Live Blog: Nashville Star, Season Six, Episode One
It seems a bit anti-climatic to be watching Nashville Star auditions when the finalists have already been announced, but NBC doubtless has some tricks in store to make the network debut of Nashville Star entertaining nonetheless. Tonight’s premiere will also feature a live performance by Taylor Swift, though I don’t know how NBC plans to integrate the live and recorded portions of tonight’s program nor how much live material they plan to include. Find out by visiting The 9513 tonight at 8 p.m. central for our live blog of the good, the bad and the ugly of the season premiere of Nashville Star.
8:45 – Matt C: Things will be getting underway here in just a few minutes, so before the show starts, I’ll summarize what I’ll be watching for. Despite what the NBC trollers that dropped by seem to want us to pay attention to, I have no interest in the Charla Corn vs. Thirdtown controversy. Instead, I’m interested in:
- On which side of the pop/country divide the judges (and, implicitly, the producers) will fall
- The early years of Nashville Star showcased many traditional singers, but the show has become progressively more pop-oriented. Will any auditioning singer perform what could be described as a “classic country” song? How many of those auditioning will even perform country songs?
- Whether the auditions will showcase the 12 finalists and other competitive candidates or American Idol-esque weirdos
- How NBC will manage to integrate the show’s live and recorded portions and tap-dance around the fact that there is absolutely no suspense in the audition process now that we know the identity of the 12 finalists
See you in a few minutes!
9:00 – Matt C: Looks like we’re live to start with.
9:04 – Matt C: Jeez, think the producers are going for “drama” this year?
9:05 – Matt C: I think that BRC is the only person who hasn’t cried on camera yet. Just wait, it’s coming.
9:07 – Matt C: I love me some sailors, but the navy man isn’t nearly as talented as they made him out to be. Brady has it right: It seems like they’re searching out marketable stories rather than genuine talent.
9:08 – Matt C: John Rich wins the early irony award: “I will not accept any artist on this show who is fake about anything.”
9:08 – Matt C: Looks like NBC had a few fireworks left over from “American Gladiators.”
9:09 – Matt C: Another one of our commenters, Sam G., has the formula all figured out: One of the contestants is apparently in the Navy. If he has a wife with a young child at home, they may as well crown him champion tonight and be done with it.
9:10 – Matt C: It seems like NBC is a few years behind in the country formula. They’re stuck in the era of overwrought childhood cancer ballads of triumph over trials when the story of the last few years is artists like Julianne Hough who don’t even know how to spell adversity.
9:13 – Matt C: “Give Me the Beat Boys” has now been performed twice. Surely, that’s a country song.
9:15 – Matt C: Wow, someone knows a Tammy Wynette song. Wanna bet they learned it from Hillary Clinton?
9:17 – Matt C: Jewel: “it’s all like high school good. It’s not big league good.” God, what I’d give to hear her say that to Taylor Swift later tonight.
9:19 – Matt C: So far, the first 20 minutes of this show have been like the end of every bad movie that I’ve ever seen.
9:20 – Matt C: Good Lord, Jewel’s playing along. All of the judges are enjoying this very poor performance way too much.
9:21 – Matt C: NBC just set a new standard for corny.
9:22 – Matt C: Comments after the first couple of segments:
- I’m glad that there were no spectacles among the auditions, but disappointed that we barely got a chance to hear the contestants
- NBC’s approach to marketing this show is shamelessly exploitative and contrived
- This year’s “Nashville Stars” seem remarkably untalented
9:26 – Matt C: No, I should have never doubted myself. Taylor sounds even worse than the contestants.
9:27 – Matt C: This deal of the judges dancing through every performance is going to get old really quickly. Kind of blows the whole objectivity thing out of the water as well.
9:28 – Matt C: The really sad thing is that all of the contestants are backstage taking notes right now.
9:30 – Matt C: So, Nashville Star has made it pretty clear that Taylor Swift is its muse. That doesn’t bode well for what is starting to look like a very long season.
9:34 – Matt C: Pearl Heart sings first.
9:36 – Matt C: Pearl Heart really look like the stars of the next Disney show.
9:37 – Matt C: Jewel is (implicitly) right. Just because you’re a trio doesn’t mean that you have to harmonize every second of every song. I expect most of this show’s duos and trios to fall into that trap.
9:40 – Matt C: Tommy Stanley is a study in interpretive blindness. He has no idea what he’s singing about and I don’t think that he particularly cares.
9:45 – Matt C: John Rich and Jeffrey Steele tried to offer some (very poorly expressed) criticism of Stanley, but it seems rather two-faced when you smile your way through the performance and then tell him he did “a good job” and give him a standing ovation. Where’s the curmudgeon with the British accent and acerbic wit? This is a feel-good show, through and through.
9:48 – Matt C: Chris N. has made the best discovery of the night: I’d like to call your attention to Megan Mullins, who plays fiddle in the NS house band. She’s about eight times more talented than any of the contestants. www.meganmullins.com
9:48 – Matt C: Shawn Mayer is performing “Piece of My Heart” Faith Hill style and, to my ear, she’s the best artist that we’ve heard so far. Unfortunately, that’s not saying much.
9:49 – Matt C: The judges’ criticisms here are well-founded, but it’s odd that they reserve them for the first singer that we’ve heard tonight.
9:51 – Matt C: Third Town is singing the Dallas Frazier-penned “Elvira,” which I guess qualifies as “classic country” given that Dallas put it out in the 60s.
9:53 – Matt C: Things are getting better. Third Town looks rather odd, but that’s the best performance so far.
9:56 – Matt C: Steele was right about Third Town sounding like a county fair routine, as they basically performed an Oak Ridge Boys imitation. Of course, that reality makes Rich’s criticism sound all the more stupid: the lack of a “lead vocalist” didn’t seem to hurt the ORB’s hit version of “Elvira.” He’s right in general about the group needing an identifiable leader, but wrong about that particular performance.
9:59 – Matt C: Really, I ask: when did “Give Me the Beat Boys” become a country song? Coffey loses major points on song selection. That’s the third time we’ve heard this song tonight.
10:01 – Matt C: Jewel just had a pitch issue while challenging Steele about pitch issues.
10:04 – Matt C: Laura & Sophie give a surprisingly classy performance of “Stand By Your Man” but, unfortunately, it’s more “cute” than “good.”
10:07 – Matt C: Baron Lane: Taylor (Swift) could learn a thing or two on vocal styling from mating house cats.
10:10 – Matt C: Gabe Garcia singing, wow, a country song. “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.”
10:12 – Matt C: I’d hate to see NBC market this guy as Tex-Mex, because he’s not, but he is a good country-western singer. He’s poured from the George Strait mold.
10:14 – Matt C: Sam G. is right: Gabe Garcia: Could ya tell he was from Texas at all? Voice was good, but I want to hear how he does outside of the honky tonk arena. A surprising number of the acts that sound good on the first night turn out to be one-trick ponies. See last year’s winner, Angela Hacker.
10:15 – Matt C: I’m impressed with Alyson Gilbert’s beauty, but not her voice. I can hear how she could be good, but “Suds in the Bucket” is the wrong song for her. It’s too up-tempo and in the wrong key.
10:17 – Matt C: John Rich seems quite determined to attribute every instance of bad singing to “nerves.”
10:24 – Matt C: Wow, Colbie Caillat is one artist who I thought I’d never hear confused with country music. Boo, Ashlee Hewitt.
10:26 – Matt C: On the other hand, what’s the difference between Colbie Caillat and Jewel?
10:30 – Matt C: I guess that I’ve lost my ability to be surprised by what passes for country music these days. Blake Shelton, one of the most reliable country singers left, covered Michael Buble and I was scared when I kind of liked it. I’m saddened to think that “Bubbly” might be next.
10:33 – Matt C: Charley Jenkins is confusing twang with pitchy, warbly awfulness in his version of “I Like it, I Love it.”
10:35 – Matt C: The judges were way too kind towards Charley Jenkins’ voice. That was a great example of complete lack of understanding of one’s vocal limitations.
10:36 – Matt C: Check out this sob story: JUSTIN GASTON AGE: 19 HOMETOWN: Pineville, Louisiana CURRENT HOME: Los Angeles, California Originally from Louisiana, Justin left home at age 17 to pursue a career in music, while supporting himself as a model. Only after suffering heartbreak from breaking up with his long-distance girlfriend did Justin realize how isolating living on his own can be at a young age. With his good looks and great voice, Justin is the ultimate teenage country heartthrob.
10:38 – Matt C: Really, I was expecting lots of Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift, but this year’s Nashville Star isn’t even giving us that. Justin Gaston sings “Drops of Jupiter,” another song that has no apparent connection to anything related to country music. He doesn’t sound half bad, but he’s in the wrong competition.
10:41 – Matt C: So, get this:
Jeffrey Steele: “I didn’t like that performance.”
Jewel: “Why?”
Steele: “I don’t know. It was kind of pitchy.”
Steele seems to have lucked in to being on the right side of most of the performances so far, but he’s the least articulate judge that Nashville Star has had yet, even worse than Randy Owen on last year’s premiere.
10:43 – Matt C: Sorry, but Melissa Lawson gets an ‘F’ in the marketability category on a show that seems to be obsessed with that.
10:44 – Matt C: That’s right, Melissa: you don’t have to be a size six to be a superstar; you have to be a size zero.
10:47 – Matt C: I was expecting Melissa to have Wynonna-type pipes, but that performance was surprisingly airy. It was good, but very unremarkable, not nearly what the judges are making it out to be. I kept expecting to hear a growl in her voice that just never came.
10:49 – Matt C: The 9513’s own Brady Vercher declares: Ok, we’re taking bets on who will be the first person kicked off. Who will it be?
10:52 – Matt C: Charley and Alyson are in the bottom two. The judges got that one right.
10:53 – Matt C: It’s a shame that two contestants who actually sang country songs wound up in the bottom two, thus further concentrating the pop-wannabes.
10:55 – Matt C: The judges got it right in the end, however. I agree that Charley was the weakest of the twelve, if you give those who sang pop songs a pass on preparing for the wrong competition.
10:56 – Matt C: Thanks for coming, folks. I’ll post a wrap-up at the top of this live-blog in a few minutes, including my choices for best performance of the night, worst performance of the night, and who I think should go home next week.
11:16 – Matt C:
Wrap-up: I think we’ve just watched the beginning of the end of Nashville Star. The premiere was even worse than I feared, with several contestants performing not country-pop songs but bona fide pop songs, none of the contestants sounding like they belonged outside of the karaoke bar, and NBC staging a nauseatingly heavy-handed feel-good sob fest. I think that we can say goodbye to classic country covers, original songs, and all of the other things that made USA Network’s version at least somewhat enjoyable.
Worst performance: Charley Jenkins, “I Like it, I Love it.” The judges got it right when they eliminated Jenkins. His performance exhibited a remarkable lack of control and some of the strangest vocal runs that I’ve ever heard. I didn’t hate his performance as much as I did the Colbie Caillat and Train covers, but those songs were better performed.
Best performance: Gabe Garcia, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.” The question of the week is, is Gabe Garcia for real? I thought Angela Hacker was real after her stunning performance of “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am” on last season’s premiere, but then she followed that up with “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “When Will I Be Loved,” essentially performing the same song three times, and didn’t have a decent performance thereafter. She turned out to be a one-trick pony, and I fear that Gabe Garcia will turn out to be the same thing. If not, Nashville Star may have found a legitimate artist.
Should be eliminated next week: Tommy Stanley. The sailor’s performance was just barely better than the Charley Jenkins debacle, but I suspect that his military status will earn him enough sympathy votes to stick around for a few weeks.
Will be eliminated next week Alyson Gilbert. I’d like to hear more from Alyson because I think she could do much better with a different song. However, her performance on the premiere was quite weak. She’s a beautiful woman but not a pretty young man, and thus she won’t get any crush votes from the teeny boppers in the show’s audience, and her performance was neither strong nor remarkable enough to earn the support of the real music fans who watched tonight’s episode.
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June 9, 2008 at 6:27 pm Permalink
So let me get this straight, the producers, not the judges, decided to remove one of the twelve finalists due to voice issues? What’s the likelihood that that’s the real reason?
June 9, 2008 at 6:54 pm Permalink
Turns out finalist Alyson Gilbert was one of the contestants on Prairie Home Companion 20’s competition awhile back that Ashley Monroe also competed in. At the time I visited Alyson’s MySpace and she is quite the Irish beauty! Shallow me will be watching tonight to see Alyson and Ashlee Hewitt, after muting Taylor Swift’s screechfest first of course….
June 9, 2008 at 6:57 pm Permalink
As I indicated above, I have no interest in the Charla Corn thing, but if NBC offers some weak explanation and I smell a rat, I will become very interested. I think they’d be best not to touch it. However, given how much the NBC people that stopped by emphasized it, this could be a deliberate PR gimmick, which would be kind of pathetic.
June 9, 2008 at 7:03 pm Permalink
I think most of their PR gimmicks have been pretty weak so far. The Taylor Swift performance, the sob stories, the dropped contestant, and the “grassroots” spamming.
June 9, 2008 at 7:05 pm Permalink
Billy Ray needs a microphone that he doesn’t have to stick in his mouth in order to pick up sound.
June 9, 2008 at 7:07 pm Permalink
It seems like they’re searching out marketable stories rather than genuine talent.
June 9, 2008 at 7:08 pm Permalink
One of the contestants is apparently in the Navy. If he has a wife with a young child at home, they may as well crown him champion tonight and be done with it.
June 9, 2008 at 7:10 pm Permalink
Sam, WB may not like that idea of Phil Stacey is any indication. How have his sales fared?
June 9, 2008 at 7:13 pm Permalink
Say what? “My whole life, I’ve just wanted to be the next Nashville Star.”
June 9, 2008 at 7:13 pm Permalink
Apparently he’s only 6 years old.
June 9, 2008 at 7:18 pm Permalink
Is this compelling TV or what?
June 9, 2008 at 7:19 pm Permalink
Charley Jenkins ain’t making it very far…
June 9, 2008 at 7:20 pm Permalink
It sounds like we’re listening to the Lion King soundtrack.
June 9, 2008 at 7:20 pm Permalink
Wow Ric, you were right about Alyson Gilbert.
June 9, 2008 at 7:20 pm Permalink
Why do I get the feeling that there’s going to be a whole lot of Rascal Flatts’ songs performed on this show and not so many George Jones’?
June 9, 2008 at 7:22 pm Permalink
Wow, based on their opening performance, I’m not too impressed. Taylor should sound phenomenal after that!
June 9, 2008 at 7:23 pm Permalink
Wow! I think Taylor Swift is going to be the highlight of the night.
June 9, 2008 at 7:26 pm Permalink
She has soooo not won every award imaginable. What the heck?
June 9, 2008 at 7:26 pm Permalink
Every award imaginable, eh?
June 9, 2008 at 7:28 pm Permalink
Maybe they could get a clearer sounding mic before week 12. This show is disappointing me so far.
June 9, 2008 at 7:28 pm Permalink
Swift couldn’t sing her way out of a wet paper bag!
June 9, 2008 at 7:29 pm Permalink
Quote: Sam, WB may not like that idea of Phil Stacey is any indication. How have his sales fared?
Less than 30K, from what I can tell. I think the resemblance to Nosferatu scared off potential fans, though. This Navy boy was better looking.
This is Taylor Swift, the one who’s won boxes of awards?? She’s AWFUL live. I hope her production team got a heck of a bonus for making that sound good.
June 9, 2008 at 7:30 pm Permalink
Rascal flats clones? Spare me.
June 9, 2008 at 7:32 pm Permalink
“You’re nothing without your fans” and their lack of taste and surplus of money….
June 9, 2008 at 7:32 pm Permalink
How can anyone take John Rich seriously after those comments he just made about Taylor Swift? That entire sequence starting with Taylor’s performance was awful.
June 9, 2008 at 7:33 pm Permalink
GO ALYSON!!!!
June 9, 2008 at 7:33 pm Permalink
No one should ever…EVER….take John Rich seriously….EVER.
June 9, 2008 at 7:35 pm Permalink
Touché Baron.
June 9, 2008 at 7:35 pm Permalink
I was hoping the fire surrounding Taylor would take out Rich’s ’stach (or Bill Ray emo do)
June 9, 2008 at 7:35 pm Permalink
Is there any chance this show can be canceled? If I hadn’t watched it in years past and was tuning in for the first time ever tonight, I think I would change the channel :(
June 9, 2008 at 7:36 pm Permalink
They are cute–maybe some potential?
June 9, 2008 at 7:37 pm Permalink
Kim, it’ll be interesting to see the numbers or if they’ll even be released.
June 9, 2008 at 7:37 pm Permalink
Pearl Heart …okay, good song choice decent harmony…not sucking
June 9, 2008 at 7:37 pm Permalink
Congratulations, Pearl Heart. You just made me miss SHEDaisy.
June 9, 2008 at 7:38 pm Permalink
the only thing that would make me watch this show is if a huge worldide megastar with charisma makes an appearance, known all over the world as SHANIA.
This show is horrible with its weak cast of characters.Come to think of it all of nashville is horrible these days with all these blonde singers who all sound alike and all her Nashville puppets who Nashville controls.
Country radio is one big joke with songs hitting #1 that nobody will even remember by next year.
June 9, 2008 at 7:38 pm Permalink
Pearl Heart – OMFG. Jewel says they sound great??!! John Rich, you disappoint me.
June 9, 2008 at 7:38 pm Permalink
Jewel, go back your your van….
June 9, 2008 at 7:38 pm Permalink
Is there any chance the judges are taking this seriously? Any critical thoughts at all? Or is it all pre-scripted?
June 9, 2008 at 7:39 pm Permalink
Yeah, when you smile and nod through every performance, it’s hard to offer much criticism.
June 9, 2008 at 7:40 pm Permalink
Tommy Stanley wants to be Dave Mathews…
June 9, 2008 at 7:40 pm Permalink
Butchering ‘Walking in Memphis.’ my heart is broken once again. Slow it down, sailor.
June 9, 2008 at 7:41 pm Permalink
Navy Boy: I don’t think Mark Cohn qualifies as country, but I kind of like the low-fi arrangement. Not bad, really.
June 9, 2008 at 7:41 pm Permalink
who’s the surfer judge?
June 9, 2008 at 7:42 pm Permalink
Baron, that’s Jeffrey Steele.
June 9, 2008 at 7:42 pm Permalink
Can Candians say “Ya’ll?”
June 9, 2008 at 7:43 pm Permalink
OMG IF THIS IS THE BEST AMERICA HAS TO OFFER THEN WE ARE SCREWED!!! THE problem is I think there more interested in back stories this year than the actual talent, I hope this sucky show gets cancelled this is the worse season ever!!!
June 9, 2008 at 7:43 pm Permalink
wow, I have no idea who Jeffrey Steele is.
June 9, 2008 at 7:44 pm Permalink
Where’s Miranda Lambert with a flame thrower?
June 9, 2008 at 7:45 pm Permalink
Jeffrey Steele wrote a lot of great songs, none that I know for sure off the top of my head. I think he wrote some for Faith Hill??
June 9, 2008 at 7:46 pm Permalink
The other thing is who the crap made taylor swift the model to live up to, she is by far one of it not the worst singer in country music today!! shes off pitch all the way thru every song, and she tosses her hair back and forth thinking no one will notice!! We NOTICE TAYLOR!!!
June 9, 2008 at 7:46 pm Permalink
Baron, J. Steele was also the lead singer of Boy Howdy, which had a couple of hits in the early ’90s. I think he’s written a couple of Montgomery/Gentry’s best sellers.
June 9, 2008 at 7:47 pm Permalink
Jeffrey Steele is most famous for writing for Rascal Flatts (”What Hurts the Most,” “My Wish,” “Me and My Gang”) which explains a lot.
June 9, 2008 at 7:47 pm Permalink
I’d like to call your attention to Megan Mullins, who plays fiddle in the NS house band. She’s about eight times more talented than any of the contestants.
http://www.meganmullins.com
June 9, 2008 at 7:47 pm Permalink
Thanks for the info, Chris. I’ll have to check her out.
June 9, 2008 at 7:48 pm Permalink
Second that. Megan Mullins is fantastic.
June 9, 2008 at 7:48 pm Permalink
Who’s Montgomery/Gentry? Okay, now I’m joshin’…
June 9, 2008 at 7:48 pm Permalink
Ugh, the sound system is horrendous!!!
June 9, 2008 at 7:49 pm Permalink
Joplin? Interesting choice…decent voice….
June 9, 2008 at 7:49 pm Permalink
B+ on cleavage alone….
June 9, 2008 at 7:49 pm Permalink
I’ve heard of Megan. Didn’t she have a song out on the radio a year ago or so?
June 9, 2008 at 7:50 pm Permalink
kim its not the sound system so much I think as it is these terrible people this is what happens when you have the same producers and casting agents that cast and produce the show tila tiquilla not one person in production or casting this year has any nashville connections.
June 9, 2008 at 7:50 pm Permalink
Shawn(?) Mayer: If I find myself agreeing with John Rich more, I’m going to develop a serious case of self-loathing.
June 9, 2008 at 7:50 pm Permalink
Isn’t that Miley’s dad?
June 9, 2008 at 7:51 pm Permalink
Kim, yes, it was called “Ain’t What it Used to Be.”
June 9, 2008 at 7:52 pm Permalink
Okay, these guys sold me on song selection alone.
June 9, 2008 at 7:52 pm Permalink
Could these guys look any more like Racal Flatts? Too funny.
June 9, 2008 at 7:52 pm Permalink
Third Town: The world does not need an Oak Ridge Boys revival, thanks much. This is total Branson revue garbage.
June 9, 2008 at 7:54 pm Permalink
Thanks Matt, that was a good song.
June 9, 2008 at 7:54 pm Permalink
That bass has to disqualify any RF comparisons.
June 9, 2008 at 7:54 pm Permalink
Jewel want to make them “modern?” Maybe she should work on herself first…
June 9, 2008 at 7:54 pm Permalink
Ok, I’ll give 3rd Town another week. Jewel – make them a ‘modern’ act? What’s wrong with some traditional music now and then?
June 9, 2008 at 7:55 pm Permalink
Megan had a single out a while back called “Ain’t What It Used to Be,” which got into the 30s. The next single tanked, so naturally they’re still tinkering with the album.
June 9, 2008 at 7:55 pm Permalink
Kung Fu Panda ROCKED!
June 9, 2008 at 7:56 pm Permalink
Third Town needs to drop the between-lyric shtick and pick a song that doesn’t reek of novelty tune before I could ever take them seriously.
June 9, 2008 at 7:58 pm Permalink
I like that they all seem like genuine, everyday, goofy fu%# ups…best part of the show IMO.
June 9, 2008 at 8:00 pm Permalink
This song AGAIN? Darn, I was hoping to like him, but why this song again?
June 9, 2008 at 8:00 pm Permalink
I like this guys story but the Mariah warbeling HAS to go.
June 9, 2008 at 8:00 pm Permalink
I was hoping to like him as well, but has this song really become country?
June 9, 2008 at 8:00 pm Permalink
Coffey is apparently a former American Idol reject. I wouldn’t mind his voice, except he’s singing twice the amount of syllables that are in the song.
June 9, 2008 at 8:02 pm Permalink
John, is that because he seems a bit like Cowboy Troy in looks at least?
June 9, 2008 at 8:02 pm Permalink
Lol Sam G. Yeah, I didn’t like the extras :)
June 9, 2008 at 8:02 pm Permalink
None of this has been country. well maybe Elvira…
June 9, 2008 at 8:03 pm Permalink
I also hate the trend of using a single name. What’s Coffey’s full name?
June 9, 2008 at 8:03 pm Permalink
Here’s your country :)
June 9, 2008 at 8:04 pm Permalink
Tammy! Great song choice!
June 9, 2008 at 8:04 pm Permalink
I don’t think I like them as a duo but they sound ok separately for the most part.
June 9, 2008 at 8:04 pm Permalink
Song’s called “Drift Away,” actually.
June 9, 2008 at 8:05 pm Permalink
Kim, you are right there!
Dodgy high note, dog.
June 9, 2008 at 8:06 pm Permalink
They look more like 12 and 14!
June 9, 2008 at 8:06 pm Permalink
Yeah, well, unfortunately, Nashville Star is venturing out of my area of expertise with some of these songs.
June 9, 2008 at 8:06 pm Permalink
Laura & Sophie: Someone’s been dipping into Grandma’s 45 record collection. Good vocals. They need a little work, but they’re one of the best tonight, I thought.
June 9, 2008 at 8:06 pm Permalink
Taylor Swift could learn a thing or two from those two. I agree with you, though, Kim; they’d probably sound better separated.
June 9, 2008 at 8:06 pm Permalink
Sam, yep, best so far.
June 9, 2008 at 8:07 pm Permalink
yeah I agree sam but heck anyone with a half way decent voice would stand out from what we have seen so far, I wouldnt waste a million dollars on any of these people if i HAD A record company would any of you?
June 9, 2008 at 8:07 pm Permalink
Taylor could learn a thing or two on vocal styling from mating house cats.
June 9, 2008 at 8:08 pm Permalink
just wait until you hear Alyson
June 9, 2008 at 8:09 pm Permalink
why is it when I see Taylor Swift I think I should see a pole in front of her?
June 9, 2008 at 8:09 pm Permalink
Michael, there are a lot of smaller, talented, semi-established acts that would be more worth the money, but these shows provide marketing that you just can’t pay for.
June 9, 2008 at 8:09 pm Permalink
why chris is she worse?
June 9, 2008 at 8:10 pm Permalink
I stand by my comment that their performance was more cute than good. I give them lots of credit for trying, and based solely on that I like them better than anyone tonight, but I didn’t think that it was executed very well, especially after the first 20 seconds.
June 9, 2008 at 8:11 pm Permalink
she’ll blow everyone else away
June 9, 2008 at 8:11 pm Permalink
Damn, John Rich is still on the Hispanic wagon. Everyone place your bets on Mr. Garcia.
June 9, 2008 at 8:11 pm Permalink
There’s no Hispanic country singers? What about Freddy Fender and Doug Sahm… oh, right.
June 9, 2008 at 8:12 pm Permalink
Okay, this guy wins…the native in me says HE WINS!
June 9, 2008 at 8:12 pm Permalink
This guy is much better than what we have seen so far.
June 9, 2008 at 8:13 pm Permalink
Gabe – the BEST so far.
June 9, 2008 at 8:13 pm Permalink
John is just a touch arrogant, huh? Lol.
June 9, 2008 at 8:14 pm Permalink
Gabe Garcia: Could ya tell he was from Texas at all? Voice was good, but I want to hear how he does outside of the honky tonk arena.
June 9, 2008 at 8:14 pm Permalink
I just keep seeing Martina in her eyes!
June 9, 2008 at 8:14 pm Permalink
Kim, have you seen Rich in his fur coats?!
June 9, 2008 at 8:15 pm Permalink
No wait, she looks a bit like Tori Amos.
June 9, 2008 at 8:16 pm Permalink
Yep, seen John in his coats and bling :)
June 9, 2008 at 8:16 pm Permalink
Kim, I see Reba…kinda cross eyed….
June 9, 2008 at 8:16 pm Permalink
Alyson: Sorry, I’m having a hard time getting past the crazy eyes and enunciation issues.
June 9, 2008 at 8:16 pm Permalink
I like her. She sings good and seems easy to like!
June 9, 2008 at 8:17 pm Permalink
omg Alyson is way to animated she must have went to the Jessica Simpson school of singing LOL
June 9, 2008 at 8:17 pm Permalink
LOL Jewel!!
June 9, 2008 at 8:18 pm Permalink
Matt – good comment about Angela Hacker. Alyson (sp) was stretching where she had no muscle.
June 9, 2008 at 8:18 pm Permalink
Jewel, bite me. Where’s the female country singer judge? Was Crystal Gale busy?! Geeeez!
June 9, 2008 at 8:19 pm Permalink
I thought there was a blonde that looked similar to Alyson in the audition that sounded pretty good. I wonder what happened to her?
June 9, 2008 at 8:23 pm Permalink
i dont know about you guys but It really saddens me that they have taken something that could have been so positive for country music and totally made a joke out of it, I will not be suprised if this show gets cancelled. its never a good sign when they allow re-airs on the front end of a series american idol would never do that.
June 9, 2008 at 8:23 pm Permalink
Isn’t there a blond quota in Nashville?
June 9, 2008 at 8:24 pm Permalink
I don’t think Nashville can find enough blondes to fill their quota, Baron.
June 9, 2008 at 8:24 pm Permalink
Ha, definitely not a country song. WOW!
June 9, 2008 at 8:24 pm Permalink
Momentary Interruption: Don’t forget that Emily West, Daryle Singletary, and the Infamous Stringdusters will be on the Opry tomorrow night. After NS tonight you all need to hear some real country music…..
(I’m out here in LA, so the show hasn’t even started yet…..)
June 9, 2008 at 8:25 pm Permalink
Wow I was shocked to find out she lived on a farm and was from a big family!?!?! She’s so unique!
June 9, 2008 at 8:25 pm Permalink
Michael, American Idol is a joke…why would this be any better?
June 9, 2008 at 8:25 pm Permalink
Interesting choice for Ashley Hewitt. Not sure that “Bubbly” qualifies as Country… Thoughts?
June 9, 2008 at 8:25 pm Permalink
Ick, that didn’t do Colbie any justice.
June 9, 2008 at 8:25 pm Permalink
Ashlee Hewitt: Colbie F’ing Callait is country music now? Roy Acuff weeps.
That said, she has a nice folky, singer/songwriter voice. Completely wrong for the supposed goals of the competition, though.
June 9, 2008 at 8:26 pm Permalink
Jewel “You sound like me, I MUST CRUSH YOU!”
June 9, 2008 at 8:27 pm Permalink
Got a lot of play on CMT, as I recall. No idea why.
June 9, 2008 at 8:27 pm Permalink
Lol, you all are hard on Jewel. I love her :>)
June 9, 2008 at 8:28 pm Permalink
I guess it is similar to Taylor on Disney Channel and Radio Disney…
June 9, 2008 at 8:29 pm Permalink
yeah but at least you expect that show to be sucky this is supposed to be nashville star a show about people that can actually sing and tell a story with a song, not karaoke dokey, this is worse than anything you can hear down on broadway in a karaoke bar on any given night of the week.
June 9, 2008 at 8:29 pm Permalink
Isn’t Taylor recording a duet with that Caillat chick for her next album?
June 9, 2008 at 8:31 pm Permalink
I am hopeful that it has been arranged for us to see improvement week to week. I agree it is a bit karaoke-ish…
June 9, 2008 at 8:33 pm Permalink
if I have to see one more sob story I am gonna need some anti depressant medication. lol
June 9, 2008 at 8:33 pm Permalink
I don’t watch CMT, because I can’t seem to hear any music on there anymore.
June 9, 2008 at 8:33 pm Permalink
Oh boy, you are no Tim Mcgraw. This might be the worst so far. I was really hoping to like him. Ugh!
June 9, 2008 at 8:33 pm Permalink
Micheal, you mean like Honky Tonk Bedonkadonk?
June 9, 2008 at 8:34 pm Permalink
Charley Jenkins: Pretty cornball, but enough to stick around for a couple more weeks.
June 9, 2008 at 8:34 pm Permalink
If they say anything good about that I am shutting off the TV
June 9, 2008 at 8:34 pm Permalink
I hadn’t heard of the collaboration between TS and CC…
June 9, 2008 at 8:35 pm Permalink
Whew, I can keep watching :)
June 9, 2008 at 8:35 pm Permalink
omg Barron no I didnt get that song at all I hated that crappy song
June 9, 2008 at 8:36 pm Permalink
too pretty….deduct points….
June 9, 2008 at 8:36 pm Permalink
Charlie: Hard to listen to. I had bigger expectations for him…
June 9, 2008 at 8:36 pm Permalink
that might have been the worse yet
June 9, 2008 at 8:36 pm Permalink
Good grief. What has this show become with the underwear model??
June 9, 2008 at 8:36 pm Permalink
They said part time model and I thought it was gonna be a hot chick. =/
June 9, 2008 at 8:37 pm Permalink
Oh no, more Train in country music.
June 9, 2008 at 8:37 pm Permalink
Country Train, lol
June 9, 2008 at 8:37 pm Permalink
Justin Gaston: Do guys with washboard abs trump men in uniform among female voters? This may be our winner if that’s the case.
Of course, he’s singing the song I loathe above all others, so I’m obliged to hate him and everything he stands for.
June 9, 2008 at 8:37 pm Permalink
Oh Gosh, Train???? Am I on the right channel…
June 9, 2008 at 8:37 pm Permalink
Jewel – “You had me at eyelashes.”
June 9, 2008 at 8:37 pm Permalink
So totally disappointed in the show all together.Icant believe out of supposedly 30,000 plus people trying out that this is the best they could come up with.None of these people seem like they have any true talent at all.The judges seem just as disappointed,but gave props to(Coffey…made up stage name????) someone singing a non country song with added mumbo jumbo(is that ebonics i heard)!Were these people cast because of there back stories…..having been a USA viewer which seemed a true grass roots compettion…i really feel nbc has lost the boat here and this will probably be the last i watch of this crap…..I was priveleged to be at some of these auditions and now realize its not really about talent.Im sure this may be cancelled soon and hopefully moved back to USA and back to the talent show it used to be.By the way the host is just a robot repating the same ole same ole.Oh gosh heres the hired model trying to sing a song looks good but ive got more talent and i cant sing…give me a break people!!!!!!!!!!!
June 9, 2008 at 8:38 pm Permalink
I predict the next song will be Guns and Roses’ Sweet Child of Mine.
June 9, 2008 at 8:39 pm Permalink
Matt: Do your self a favor and if you look “Drift Away” up find the Dobie Grey version and not the Uncle Kracker version.
In an interesting bit of genre-bending that song has been both Country and Soul on American Idol.
June 9, 2008 at 8:39 pm Permalink
Jewel makes me pine for Paula Abdul.
June 9, 2008 at 8:39 pm Permalink
“Bringing 110% percent, he says.” This phrase drives me nuts. When it comes from the likes of Justin Gaston….good grief.
Halfway through this show and I know I’ve heard consistently better singers on Broadway in N’ville. John Rich, is this the best you can do?
June 9, 2008 at 8:39 pm Permalink
I didn’t think I could like a version of this less than the original.
June 9, 2008 at 8:40 pm Permalink
Hey Kim, Carrie Underwood does that song in her live shows.
June 9, 2008 at 8:40 pm Permalink
Kim, I think that would ROCK!
I predict a Coldplay medley….
June 9, 2008 at 8:40 pm Permalink
John: Call it melisma, call it vocal diarrhea, call it oversinging, but don’t call it ebonics just because it happened to be a black guy singing.
June 9, 2008 at 8:41 pm Permalink
I couldn’t agree more with John. USA Network seemed to be less ‘commercial’. With NBC at the helm, there may be bigger pressure to succeed with primetime viewers from all formats.
I must say, I am dissapointed. I like Jewel, but originally thought it was a stretch for her in Country. Not to mention, her use of the ‘h’ word in her new single, which has been changed on some releases. (I forget the substituted word)
June 9, 2008 at 8:41 pm Permalink
Matt, way to ruin G&R for me man!
June 9, 2008 at 8:41 pm Permalink
Oh crap, I was trying to think of something totally non country, lol. Guess every song can be made country these days :)
June 9, 2008 at 8:43 pm Permalink
Dave, that would be frisky.
June 9, 2008 at 8:43 pm Permalink
Kim – LOL!! Maybe Marilyn Manson as the closer from all the contestants….
June 9, 2008 at 8:43 pm Permalink
Nashville Star needs Jerry Springer and break dancing…
June 9, 2008 at 8:43 pm Permalink
the problem is it wasnt up to the judges or you would have saw a lot better singers it was up to that fat chick sally ann salsano who is the producer of that fame whoring asian show with Tila Tiquila in it. if the judges would have had the pick the cast would have been way better.
June 9, 2008 at 8:43 pm Permalink
There’s an h-word?
June 9, 2008 at 8:44 pm Permalink
Marilyn Manson–yeah. DOn’t think anyone country has covered his songs yet!
June 9, 2008 at 8:44 pm Permalink
Yep… That’s the one. I like to song, just a bit surprised the fist time I heard the word and subsequent frisky…
June 9, 2008 at 8:44 pm Permalink
Yay Wynonna!
June 9, 2008 at 8:45 pm Permalink
At least Bonnie can be country. This is ok, not great, but decent.
June 9, 2008 at 8:45 pm Permalink
MM did a pretty mean acoustic version of Lennon’s working Class Hero.
June 9, 2008 at 8:45 pm Permalink
Melissa Lawson: The token plus-size singer, being the exception to the rule that only pretty people can sing.
Pretty good voice, and we’ve now added Bonnie Raitt to Colbie Callait, Train and Dobie Gray as country singers. The screaming at the end blew, though.
June 9, 2008 at 8:46 pm Permalink
Kim – Carrie carries Sweet Child of Mine. Saw her last year (I think). Good stuff. Then again, I used to be a rocker in my very younger days.
June 9, 2008 at 8:47 pm Permalink
Melissa sounded pretty good. She’ll stay…
June 9, 2008 at 8:48 pm Permalink
Yay Wynonna, Cowboy Troy and the Olson Twins!
June 9, 2008 at 8:48 pm Permalink
So how does this show work, anyway. The judges are sending a singer home, but people at home are voting too? Who are they voting for?
June 9, 2008 at 8:48 pm Permalink
Ok, we’re taking bets on who will be the first person kicked off. Who will it be?
June 9, 2008 at 8:49 pm Permalink
Sam: Judges eliminate one this week. Thereafter, fan votes eliminate contestants. So, whoever receives the least votes this week will be eliminated on next week’s show.
June 9, 2008 at 8:49 pm Permalink
Baron, you forgot Rascal Flatts and Martina look a like.
June 9, 2008 at 8:49 pm Permalink
Guesses as to who goes? I’ll guess Shawn. I had read she plays on Music Row currently..
June 9, 2008 at 8:50 pm Permalink
Buh bye soldier boy.
June 9, 2008 at 8:50 pm Permalink
I vote to send I like it I love it home based on that horrid performance.
June 9, 2008 at 8:51 pm Permalink
i say send them all home and try again.
June 9, 2008 at 8:51 pm Permalink
Kim – no, thay stunk.
Oh, Yay Oak Ridge Boys on the Block!
June 9, 2008 at 8:51 pm Permalink
I think they like Soldier Boy. Plus NBC probably wants to play the patriotic card…
June 9, 2008 at 8:51 pm Permalink
I called Charley out way back in auditions, so I think I’ll stick with him.
June 9, 2008 at 8:51 pm Permalink
But if they send the sailor home they clearly hate America and want the terrorists to win!
June 9, 2008 at 8:52 pm Permalink
Oh, I thought you were just listing all the look a likes, lol.
June 9, 2008 at 8:52 pm Permalink
Charlie is definately going home my friend was at this tapping and said it was a guy
June 9, 2008 at 8:53 pm Permalink
Not Allison, I like her
June 9, 2008 at 8:53 pm Permalink
Come on, now what arm wrestle? These guys were NOT the worst of the bunch…COME ON!
June 9, 2008 at 8:54 pm Permalink
Chris – I forgot ’bout that USA USA USA USA
June 9, 2008 at 8:55 pm Permalink
Great job Kim.. You got it.
Love the suspense music and delay…
June 9, 2008 at 8:55 pm Permalink
Judges are hating on the old folks!
June 9, 2008 at 8:55 pm Permalink
Yay.
June 9, 2008 at 8:55 pm Permalink
Give me all your money!!!
June 9, 2008 at 8:56 pm Permalink
Will they all sing us out into commercial?
June 9, 2008 at 8:57 pm Permalink
Spectacularly contrived ending, with the deciding vote going down to the third judge. And of course one of the few people who dared to sing a country song gets sent home.
I’ll probably be sticking around to watch the trainwreck (I watch American Idol for the same reason), but I’m not holding out hope in finding a singer I’d like.
June 9, 2008 at 8:58 pm Permalink
Well, let’s hope the performances can only get better from here…
June 9, 2008 at 8:59 pm Permalink
This show is crap…Jewel has NO right to vote ANY of these people off based on country music standards. She’s got NO bona fides!
June 9, 2008 at 8:59 pm Permalink
Hope so… Before we ALL get hooked. Have a great week everyone and see you Monday.
June 9, 2008 at 9:00 pm Permalink
Baron, for a couple of songs on Jewel’s album, she sounded more country than anyone did tonight.
June 9, 2008 at 9:00 pm Permalink
Nice job, Matt.
Megan Mullins, everybody!
June 9, 2008 at 9:01 pm Permalink
Baron – I do agree. Why not start with Jewel and head to the left? Or let John, who appears to be the 2nd Host…
June 9, 2008 at 9:03 pm Permalink
So did the judges choose these final twelve or was it the producers? I’m wondering who decided these were the most talented individuals to try out.
June 9, 2008 at 9:05 pm Permalink
My best guess would be producers… new station, new market, and new audience. It will definately be more commercial. AI picked songs based on royalties and as I recall Archuleta got in hot water with the network due to adding lyrics from another song without ‘asking’…
June 9, 2008 at 9:13 pm Permalink
Sorry I missed all the fun, but Kucinich is introducing articles of Impeachment against Bush and Cheney. The dude will only stop if UFOs come to take him off the floor of the House of Representatives.
June 9, 2008 at 9:16 pm Permalink
For those on the East Coast, Randy Travis is performing all new songs from his upcoming CD on QVC from 11-11:30.
I’ve never needed this more than after that pitiful show…
June 9, 2008 at 9:26 pm Permalink
Maybe I’m just overly negative, but none of these people struck me as viable recording artists at all. Like, if any of them were on American Idol, I would root against them. Plus they’re all so obsssed with “selling” themselves and making it big that I didn’t get of a sense of what any of them were really like as people…except, I guess, that they’re obsessed with fame and don’t give much of a damn about what they’re singing. I guess I’m not watching this season.
I agree Jewel probably shouldn’t be a judge, but at least she articulated herself decently tonight. Jeffrey Steele was fine too; to me they both look golden sitting next to John Rich, the most unjustifiably smug man in country music.
June 9, 2008 at 10:01 pm Permalink
Another year, another Nashville Star that wont produce any legit stars. Ho-hum.
The only one I kinda support is Garcia, if only because he actually sang a country song. Not a pop, rock or pop-country song.
June 9, 2008 at 10:31 pm Permalink
Its too bad the Coppola Sisters didn’t get cast on this show rather than “Can You Duet?”. They would have kicked everyone’s butt on this debacle……
June 9, 2008 at 11:32 pm Permalink
I think you’re all spot on with your critiques. I’m not a big American Idol fan, but in comparison this was a rather embarrassing little cousin. The whole Taylor performance was cringeworthy…and then there was the lecture…
However, there were a few interesting comments tonight. One of them was about the need for a lead singer among the trios. I’ve always felt this way about Little Big Town. They have a pretty sound, but are really boring at the same time. I wonder if they would have more personality and be much more interesting (and marketable) if they had a “lead” singer. I also feel that Lady Antebellum may eventually have to choose a lead singer. I don’t like the back and forth thing. Anyone else?
June 10, 2008 at 12:16 am Permalink
Lynn –
Regarding Little Big Town, I’ve always felt that their lack of a singular lead singer helps define their sound and image as an actual group. Too often contemporary groups like Rascal Flatts and Emerson Drive and even duos like Brooks & Dunn and Sugarland are only really only groups and duos by name; they feature one distinctive lead voice that gets all the attention and the other member(s) contribute some completely wallpaper harmonies on the choruses. Little Big Town is very different in that regard; for them, the harmonies are really the selling point.
At the same time, though, I do see the truth in the notion that groups with a clear lead singer have an easier time crafting a clear, marketable image and personality. And I don’t mind that approach as long as the music still reflects that the act is supposed to be comprised of more than one person. I think the Dixie Chicks did an especially good job of treading that line.
June 10, 2008 at 12:36 am Permalink
now after watching NS i realize why one person i know did not make it past top 35, he was too talented for this show. john rich is scared of competition is my firm belief. they show john telling him off but didnt show him sing, because people would wonder why in the world he did not make show!! anyways the show is a disaster! maybe if john was not DRUNK during auditions! crown royal is good but we all know how alcohol affects good judgement, assuming he does in fact know talent when its right in front of him. i wonder if what they heard tonight honestly sounded good to them.
June 10, 2008 at 2:11 am Permalink
Good thoughts Dan. I just want to like LBT so much more than I do. I agree about the Chicks. What I think makes them particularly hard to categorize and cover by artists (especially duos/trios) is that their biggest strength isn’t necessarily 3-part harmony, but the instrumentation and the talents of Martie and Emily (which blends so well with Nat’s vocal). I really hope Pearl Heart doesn’t try and cover Sin Wagon…
And I’ve gotten off the point… :) Emmylou’s album just came out on iTunes, I think I deserve a few songs after watching NS tonight!
June 10, 2008 at 5:39 am Permalink
Brady – That’s not saying much. You can fool some of the people some of the time…
I’m seriously fed up with carpetbaggers donning country music drag just to revive their flagging career, or for what seems to be easy bucks.
June 10, 2008 at 7:54 am Permalink
i didn’t watch the show, but from reading this, glad i didn’t. i only watched pearl heart attempt the dixie chicks which was really painful. i didn’t even stick around to see them finish it. the why don’t they do COUNTRY covers if it’s a COUNTRY show???? “give me the beat boys” has never and will never be a country song. when did jewel ever sound good live? (btw: i love blake shelton’s version of “home” and he’s totally “countrified” it.) lay off taylor (even if she did sound like a little 16 year old trying to be a big girl belting it out)….
June 10, 2008 at 8:05 am Permalink
I don’t understand the hate for Jewel as a judge. Her music has always been- to me anyway- quasi country sounding. Even her biggest hits were basically her and a guitar. Also, let’s keep in mind when the show was on USA we were subjected to judges like Bret Michaels. And guest judges that included John Cena and Velvet Revolver.
Charley was horrible. The model needs to go soon. Third Town was horrific. They made Rascal Flatts sound like The Statler Brothers. When that emo looking goof went into that high note singing “Elvira” I wanted to punch him in the throat.
I think Gabe was good but kind of bland. I want to see where he goes from here. I think the season will come down to the teen girl duo, and the girl trio. Both were fine, but they could easily get bland real quick.
June 10, 2008 at 8:31 am Permalink
Which “Home” is Blake covering? Daughtry’s or Marc Broussard’s?
June 10, 2008 at 8:52 am Permalink
The “Home” Blake is Covering, and correct me if I’m wrong, is the pop star Michael Bubble version..
June 10, 2008 at 9:02 am Permalink
Oh, I forgot about him. Or rather I have a mental block that keeps him out.
June 10, 2008 at 9:20 am Permalink
Watched it, wasn’t impressed. Chris Young would have put them all to shame. Not a fan of more reality TV in country.
I think it’s a bit ridiculous how the winners of this show get sidelined by the labels.
I assume it’s going to be karaoke, it’s a karaoke competition.
Was the one guy’s name Gabe Garcia? He was alright but he needs to sing more strongly if he’s going to sing Strait. Get closer to that mic!
What made me laugh is John Rich saying how he can spot people that are fake and aren’t really into country, people come out sing complete pop songs without adding any country styling to it, and he tells them how great they are. But I shouldn’t say that, because we all know Julio Iglesias is the nexy country superstar! (couldn’t resist…)
June 10, 2008 at 9:51 am Permalink
Yeah Brad – it’s a Michael Buble cover.
June 10, 2008 at 10:05 am Permalink
If the tweener/teeny-bopper giggly girl factor takes to this show, I expect Justin Gaston to make it to the end on his looks alone. Can you say “Brad Cotter”? Because those of us that participate here tend to appreciate good quality country music we might assume the rest of the viewing audience has similar tastes. WRONG! This will be a popularity contest plain and simple with musical talent being a side issue now that the judges are out of the way as far as voting goes.
I liked both Pearl Heart and Laura and Sophie, but will the teeny-bopper girl voters favor them as kindred spirits (remember Erika Jo?) or go for the hunky guy? The girl groups have little radio market potential what with SheDaisy being ignored these days in spite of their immense vocal talent, and Carter’s Chord getting ignored by radio as well. I liked Gabe Garcia by far the best and will be voting for him for as long as he lasts…..
June 10, 2008 at 10:10 am Permalink
They should have booted that first girl… the one that sang something about burning pictures…
Really though, that was the best they could find in America? I could probably walk into the bars in Nashville and find 12 better entertainers in one evening. I am really disappointed in the talent this year.
I loved how John Rich called one girl “pitchy” after praising Taylor Swift’s performance.
June 10, 2008 at 10:22 am Permalink
Mike Parker says: Really though, that was the best they could find in America? I could probably walk into the bars in Nashville and find 12 better entertainers in one evening. I am really disappointed in the talent this year.
Me too Mike!! In fact, I only saw the last 45 minutes of the show because I was at my local NSAI meeting (Bham) and trust me, we had a member perform last night that could’ve blown ‘em all off the stage faster than an F5 tornado.
The part of NS I saw last night was almost funny …. in a very sad kind of way.
June 10, 2008 at 11:26 am Permalink
I have to agree with this guy:
http://nashvilleroast.wordpress.com/
As mean as that is, these contestants are just no good!
June 10, 2008 at 11:55 am Permalink
The sort of mean-spirited humor on “nashville roast” might be redeemed if it was slightly funny. But its not — its just downright nasty.
June 10, 2008 at 12:04 pm Permalink
I agree…some of those are a little over-the-top mean. However – it’s kind of like a car wreck…I have to read them all.
June 10, 2008 at 12:30 pm Permalink
MY COUSIN IS ON ThE SHOW THIS YEAR “TOMMY STANLEY” I THOUGHT HE DID PRETTY GOOD. I WISH THEY WOULD LET THEM DO ORIGINALS INSTEAD OF JUST COVERS BECAUSE HE GOT ONTO THIS SHOW BY SHOWING THEM HIS TALENT IN WRITING AND SINGING HIS OWN MUSIC AND NOW HE’S STUCK SINGING COVERS. CHECK HIM OUT ON MYSPACE http://www.myspace.com/tommystanleymusic
June 10, 2008 at 12:48 pm Permalink
His MySpace leaves me wondering what he’s doing in a country music competition.
June 10, 2008 at 1:10 pm Permalink
Hey Matt Gabe is for real just check out his myspace. Great originals on their that show his real country style.
http://www.myspace.com/gabegarciaband
June 10, 2008 at 1:40 pm Permalink
I cannot believe how horrible NS was last night!!! I personally know better singers than most of those singers were and none of the people I know even have aspirations to be singers. The judges seemed to be full of crap most of the time.
I’m embarrassed that this show was on NBC, because this is something that’ll represent country music to the TV viewing masses, assuming that anyone will be watching it, which is doubtful.
Like many of you have already said, I’m sure they didn’t pay attention to actual talent, but rather back stories, which were pretty lame anyway. It was extremely and painfully obvious that they were really reaching to exploit some of these people’s backgrounds and stories, which I didn’t even find compelling.
Like Lynn, the one piece of advice that I thought was good was the lead singer advice. I would site my lack of interest in LBT as being the same as Lynn suggested. On one hand, I commend them for actually sounding like a group and not just a lead singer with background singers who could easily be interchanged. On the other hand, however, their lack of a lead singer kind of makes them sound like those jingle singers, which can be pretty boring. That’s probably why I always think they sound better live than on record.
I hope this show improves, but I doubt it. If their intention is to show progression, they’ve really messed up the plan, because I doubt that many people will tune again to witness the progression after this horrible episode.
The only one who I even remotely liked was Ashley Hewitt. It’s hard to believe that this show will produce anyone nearly as good as Miranda Lambert and Lambert didn’t even win the show. None of the performances on last night’s show even came close to matching her.
For the good of country music, I hope this show is cancelled.
June 10, 2008 at 3:10 pm Permalink
Leeann, Ashlee Hewitt and her older sister Patrice have been performing for a few years as “The Hewitt Sisters”. On their MySpace blog they have the songs off their EP for sale and at their website they sell the actual EP on CD. Its worth listening to the songs they have on MySpace as they help write their own material. Their EP was produced by Mark Oliverius in Nashville and he was a co-writer on most of the songs.
Link: http://www.myspace.com/hewittsisters
Or check them out on the cool OMG samples page:
Link: http://www.omgnashville.com/samples.htm
I like “Girl In a Car” and “Caribou Road” better than most of Taylor Swift’s music. Hopefully Ashlee will redeem herself after singing that Colbie Caillat song that didn’t go over so well here at The 9513…
PS – Here’s a tidbit from Paul King’s latest Ashlee praise-fest at Nashville Hype:
“Ashlee had initially performed an original song for the judges, “Georgia To Set Me Free” – which led to her getting her pass on the show. All judge John Rich could say was, “Touchdown!”. And Jeffrey Steele – one of Nashville’s most successful and prolific songwriters said, “it was the best original song he’s heard” from any other contestant who tried out.” We’ll see……
June 10, 2008 at 6:02 pm Permalink
I wasn’t crazy about last year’s Nashville Star, and this season so far isn’t looking a lot better. But it wasn’t all bad
Pearl Heart started off the show pretty well, although I agree that that they didn’t need to harmonize every note of the song.
I was interested to see what Navy boy Tommy would be like when I saw the quick glances at a couple of his auditions. I wasn’t blown away, but I think he has potential. I think he has good energy, even though his energy last night was quite awkward. I look forward to seeing what else her can do.
Laura & Sophie did a fine job with their song.
I was disappointed by the amount of “classic” (as you guys would probably call it, I was going to say “old”) songs that were played. I’m a fan of the newer country music, so Elvira and All My Exes Live In Texas don’t really do it for me. Plus, I really didn’t like Third Town, especially the whiny voice of the guy with the purple hair.
June 10, 2008 at 7:25 pm Permalink
Rick, thanks for the info on the Hewitt Sisters. I’ll have to check them out. I didn’t know the song that Ashley performed, but I guess I didn’t mind it. I thought she did it well.
Oh, I forgot to rant in my last post that I didn’t think that “Drops Of Jupiter” was a “bold choice” for that model to sing, as the judges kept saying. That annoyed. Then again, most of the show annoyed me, really.
June 12, 2008 at 5:20 pm Permalink
Just putting them In order of my favorites
01 – Gabe Garcia
02 – Melissa Lawson
03 – Third Town
04 – Coffey
05 – Laura & Sophi
06 – Pearl Heart
07 – Justin Gaston
08 – Ashlee Hewitt
09 – Shawn Mayer
10 – Alyson Gilbert
11 – Tommy Stanley
12 – Charley Jenkins
Only the top 3 are really anything worth watching, The rest have a lot of work to do to impress me.
June 13, 2008 at 6:23 pm Permalink
Ok…those boys of “THIRD TOWN” brought it!!!I don’t care what those judges say. You could tell each one of them is very strong vocally speaking. I can’t wait to see what else they do. I’m a fan already! The guy who took the lead the other night got that crowd to there feet within moments.Would have been nice to follow Third Town…the crowds already warmed up. LOL
June 15, 2008 at 3:43 pm Permalink
I caught last weeks episode of Nashville Star and I really enjoyed Ashlee Hewitt’s performance. She gave me goosepimples. I know I am listening to something good when that happens! I am totally tuning in MOndays at 9pm!
June 18, 2008 at 11:52 am Permalink
What a pathetic bunch of contestants. They all look like first-rounders, not finalists. The smug judges and their mostly negative comments taint the viewer even more. Jewel needs to go for sure. This is the opinion of myself plus two other people in our household.
June 18, 2008 at 1:41 pm Permalink
Dang! I keep forgetting what day and time this show comes on. Could an NBC troll help me out with that?
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