This report comes from Casey Henry, a banjo player and writer living in Nashville, TN. She performed the past few years with her brother, Chris, in The Two Stringers, now disbanded.

The Clark Brothers will definitely be either first, second, or third place on Next Great American Band. On Friday night’s episode the three remaining groups—The Clarks, Sixwire, and Denver and the Mile High Orchestra (interestingly, all from Nashville)—each did three songs. It was the final competition show.

Next week they’ll announce the winner, who will receive a recording contract. Surely the runners-up will get something, in addition to the amazing publicity the show has afforded them.

The Clarks performed Change the World, by Eric Clapton, which was the judges choice. John Rzeznik called it, “a unique interpretation” that “added depth to the original lyrics.” Dicko said “you breathe so much fire I thought you were going to set the sprinklers off.” Their next song was Amazed, by Lonestar, which was the show’s choice. The stripped down version had Ashley sitting on a stool just singing, no instrument. It showed they have a firm grip on mainstream country and caused John to comment, “I think every woman in America wants you right now. I feel like a giddy little girl.” Ashley looked a bit bashful at that, but if they win this contest he’s going to need to get used to it.

Their final selection, which they got to choose, was the This Little Light of Mine/Faith, Faith, Faith medley that they played on the first show. Their frantic, fiery version brought down the house. Dicko, who has been commuting back and forth from Australia during the competition, said that “one thing makes it alright every week – when you take the stage.” John proclaimed, “I don’t think anyone deserves to win this contest more than you.”

Let’s hope America agrees. The votes are cast and it’s all over by now, we just have to wait until Friday to find out who is the Next Great American Band.