SYNOPSIS: After years of dreaming, weeks of competition, and countless hours of anxiety and hard work for the Nashville Star finalists, it all came down to one moment: the season finale of Nashville Star.

Three talented performers -- Nicole Jamrose, Chris Young and Casey Rivers -- made it to the final round of competition, but only one walked away the newest Nashville Star and with a coveted record deal at the RCA label group. It was an unforgettable night, packed with special guests, show-stopping performances and, of course, the announcement we've been waiting for these past eight weeks: who America has chosen as the next Nashville Star.

As usual, some of country's biggest names, not to mention a few rising stars, were in the house. Country superstars Big & Rich returned for the final episode, joining Nashville Star co-host Cowboy Troy to open the show with a performance of Troy's "Last Yee Haw" and then sitting in as guest judges.

Jason Aldean stopped by to perform the hit "Hicktown" with a little backup from some familiar faces: all 10 Nashville Star's finalists.

And Nashville Star's official judge, and talented singer-songwriter, Phil Vassar took the stage to captivate the audience with a performance of his new single, "Last Day of My Life." And of course let's not forget the real stars of the show -- the three remaining finalists, who were each given a chance to perform before the results of last week's votes were announced.

Casey Rivers, whom judge Anastasia Brown had previously called "the voice of this competition," took the stage with nothing but a guitar and a stool, reprising his show-stopping performance of "Your Cheatin' Heart." The judges agreed that Casey's talent was undeniable.

"You're the best true singer that's ever been on this competition," Phil told the young Texan, and Anastasia added that Casey was also the "best student of this competition." Big & Rich agreed, saying: "I know you're gonna be a superstar." As it turns out, the judges aren't the only ones impressed with Casey, the performer admitted that he has made some new female fans, and even received a few prom invitations!

Nicole Jamrose, "the Rockin' Momma," was next to perform. Trying out for Nashville Star "wasn't even a thought in my head" she admitted (until a friend dragged her to the audition) but she sure seemed bound for stardom last night. The judges were all impressed with her rendition of "Thing Called Love," and were especially impressed that Nicole has managed to balance a budding music career with motherhood, calling her "a continued inspiration." Big & Rich also added a little piece of advice for the singer: "Make Indiana where you're from, and make Nashville where you live."

Chris Young -- the judges' favorite to win -- was the last finalist to take the stage, and once again the judges were blown away by his original song "Drinking Me Lonely." Big & Rich told the young Nashville local that he had the "X factor" and that he'd be "a great addition to Nashville," and added: "All you got left to be is a superstar." Phil was also impressed by Chris's talent and stage presence, saying "You were put on this earth to do this."

While all three finalists were deserving, only one could be crowned the next Nashville Star. And before the show went any further, it was time to say goodbye to one more contestant.

America voted, and decided to send Nicole Jamrose packing. Co-host Wynonna was a little teary as she said goodbye to last female finalist, but Nicole kept her cool. "It's been a wild ride," she admitted, after hugging her fellow finalists and thanking her family and her fans. And after a stressful few months, Nicole was ready to kick back: "I'm done working for the night," she said, "I get to have fun."

With Nicole out of the picture, the race was down to Casey and Chris, who still had a little work left to do. Both finalists had a lot of fans in the audience, including some very special women: their mothers!

Casey's mom told Cowboy Troy that her son had dreamed of being a country singer since he was a little kid putting on concerts with his brother -- and that she had the "blackmail tapes" to prove it! And Chris's mother said that her son had been receiving emails from his many female fans. "He's been propositioned, everything from marriage to ... everything," she admitted.

For the first time, the two performers took the stage together, performing "I like It I Love It." And once the final performances were over, it was time for the big moment. America voted in record numbers last week, and after millions of votes were counted the results were finally in: Chris Young was crowned the next Nashville Star!

It was a season filled with big stars and even bigger dreams, where some of the most talented rising stars shared the stage with some of the most successful names in the country music world. Record numbers of Americans turned up to watch, and millions cast their votes. And after an exhaustive nationwide search, it's finally over.

Now, be sure to catch the Nashville Star concert tour, and watch for your favorite Nashville Star finalists -- these performers have bright futures ahead of them.

Thanks, America, for joining the search for the next country superstar. And congratulations to Chris Young, the newest Nashville Star!