Six finalists will perform next Thursday, Aug. 27, in the Summer Showcase concert. They will perform live after months of online voting. Half of them will leave with a cash prize, and the other half will leave with a fantastic experience as well as increased exposure to their music. Hopefully all six of them will leave satisfied that they gave the audience something worthwhile through their performance.

I was able to interview three of the finalists and find out what their hopes are for their music and what their experience has been like so far in the MormonTimes.com Summer Showcase contest.

The common thread I have seen among all the participants is that they want to use their music to make this world a better place -- to uplift and inspire others. The motivation of these six finalists has impressed me because they seek to serve others through their music.

Abby Paulsen, a singer-songwriter from Holladay, Utah, said she entered the competition for an opportunity to get her music out there.



Paulsen said, "I never thought I would actually make it to the finals and be able to play in the concert with the chance to win money, but I sure am very grateful to get to this point. My goal with the music that I write is to write songs that will make people feel good, have a positive experience, and leave feeling uplifted."

Cameron Nichols, a Showcase finalist from Provo, Utah, said, "Music has helped me so much during the trials in my life, and I want to inspire and uplift others the way others' music has helped me."

Music is one of the most powerful vehicles to change lives.

One of my favorite quotes is from Handel. After the first London performance of Messiah, Lord Kinnoul complimented Handel on the outstanding entertainment. Handel responded, "My lord, I should be sorry if I only entertained them -- I wish to make them better."

This is the desire behind the best performers there are -- to not only entertain, but to leave the audience better than they were before the performance.

For many of the finalists, this experience has showed them how their fans give back, as well. Nathan Osmond, who has been singing with the Osmonds 2nd Generation and is now pursuing a solo career, has been overwhelmed by the support from fans all over the world.

Osmond said, "It has been so amazing to see how all my family, friends and fans have pulled together to vote for my song, "I Believe In Love." I've had people in Denmark, Japan, Canada, England and many other countries voting for me. I have been so touched by the support I have received from so many."

It's a give-give back situation. Artists give through their music, and fans desire to give back and help, as well. The Showcase finalists desire to uplift and give to their fans. In return, the fans have given back with their votes.

I was in the last Showcase competition, so I remember the feelings I had before, during, and after the concert. Before the concert, I had expectations of who I thought would win. I also had some expectations of how my performance would go. I did my best to shake those expectations and just focus on the music.

But there's more to it than just focusing on the music, as the finalists have expressed. It's taking an outward focus. It's remembering that music is the most powerful when the musicians give their hearts to the audience.

My advice to the six finalists? Leave your expectations at home and enjoy the experience. Let the night be about the music and the audience -- how can you give them what they need through your music? Give your heart and then enjoy whatever comes your way, whether it's $5,000 or touching a life or two.

The six finalists will perform at the Summer Showcase concert at 7 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the Sandy Amphitheater in Sandy, Utah. The top vote-getter in the finals will be announced at the concert and will win a $5,000 first prize. Second prize will be $2,000 and third prize will be $1,000.

To listen to the finalists' songs and vote through Aug. 24, go to MormonTimes.com.

Tickets to the concert are $10 and are available at smithstix.com.