often be found performing on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Coffey competes on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Friday, June, 6, 2008, 11:6 PM

To look at Laura and Sophie is to see two high school teenagers who should be enjoying their summer vacation from school. Instead, Laura is missing her high school graduation to spend the summer with her best friend Sophie as they try to pursue their dreams at a young age. With Laura still wearing braces and Sophie barely legal to drive, these teens are unlike anything else in country music. Laura & Sophie (l-r) compete on Season 6 of Nashville Star.NBC/John Russell - Friday, June, 6, 2008, 11:6 PM