I was already excited to be in Nashville -- it's Music City, ya know! -- so I just knew that this show would be wonderful... and it was!

The club, 12th & Porter, was just what my idea of what a Nashville club should be: intimate room, cafe-style tables, small stage, lit by candles, and two angels hung on either side of the stage.

Although I was slightly disappointed I didn't hear any country acts (aren't there any Dixie-Chicks-wannabes out there?), the talent pool proved that Nashville is still a leader in great music.

One of the names I noticed right away was Jag Star from Knoxville... mainly because I had just seen them perform at the Charlotte Talent Search two days earlier! They are a unique band and definitely getting their name and sound out there.

Personal favorites included a crowd favorite, Antonia, who wore her signature goggles and began by saying, "My name is Antonia and I'm on a mission." I also enjoyed Audra and Alayna (and yes, they are twins) who harmonized to a catchy "Tell Me."

In a very close race, the winner was Ginny Owens and the runner up was Lennon Murphy.

• Patrick McDill - Pace Concerts/First American Music Center
• Holly Gleason - Joe's Garage/Mary Cutrufello's Manager
• Brad Schmitt - "Brad About You," The Tennessean
• Mindy Harrison - Force (Publicity for First American Music Center)
• Hillary Lindsay - singer/songwriter on the Epic label

Note: Carolyn is travelling across North America representing Lilith Fair at the Talent Searches and sending back daily reports.