The American Spirit was alive and well on the Nashville Star stage this week, as each contestant performed a song that he or she felt reflected that spirit. Love of home and family, patriotism, rugged individualism, and hard work were all values expressed in the songs selected, values that together make up the fabric of American society.

Remaining finalists:

"Heartland" - George Strait

Brandon Silveira:

"A Country Boy Can Survive" - Hank Williams, Jr.

Miranda Lambert:

"Fightin' Side of Me" - Merle Haggard

Buddy Jewell:

"40 Hour Week" - Alabama

Brandi Gibson:

"Home" - Joe Diffie

John Arthur Martinez:

"The City of New Orleans" - Arlo Guthrie