NASHVILLE STAR

Final Performances – the last chance to impress – our last chance to vote.

They are going to go back and visit their hometowns.

The Final Four are Melissa Lawson, Gabe Garcia, Shawn Mayer, and Coffey.

3 of the finalists are from Texas (though Coffey is from LA “via Texas”)

Next week the show is on an hour later at 9pm.

They all perform once, then one will be eliminated, and then the Top 3 will perform.

Their back home concert was to raise money for High School Dropout Prevention. That’s one you don’t here of often enough is it?

Shawn Mayer
A nice package of her going back home. That surreal experience of having a sign put up saying “Welcome to the home of Shawn Mayer”, seeing 6000 people show up for the concert which she lead a motorcycle ride to.

“Here For the Party” – Gretchen Wilson
I liked it – she didn’t over sing.

John Rich (JR) – Said he didn’t want her to ever sing a Gretchen Wilson song at the beginning of the competition, but she has come a long way and made that a Shawn Mayer song. Really good.
Jewel (J) – We’re seeing her come into herself and become confident, but it comes with great responsibility.
Jeffrey Steele (JS) – Wanted her to hit a high note at the end, but she is having a Wisdom tooth issue. He commended her for being a professional and playing thru the pain (if you watched Celebrity Apprentice, then like me, you prolly figure that Trace Adkins has to be the strongest, most consummate professional out there! LOL For those that didn’t watch, Trace has done many concerts in terrible pain, including one when he went to the hospital immediately after a show and had several feet of his intestine taken out! It was priceless hearing him talk about that – but I digress.)

Gabe Garcia
Gets a parade and the key to his city, Liddell, TX. He had 10,000 people at his concert.

“It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere” – Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett
I don’t care for it much, and it’s mostly ‘cuz I don’t like his voice that much. I had grown to like it more, but not tonight.

JS – Said it was shaky at the beginning and the end, and that he has been sick too.
JR – Is honest that we need to bridge the gap between Hispanic and country – didn’t really critique his performance.
J – Relates to being from a small town, hopes he has what it takes. Again, no really critique of his performance.
JS - Said he was sick and that they had their first taste of working 24/7 and asked if he was ready for it (he said he was). Maybe they feel he doesn’t have the stamina yet to make it. Third Town made it into the competition for just that reason. A young woman had been selected to be on the show (can’t remember her name, sorry) but she couldn’t take the rough schedule so they dropped her and put Third Town in her place. It’s a tough gig being a singer (oh, but the perks).

Coffey
Had to go back to LA and not TX ‘cuz his daughter Savannah is in LA. He had a Hollywood experience. Patricia Heaton and Sinbad were shown as fans.

“Sweet Home Alabama” –Lynryd Skynyrd
I thought it was great! He sounded good and the performance rocked.

JS – Thought it was good. Thinks he is a star.
JR – Incredible charisma and showman, thinks he’s a star, but doubts that he’s a Nashville Star
J – Great, but there’s a difference between performing and recording. Ahhh, they are prolly worried about catching lightning in a bottle.

Melissa Lawson
Smothered in the cutest little boys in her package piece. She performs at the high school where she was not popular – every girls dream. lol

“Hit Me with Your Best Shot” – Pat Benetar! (What! Why is she not singing a country song?)

J – Good – hit the money notes when she had to.
JS – She hits it out of the park, but others are sneaking up on her. He doesn’t like to hear those big notes all the time.
JR – Asks her why she wants to win. She said she always has, it will change her life and her children’s life and that’s a mother’s job.

Who is eliminated – they are going to call the person forward to sing. Based on last week I think Coffey doesn’t make it thru.

Shawn Mayer is going ahead.

“The Dance” – Garth Brooks

Very intimate and controlled.

JR – She is light years ahead of where she was 10 weeks ago.
J – Thinks she would be good ‘cuz she would be able to help her label shape her career.
JS – She sang it the way he wanted, and he was impressed.

Melissa Lawson is next.

“Jesus Take the Wheel” – Carrie Underwood

J – Very beautifully sung. Thinks she has a lot of good things going on.
JS – Felt the verses were a little low, but when she gets into her zone she is beautiful.
JR – She has a shot at being Nashville Star. The TV show is becoming reality, and her performance connected with the country audience.

OK – off to one of the endless commercial breaks, and then we will have a torturous pause to find out who is going home and who is performing.

It’s Gabe & Coffey.

It’s Coffey, as predicted, and the pause was only 9 seconds!

Of course there’s a Nashville Star tour. It kicks off in the fall.

Gabe Garcia if the final one in the Top 3.

“Living in Fast Forward” – Kenny Chesney

This one is better for me.

JS – This is it and their all great. When you’re in this role it’s radio all afternoon.
JR – Important to country music. He is great.
J – Labels have signed artists not as good as these three. He’s not a vain singer, so he can do more with his voice.

OK – I get that they want to bridge the gap with the Hispanic audience, but what about the African American audience that Coffey could have bridged? It’s not like country is overflowing in that area either. I just find it weird that they would bring it up for one and not the other.

So my pick to win would be Melissa. I like Shawn if she can control herself. And then it’s Gabe. So we’ll see what happens.

Who do you want to win? What is your Top 3 order?

Remember next week it’s on an hour later at 9pm!!!!

SUGARLAND

The new cd is Love on the Inside.

I've been playing cuts all day.

I love it!

What do you think?

NASHVILLE STAR

Only two more weeks left in the show. Next week is the last time we’ll vote. The pressure is on.

I’ll be honest, this show started out great, but has gone downhill a bit for me. I haven’t enjoyed it as much as I should have.

Tonight the contestants will be performing original songs. I can’t wait to hear what they write, and how they sound.

They are at the Grand Ole Opry for the show this week. Hallowed ground in country music.

Let’s get into it.

Coffey is first!
“Southern Man”
A song to show who he really is. As his mentor Jewel is happy to hear that.
I thought his voice wasn’t very good, he sounded winded (maybe that was nerves). The song itself was kind of catchy, bouncy, and fun, not to serious.
Jeffrey Steele (JS) – He’s a big songwriter in Nashville, and he said he’s been waiting for this week. He said he felt Coffey pulled it off, the song was kinda novelty (yeah, but that’s not that big a deal), but he liked it.
John Rich (JR) – Didn’t think it was a hit country song, but it was a great performance.
Jewel (J) – Likes it ‘cuz the song is him, she’s proud of that.

Melissa Lawson
“Ready To Stand”
She’s been working on it for months, and is nervous. JR says she’s a natural born songwriter. The song is about her journey to get where she is.
It’s pretty good and she really sang it well.
J – She noted that writing for yourself allows you to take advantage of your range, and she felt Melissa took full advantage of that.
JS – As a songwriter he thinks they have some great talent in this show (I think this was a knock to all the whispers I’ve been hearing.) He’s ready to critique, but they are all blowing him away. Jewel interjected here and wanted to know if Melissa wrote it 100%, and she said “yes.”
JR – Told her to stay focused, stay on her game, but thought it was great.


The judges are going to do a medley of their hits. This should be good or interesting. Let’s hope both.

Well, I thought JR was the best – Jewel was horrible when she went up high, and Jeffrey looked like he was in pain when he sang. lol


Gabe Garcia
“Lost Weekend”
This is the first song he wrote with a couple of buddies.
I can hear this song on country radio.
JS – Liked it. (my dogs were distracting me at this moment – demanding their nighttime treats – so I didn’t get more than that impression – someone fill me in if I missed it)
JR – Thought it sounded like it could be a big ole hit. He said that Gabe still needs to connect to the audience more, so he can compete if he wins.
J – She told him to have a radio hit that sounds unique and like you, not generic (here my honey put in that he thought it did sound generic – yes he was surfing the web and listening this week)
I thought Gabe looked like he had too much blush on. lol

The final two are Ashlee Hewitt and Shawn Mayer.

I am trying to decide who I would like to go home, but it’s kind of a toss up. I think the deciding factor will be their song, of course, by then it’s too late for one of them.

Both girls are wearing huge rings. I just felt the need to comment on that.

Ashlee Hewitt
“Mike’s Hard Lemonade”
She says her song is a little naughty. JR wants her to watch her annunciation since it’s never been heard before, and it’s important for people to understand her. She thinks writing is one of her strongest abilities. Let’s find out.
I liked her song and how she sang it. Honey thought it was the most original of the night, but said there are enough blondes right now – and I kind of feel the same way – will someone please give us a red head!?
J – Thought it was a great song, and helped showcase her. She wants to make a record with her.
JS – The level of talent is great no matter what people are saying.
JR – Started by giving her a pep talk that all of them (the 3 J’s) have all been told no, so don’t get down. He thinks Nashville would be a fool not to put her on the radio.

Shawn Mayer
She cried to be on The Grand Ole Opry stage. I would too!
“I’m Not Looking Back”
Wow it’s really good, and so is she.
JR – Says she has taken quantum leaps the last two weeks. Excellent.
J – Thinks she has a Priscilla Presley thing going on and she is best on her own material.
JS – Loved the space she put between the words and the verses. Thinks she’s a great songwriter. Faith or Martina could sing that song. Win or lose she has a career.

Who’s going home? Tough. I don’t know and I’m not picking! I liked both Ashlee and Shawn.

OK – the thing I hate most about Nashville Star are their horrible, torturous drawn out pauses. I decided I would time how long they played dramatic music before Billy Ray Cyrus put one of them out of their misery.

22 seconds! That’s insane!

Ashlee is out. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her in the next couple of years. We’ll watch for her.

I think Coffey is out next week. He was by far the weakest one tonight.

I think outta the performers left, Shawn Mayer was the best tonight. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her perform first next week.


Tower Dogs is on next. I knew a guy who worked high on towers. Brandon you were crazy!!

What do you think? Who should win?

NASHVILLE STAR

I missed last weeks because I spaced it out. This week I had a dinner, but called the honey to remind him to tape it for me. He remembered…after 15 minutes. So I missed the first 15 minutes, but thankfully, there was a recap, and I have my sources.

So I started the show after the first break. I started with a flash of Lonestar’s Cody Collins (in the red bandana) and Dean Sams.

My first performance is…Coffey!!
His piece about his mom was heartbreaking. Sounds like this was therapy for him.
“It’s Your Love” – Tim & Faith
It had some good moments, but also some shaky for me.
Jeffrey Steele (JS) – hasn’t been sold on him except for his charisma, but this is the best he’s heard so far, despite some pitch issues
John Rich (JR) – agreed with Jeffrey, and wondered why he was pitchy? Realized it was the emotion he was singing with when he had to miss a line ‘cuz he was choked up. Felt this proved he was human, but doesn’t see the Nashville Star yet.
Jewel (J) – Got choked up herself talking about the healing aspect of music. She said he allowed the audience to see an authentic experience, which means the world to the audience that he let us share that. He also followed her directions and sang longer notes.

BRC ad libbed!! He told Coffey “Country Music is about emotion, man.” This was the best I have seen him. lol


Melissa Lawson
Her piece was nice – her husband loves her no matter what her size
I loved the sign in the audience that read “Lawson is Awesome!”
“My Baby Loves Me” - Martina
She is singing the heck outta this song. Lots of attitude. She is having a great time. In an earlier episode JR said she had to be a star not just a singer, and she is on her way. Great performer.
J – Was worried about it but she pulled it off. Thought there were moments when she wanted her to stretch the song out and go up and octave, but she waited until the end to do it, and she really liked it.
JS – Thought it was over the top, and she over sang it. Hopes America doesn’t look her over and not vote for her ‘cuz she is a shoe in. (He said she is always in the bottom bracket, that means they must call the contestants by order of popularity, I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing.) He said she can really sing,
JR –Thinks she over sang too. He wouldn’t let her sing it like that in the studio. (so what? Not every song that is performed needs to be recorded. What’s wrong with taking the song and jazzing it up for a…oh I don’t know…concert!) He wants her to take all the notes and squeeze it. She said that he told her to come out and kill it, and she thought she did (Jewel pipes in here that she did), and JR said she over killed it.
BRC said all he knows is that it was wild and emotional and he loved it! Nancy O’Dell also thought she killed it.


Laura & Sophie
“Picture to Burn” – Taylor Swift
“Relationships come and go but friends are forever.” This little statement did not help their cause. It was uttered at the end of their piece about where they would get the emotion behind their songs. Failed relationships. See here is the part that’s wrong with them. That is a song that all women can relate to, no matter how old they are, and I feel that way because of Taylor. With L&S I think the opposite, I think it’s cute, ‘cuz they are so young, and what do they know yet? Then we get that last statement, that not only reads very young, but the way she said it was also very young. I cringed. They are not ready.
They finally look older, and are not really dressed alike, though both are wearing gorgeous knee high boots.
There performance is a bit better, but they don’t sound as good on the harmonies, they sound better separate.
JR – hard to comment on what he just saw. He just wants an answer to how they could roll their eyes and disrespect Jewel last week (what! I gotta find that on YouTube)
She didn’t know? Didn’t realize? I don’t think Jewel was buying it either since she said maybe she was having a seizure.
J – They look better. Thinks their harmonies are getting worse, they aren’t improving. I completely agree, they sounded better apart than together tonight.
JR then takes a moment to point out something I had been thinking one minute earlier. That the bottom two were Jeffrey Steele’s acts. Now I have to say that JR actually says a lot of what I am actually thinking this season. That scares me. Also makes me think I should be a bit more assertive with my opinions ‘cuz I’m more right than I think. LOFL
JS – points out that one of the final two use to be JR’s (Shawn), she did one thing right in firing JR. He didn’t think it was great, but that they looked grown up.

Shawn Mayer
"Before He Cheats" - Carrie Underwood
BRC goes off prompter as he intros her to say that she told him it doesn’t matter what happens now ‘cuz George Jones is in the house.
She can sing, but I didn’t like the performance. It’s like bad karaoke for me. I love her black black hair. Gosh it’s gorgeous; sign her up for a commercial.
J - Sang great, looked great, and kinda looked like Priscilla Presley. She seemed comfortable, which is what this show has been about for her.
JR – This is the performance he always wanted. I guess we don’t always think alike ‘cuz I wasn’t much of a fan of this performance. lol
JS – Took her tears and put them into her performance. She killed it.

Going home is…Laura & Sophie. Why does BRC have to read the teleprompter to say they were great.

JS – they have a raw talent that maybe in a few years they can find something, if they can keep their friendship in tact. Told them that was the most important thing. I can’t see them becoming a duo now. I think they don’t sound great together anymore ‘cuz the friendship has fizzled.

The Recap allowed me to see a snippet of the two contestants I missed. I think they will both be safe next week.

Ashlee Hewitt sounded good – she sang the Dixie Chicks “Cowboy Take Me Away”

Gabe Garcia sang Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doing Something Right.” I like him better each week.

Next week they perform original songs. Yes!

Give me your feedback!!! Thanks!

NASHVILLE STAR

First off, Mrshopelesss21 – Thanks for your correction last week. I had BSB on the brain, when N’Sync sing “Bye, Bye, Bye.” At first I thought for sure they said BSB, but then I realized they didn’t, but my brain just put them in that slot. Silly me!

Billy Ray Cyrus’s daughter Noah opens the show with an intro for her dad, and I love BRC, but she is better her first time out, than he is thus far! LOL

It’s Family Night on the show where the contestant’s families surprised them.

Tonight the contestants will sing two songs. We find out they should have added “sort of” to that statement.

First up its Ashlee Hewitt.
The largest family in Nashville Star history. Her dad is stationed in Iraq but he’s here for her.
John Rich says she is an “untapped” natural resource and so far we’ve seen a little bit and need to see more.
First song = Journey “Don’t Stop Believing”
She starts out on piano then moves to the guitar.
She rocks it out. Amazing!!
Jewel (J) – Can tell she is still thinking about it. It’s still kind of clinical. Says as long as she believes it we will.
Jeffrey Steele (JS) – “The Barbara Mandrell Show. You did everything except play the steel guitar.” Told her to keep practicing, to not be distracted by boys flirting with her, to stay in her room and practice. (This made me wonder if some of the boys on the show have been distracting her a bit – she is a cutie)
John Rich (JR) – Thought her transition from piano to guitar was great for a first time. Said her vocals were starting weak and ending strong, said she has to keep working on it, but she is on a slow climb to the top.

Katie Cook interviews the family. 19 family members are town.

Second Song = Sammi Smith “Help Me Make it Through the Night”
Only 45 seconds of it – WTH. Nice job though.
JR – Doesn’t think she is the biggest power house, but he hears something in her voice, and says she is a modern day Tammy Wynette. Thinks she needs to toughen up a bit.
And that is the only comment before we come back with more.

I guess the limited second song is a nice bit of a showcase for their voice, and as long as it stops those horrible dramatic pauses that made me want to throttle someone last week I am all for it. But it feels like they have hardly started to sing. Good thing I taped the show, because I had to rewind since I was distracted momentarily. The second song is a “blink or you’ll miss it” moment, but thanks for getting rid of those pauses. But how about just letting them sing two songs, or at least one complete song? That, and shorten the show to 90 minutes. I am afraid NBC is starting to damage the show with this stuff.

Coffey!!
His daughter Savannah is so adorable.
Jewel wants him to watch his gimmicks. He says he wants to put his personality into every song, but he seems aware that he needs to watch it.
First song = Hank Williams “Hey Good Lookin”
The crowd is on their feet, people love him (me too). He does say “come on now” and variations a lot. Love how he made his voice go up. I liked it.
JS – Doesn’t like him and it’s obvious. Can’t talk at first. “Too little too late. (Does that mean he liked it?) It’s just not hitting me.” Thought the 2nd half was better.
JR – Concerned ‘cuz he thought he got confused and that a country hat doesn’t make him country. He thinks he has done everything “pop pop pop” and should have tried out for American Idol (now wasn’t it just last week that he told Coffey that he finally came back to the guy he was in the audition – which to me indicates he hasn’t sounded country). Said he’s a good singer, but not a country singer.
Here he gets a bit defensive and says that JR has never been to Bangs, TX (a town of 1100), and he got there by skinning rabbits with his dad. I did love him saying “everybody don’t have to agree, but I’m still here.” Then he thanked the crowd.
J – The mediator. She felt that he followed her directions well since that his a streamlined song, and she wants him to sing a ballad next time and really move us.

Katie is with Savannah and his dad and she thought he was “Great!”

Second Song = John Denver “Take Me Home Country Roads” (take that JR! haha)
I really like his voice.
J – Thinks he’s a mixture with great country roots so she wants to keep working on that. Told him to keep his confidence and to keep moving away from the “cheese” and reiterated that she wants him to do a ballad next week. (I agree with her a bit about the cheese – I would like to hear him just sing a song all the way thru – he needs to let his talent shine thru because we know his personality now.


Tommy Stanley made it.
Hasn’t seen his family in a year and a half (he is stationed on the USS Kittyhawk). Wow that was emotional; I have tears pricking my eyes.
His dad is worried about him singing Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” and told him to get back to his country roots.
First song – Rascal Flatts “Bless the Broken Road”
He can sing that’s for sure. He does sound more country here. I like him, but is he right for WXRO?
JR – We couldn’t be prouder to have you on the show (a navy man). Tells him he would like to have a beer with him but thinks he needs to go to Idol or be a full time navy man. (the crowd goes “BOOOO.”) He thinks just like Coffey, he needs to try too hard to sing country, that he doesn’t naturally belong there.
JS – Blunt from the start. “I thought you’d be gone by now.” Said he’s been “hanging his hat on Gabe as their country guy” but he saw something tonight. He also commented on how great Tommy handled hitting a bad note. (I think I spotted that too, and was impressed as well). I really liked hearing Jeffrey say they would talk about it later and work on it. It is refreshing to see judges that care; will we see a change in the lax attitude of the American Idol judges as a result? Prolly only after Nashville Star has become a huge hit in a few years.
J – Thought he was a bit self-conscious. Doesn’t want to cut out his swagger. (she’s right and that is prolly why JR thought he looked like he was trying.)

Katie is with his family. His dad is trying so hard not to cry. They have a surprise for Tommy after the break.

I am going to take the break to say that it must be hard to perform that second song after hearing that you don’t belong in this competition and should go somewhere else. Which leads me to a bit of a mini-rant. WTH (that’s heck – I try not to swear all the way. hehe) does “you should go somewhere else” mean? Should Coffey and Tommy just say, “You’re right, I am dropping out of the competition.” That’s just a silly comment. It will prolly have the opposite effect and cause the phone lines to go crazy.

Here come some crew members to be with him. I am going to bawl, how can he sing now? Side note – my dad was a navy man, so I have a special place for them in my heart.

BRC gives a shoutout Thank You to them.

Second song = Elton John “Tiny Dancer”
I think he has made it a country song. The banjo is nice, and it seems he changed the phrasing a bit (I think that’s what he did – but I’m not sure – let me know).
J – Agrees that it is hard to separate his pop and country. Thought this was more country than the country song.

Do you think that Tommy now has an advantage since they brought his military family out? Do you think that will offer him an edge in the vote?

BRC does a horrible “and the next contestant is…………. …….. we’ll find out after the break.” Stop that drama!! I really don’t like that, and don’t think they need it. It’s hype, its cheese, it doesn’t belong on TV anywhere!

I really liked the Carrie Underwood “Miniature Horse Whisperer” Vitamin Water commercial. Horses and Carrie Underwood you can’t go wrong.

And I love the commercials for The Baby Borrowers, and the tag line – “It’s not TV, its birth control.” ROFLMAO

Pearl Heart
Jeffrey is overwhelmed. He lost his son almost two years ago, and he has four kids too. I am glad I saw this live so I didn’t cry now like I did then.
First Song = Restless Heart “I’ll Still Be Loving You.”
They sound and look great – but I still don’t hear a front woman. Jeffrey is trying to hold it together (he has to know the camera will be focused on him).
JS – gave him chill bumps, thought they did a good job. Thought they were a little stiff yet.
JR – a few mistakes, and they need to be better. Need to be consistent in their performance.
J – liked when they stood to bring up emotion.

Second Song = LeAnn Rimes “One Way Ticket”
Very good
JS – Told them they had to step it up, and they are, but they still seem to be looking for his approval. He said he was so proud of them.


Melissa Lawson
I loved her face when she saw her family. JR called one of her sons a knot head. LOL She has 5 little boys!!
First Song = Martina McBride “This One’s For the Girls”
I love it, she can really sing. And playing the guitar rocks. She is a natural performer.
J – The audience was going so crazy she was having a hard time getting thru. Thought she did a great job on the fat bottom notes.
JS – Also liked her getting those low notes, wants to know what she wants to work on. (Polishing her guitar ‘cuz she wants to bring it out a lot)
JR – If it was over now she would be the undisputed champ. (JS says “it’s not over yet.”)

Second song = Fleetwood Mac “Landslide” (also covered by The Dixie Chicks)
JR – Worries her voice will fall pray to her nerves (she’ll get breathless).

Here JR made an important statement. That the competition isn’t just about being a great singer, you have to be a star. That really adds some extra pressure. The normal route to stardom people can work on this stuff in the honkytonks (I am thinking of Mr. Kenny Chesney’s rise) and it takes years to really develop. These contestants have 10 weeks. That’s pressure.

Shawn Mayer
She is a tough chick, and JR wants to bring out the girl side of her.
First Song = Faith Hill “Breathe”
Family helped her pick this. Nice job.
J - Liked her vocals, thought she needed to work on her breathing a bit.
JS – Liked her voice getting less ambitious. Think she has a lot to work on.
Here she steps in and starts talking about this being all about working on getting better. Yes, that’s true, but girl, no back talk. (and I think this came off a bit like that – as oppose to Coffey who I felt was making sure we knew he was country and not fake, like JR implied – a fine line, but it was there for me).
JR – Wants to know if she thinks she has improved. Thought she was good, but said she’s a wildcard, and he never knows what he’s going to get.

Second Song = Randy Travis “Forever and Ever Amen”
JR – said she just proved his point (about being a wildcard). He didn’t think she nailed it. Said she has to be good every time, and then asked her if she knew she was going to be singing at the Olympics, and in front of the world. He doesn’t think she’s competitive enough for the show. And here she back talked again with the statement that it’s up to America, and JR just said it was and they could vote for her if they thought she was the best and prove him wrong, but he doesn’t think they will. Again, I say “girl shut up!” You do not back talk to the judges, America doesn’t like that. And that was back talk. She should have said she was, not whined that it was up to America. I would rather she defend herself and disagree.

Gabe, Laura & Sophie, and Alyson Gilbert are in the bottom 3. I think when we come back from break Gabe will perform next, and Alyson is a goner. Let’s see if I need to buy a lottery ticket today. ::hits fast forward button:: Then rewinds to watch the Carrie Underwood commercial for Nintendo DS. I am not sure what kind of game she was playing (it looked like she was scratching a dog – WT?) but I loved seeing her on her tour bus, traveling down the road in her sweats and flip flops. You know she prolly doesn’t wear that much makeup or have her hair that perfect in the real world, but it was still neat. OK, ::hits FF button again::

Blake Shelton is here to perform “Home.” Just saw him do this at Country USA. Will Miranda Lambert come out here? OMG this man is sooooo gorgeous. ::sigh::
The contestants are providing the background vocals as they sit and sway with their families. How nice.

Gabe Garcia (I’m buying a Supercash)
Lost his dad last year. His family says he isn’t shy to the shock of Jewel. Jewel tells him just those little moves are sexy.
First song = Bon Jovi “Dead or Alive”
Excellent. He is moving more. He is coming out of his shell. I like him more and more each week. He is getting better for me. I just saw Jewel look over at the two J’s kind of nervously.
JS – He liked it.
JR – Thinks he’s the best male singer. Felt he could tell he was thinking about it as he moved around, but good job.
J – Was on pins and needles, wants him to work it more naturally, but felt that his voice went to places we haven’t heard before (and that was good).

Second Song = George Strait “The Fireman”
JR & JS like it, they are up on their feet.
J – Why America should vote for him. He’s country, and not trying. He totally flirted with her asking “did that put another flame in your fire?” He was referring to the song he just sang, but Jewel was confused. Lol

I see the scenes for Journey to the Center of the Earth and think of the movie I watched over and over as a kid. My memories of that one are better than the trailer for this one. I think the special effects look cheesy. Too bad.

Bottom Two will each perform one song, then someone will be eliminated and whoever isn’t will sing their second song.

Alyson Gilbert
JR – yelled at her for not listening to her. Then she sees her family. Love her mom catching that the band wasn’t following directions (which her daughter should have)
First Song = Trisha Yearwood “She’s In Love With the Boy”
She can sing, and I would like to see her move on over Laura & Sophie. Mostly ‘cuz I think they are sooo young, and could use a few more years work. Then look out country world. But this performance wasn’t that great either.
J – The eyeball thing is back, she needs heart and soul, and she is just not a fan.

I was watching her more this week, and it seems she feels the need to really open those beautiful eyes when the camera is on her. When she was just talking to JR in the mentoring session, and she was looking at him, her eyes are normal, but then when she is on camera, she makes them wider. This gives her a slightly manic look. It makes me want to tell her to relax.

JS – Bummed out too ‘cuz she put more into it than she had to ‘cuz she had a great voice.
JR – Thought she listened well, and has moments of brilliance, but need to be from beginning to end. He sees it. (Jewel says here “soul search”)

Laura & Sophie
Jeffrey wants them to rock it up.
They are so cute seeing their families.
First Song = Katrina & the Waves “Walking on Sunshine”
It had a couple of good moments for me, but their “who ooh’s” had me cringing. They have separated more and are performing to the crowd, but I don’t like it.
J – That really should have been great.
JR – Think they come off like high school girls in a high school talent show. He thinks just like me, that they are too young, and they would get chewed up.
JS – He was proud. Missed a bit. If they squeak thru they’ve seen everyone step up (he said it was one of the greatest show), they have to really think how they are going to make it work.

I think Alyson is gone ‘cuz she was sooo horrible last week. But maybe America saw what John and I do with Laura & Sophie and cut them loose.

That pause was horrible. They should be ashamed for making them twist in the wind like that.

I am buying a Megabucks ticket. Alyson is gone. JR tells her she’s a great singer, and she has some missing pieces, but keep pushing forward and figure it out. She needs to get tough and focused.

Laura & Sophie
Second Song = Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson “Because of You”
This was much better, but I think they are out next week.
JS – They have the least to lose, that they are hanging by a thread, and they need to take it to the next level.

My fav right now is Melissa. I think she has what it takes, and she will just keep getting better.

Who do you like, and not. Best, worst? Let me know what you think.

COUNTRY USA

It was a blast! Sure we had a downpour interupting the most anticipated concert of the year (Kenny Chesney), and I don't think my car seats have dried out yet from my wet butt (and my nephew's), but it was still great!

I will post more on how much I liked the show, but I want to hear from you.

Who was your fav act? Who was your least?

How did you handle getting stuck in the parking fields for hours (or were you lucky and drove right out?)

Dish the good stuff.

Lezli :)

Nashville Star

They are shaking things up this week. Starts up with Billy Ray Cyrus (BRC) calling out Tommy, and Gabe.

One is one of the top vote getters, one is in the bottom 2.

Tommy….one of the bottom 2!

Gabe is one of the top vote getters. John Rich said it’s Gabe and Melissa who are the original standouts.

Why are the final 10 singing Madonna? My fav Madonna tune (Like a Prayer), but still…

Melissa starts…they harmonize well together. Laura and Sophie had a weak beginning, but pulled it together…oh, here comes a choir. Gabe kept pulling the mic away from his mouth. Ashlee’s voice seems too weak, I like Coffey. Justin, not to bad, Pearl Heart excellent, I like Shawn Mayer too. Weakest of the group song was Laura and Sophie. Wow I loved the ending. The entire song was great!

Katie Cook joined the cast last week. She takes us to commercial break, and interviews the contestants as they head off the stage after their performance and judging.

Ah, it’s Pop Goes Country Night – which is why Madonna.

The show starts with a recap of John Rich giving them the smackdown after last week’s show. “I didn’t like it at all!”

John Rich (JR) is taking the girls to his bar, The Spot.

Jeffrey Steele (JS) is taking the duo and group to his office.

Jewel (J) has to “work” so she is taking the boys to The Tonight Show. I know it’s her job, so technically it’s work, but come on! It’s work the way my air shift is work. I am not saying a lot doesn’t go into my airshift, or what she does, just that work seems like too harsh a word for me or her. (please note that I was very specific – I said my airshift – I think the rest of my job almost, almost could be called work) LOL

Gabe Garcia
“Living La Vida Loca” – Ricky Martin
Jewel tells him he needs to let the lyrics sink in. I liked him practicing in front of the mirror. Nice to show that it doesn’t just happen, these guys practice.
I would have liked it a little faster. I guess I agree with the judges that he needs to relax more. I am liking him more and more every week.
JS – thought he needs to relax more, but said he blew his mind.
JR – Thought he pulled it off, and turned the Texas on.
J – Liked the backup dancers.

The dramatic pauses on this show are a bit ridiculous!

Pearl Heart
“Love Shack” – B52’s
Need to support the lead singer sister according to Jeffrey. He says they’re gone if they don’t. They do want to support her. She seems intimidated by one of the first lines “Knock harder.”
She does the hard line!! The judges are digging her. I don’t thing they pulled off what they were suppose to. Good, but not great for me, and I still can’t tell them apart. I really need to pay attention to that.
JR – thought it was great. Liked there look (said they took it to the next level). He said they looked at each other too much.
J – need to step out as a front woman, she is adorable. Said it was a bit of a cheat, that they were all compressed together, and soon she would have to step out.
JS – agreed with John. Told her to step out and make that triangle a heart (Pearl Heart). I loved that!

Alyson Gilbert
“I Think We’re Alone Now” – Tiffany (but also, the original Tommy James and the Shondells!)
I don’t think JR liked her song choice. Let’s see what she does.
When she came out she seemed nervous about going down the steps. Her heels are killer high. Well she had the crazy eyes controlled until the very end. I didn’t like what she did. Pitchy.
J – asked if she was uncomfy in her shoes. Alyson said the stairs were a bit scary, but otherwise not really. (they were gorgeous shoes, Gold, 5 inch spikes it looked like) Said she was pitchy.
JS – Called her Dr. Jeckle/Alyson Hyde. “Too much pop in my country this week.” He liked her first week, really liked last week, but not so much this week.
JR – “First of all, what are you doing?...Took the song to a vanilla mediocre spot.” HA! I knew he hated that song! He wanted it to rock more.

I really like the judges. They are open and honest with the contestants. They really don’t seem to be making fun. They ask real questions, and give real advice. I hope Idol is paying attention. These judges are actually treating the contestants with (gasp) respect!

Katie Cook asks Coffey (remember, it’s Kaw’ – Fay) who he honestly thinks is the last one in the bottom two. Thank God he had the sense not to answer that dumb question.

Ashlee Hewitt
“You Drive Me Crazy” – Brittney Spears
JR wants her to rock hard and to be sexy (which explains her really cute belly button exposing top)
I really like what she did, but it was a bit of a weak start.
J – sees much of herself in Ashlee. Thought she did a great job. Told her she liked her in blue jeans with messy hair.
JS – asked if she felt it was out of her element. Said this was a real life experience and that she had the goods, and needed to let it show, and not be afraid.
JR – said she was consistently better each week.

BRC – “So good it made me want to shave my head.” Delivered deadpan, reading the monitor. Katie Cook is so much better at reading that promter. At first I wondered what she was doing there, but now it’s obvious. No way could BRC pull off the interview part. She is into it, paying attention, and asks good questions (well, it is her job), and he is just too wooden. Nice guy, and good singer, that BRC, but he needs work on this hosting thing.

Yay Coffey!!!
“Umbrella” – Rhianna
They have to play us a snippit of the real song ‘cuz we might not know it. LOL – it’s funny ‘cuz it’s true. (I’ve heard of it, but never actually heard it)
Love it!! He is getting into it, and singing to his daughter. I like this guy.
JS – looks so serious. This is the real Coffey? (the crowd is going crazy, absolutely crazy!) He isn’t on the train yet. Well, from the crowd, he’s the only one.
JR – says he just saw the guy from the audition that he liked. Called it country soul, and said that John Anderson was there and prolly liked it (he gave it a thumbs up).
J – watch the gimmicks. JR wanted to know what gimmicks. She said he talked at the end, and beatboxed too much. Told him to pick his moments.
Hmmm, he said he was doing it to bridge the generation gap, but he understood what Jewel was saying. Interesting.

BRC did not, DID NOT, just do a Ryan Seacrest did he? OMG he did! Said we would find out who was in the bottom two…dramatic,but really stupid…pause…after the commercial break. So this show is better than Idol except for that stupidity! Please, stop it! It could be excellent, but this will prevent it from being all that it could be.

Laura and Sophie
“P.Y.T. – Pretty Young Thing” - Michael Jacksons (gosh he used to be soooo good)
I think JS really came up with the idea of how to change the song, not them.
They are stressing their relationship. Something that prolly hasn’t happened to them yet.
They are trying so hard to not sing to each other, they aren’t connecting. I don’t like their dresses. Sure one is cute, but the two just look ridiculous. I just don’t see country radio playing these two. I didn’t like what they did to the song.
JR – “they should be standing on a birthday cake.” Liked it. Musically, doesn’t like them singing the same note together, but liked when they alternated lyrics.
J – liked when they sang separately. They are going from cutesy novelty to more serious. Said they looked like Madonna Cupcakes.
JS – “I’m so proud of you. That was fabulous.” Said they need to come out a little bit more. (they were cute ‘cuz they gushed about how they would have “sucked” if Jeffrey hadn’t been so great.)
BRC makes a Michael Jackson joke, and it looked like it came off the top of his head. Not sure if I liked that better than the lame-O Britney joke.

The exchange with Katie Cook was funny.
Jewel said you looked like Madonna Cupcakes. “I like cupcuakes so I think that’s good.”
Are you going to wear those dresses again? “I hope so.” OK, so they like them. (LOL – Katie doesn’t?)

They are so young and cute! But they need a lot of work, so far, they are just behind Pearl Heart on my least fav list tonight. (but Justin hasn’t gone yet – ouch I know!)

I missed the name of the group that performed, but they were pretty good. All girls, and all in black. Hot for the boys.

Katie Cook asks if Melissa is nervous (of course she is…she was bottom 2 last week).

Shawn Mayer is so excited.
“Bye Bye Bye” – THE BSB! Back Street Boys.
John Rich is blown away by her choice. She takes a lot of risks. She’s ballsy like him.
I liked what she did to it.
J – “Wow. Wow.” Told her she went outside of her comfort zone with the dancing. (she did the BSB’s moves) Didn’t take away from it being country. You’re a girl that strikes me as sad, but you smiled tonight.
JS – didn’t think it was country enough for him. Thinks she has a lot inside of her that needs to come out. Thinks it’s bye bye bye for her.
JR – The most country thing about her is that she isn’t scared of anything. Said she had to get better.
J – wants America to keep her around for the songwriters night.

Shawn is so happy with the applause. She is the awe shucks girl of this show.
She told Katie that once her and John admitted they wanted to “knock each other out” all became well. WTH does that mean?


Melissa Lawson
“True Colors” – Cyndi Lauper
She has the voice for this song. Wants to make this country.
Week beginning, but she picked it up.
J- Thinks she’s a great country singer.
JS – Wants to know what happened to her. (this one likes to be funny that way) Thought her performance was a 10. (she’s lost 67 pounds)
JR – Likes to work with artists. She just showed America “you’re a true artist.”
Katie – thinks she has a good shot at winning.

After the break it’s Justin or Tommy going home. It better be Justin. Tommy wasn’t that bad last week.


Justin Gaston
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
Jewel is blatant that he needs to work on his voice. He needs to project and sing out.
His best yet. He lost it on the high note. He really made it country, but it’s almost boring. There is no real zip for me. But it was kind of honky tonky for me. IDK I guess I kinda liked it. LOL
JR – Best so far, and he sounded country. Saw improvement.
JS – Thought he was great, ate his words, literally. He had made a list of mean things to say ‘cuz he wasn’t buying his act.
J – Most improved.

I feel bad for Tommy ‘cuz they all said they hope it’s not too late. That would mean Tommy would have to go home.

Tommy Stanley
“Maniac” – Michael Sembello – the Flashback theme! I am laughing so hard I am snorting!!!
It’s good, but it doesn’t feel country too me. And wow, I think he can sing.
JS – love that last note (yeah). Didn’t get my country bone going (Jewel thought it sounded like something JR would say) Wants to see him play the guitar. He’s at broadway show.
JR – Can’t make a country record singing like that.
J – Justin “out –countried” you tonight.

Jewel said flat out that Justin was the most improved and that shocked everyone. I love the plain talk in this show. Not said to hurt, but just matter of fact.

Now I feel bad that I want Justin to go home.

OMFG!!!! (that’s frickin’!) I knew they would announce the winner after the break, but to have BRC start to announce the winner, do the dumb, dumb, (you must stop it now or there will be dire consequences) DUMB dramatic pause…then say “right after the commercial break!” This is not BRC’s fault, he is just doing what he is suppose to, but I want to ring his neck.

Doesn’t BRC still have a mullet? It’s short in the front and long in the back, just not feathered back.

So much time to kill, such long pauses (I typed this while waiting to find out who got the boot).

It was Justin. Just who we thought. I feel bad ‘cuz he was much improved.
BRC said he was going to be a big movie star “Tom Cruise look out.” He does look a bit like Tom.

Jewel gave him some nice parting words.
John Rich said he thought he had greatness in him, just had to figure it out. This wasn’t his gig.
JS – “I got nothing to say, I ate all my words.”

Tonight my favs were Ashlee Hewitt and Justin Gaston (I know!).

So I guess I want Laura and Sophie to go. They and Alyson were weak tonight, but I think they need more work.

Who do you want to see go home? Who was your favorite tonight? Was it Justin, who then went home?

Am I just crazy? Let me know.