Stephanie Nash plays at MEISA UNPLUGGED Saturday. Photo by Casey Gahagan | The Appalachian

In shock, Nash graced the stage, one last time, with an encore performance.

“It was an honor to even be on the stage tonight with the talent that was up there, and it was an honor to make it into the top three,” she said.

The eight performers were then narrowed to three and a final winner was chosen by a set of three judges. The winner will work with Split Rail Records, Appalachian State University’s recording company, to produce a five-song extended play record.

Alumna and previous MEISA president Alicia N. Torres was chosen to be one of the judges. She now works in Nashville’s entertainment industry.

Fellow judge and assistant music professor Scott D. Wynne attributed stage presence, personal appearance and charisma with the audience, also, as important qualities.