"Country music has always been the best shrink that 15 bucks can buy.”- Dierks Bentley

So every once in a while I see a commercial or promo for a show and it perks my interest, such is the case with the reality show Nashville Star, I think everyone knows what a huge fan of the other TV talent competitions I am, and I don’t despise Country Music, I have a huge appreciation for it. When I was little I worshipped Reba McIntyre and wanted to be just like her, that or a rodeo queen. So there’s a special place in my heart for this genre of music, even though I don’t listen to it all the time.

Also this is what went through my mind when they started to advertise for it, and I told Nette we should make that a show we watch.

Well so far, I hate to say it, but I think Nashville Star is the Red Headed Step child of American Idol, and there’s only one solid performer on that show that I like and it’s not just because she’s a plus size Mom of 5, it’s because she can actually sing!

Her name is Melissa Lawson and her voice is AMAZING, the first 2 weeks she was a little shaky, but you could see her potential, and now she’s hit a stride and I think she’s the best singer on that show! See for yourself! This was her performance from Monday.







Let me give you a run down of some of the other contestants. . . .


This is Coffey pronounced Kaw-Fey or whatever, this guy isn't a terrible showman, he's entertaining, but he has that hyper active vibratto he can't control, which I find annoying, and he does so many runs and note manipulation that his pitch ends up being off. I really wanted to like him, but as Jewel ( she's a judge) says, he needs to be careful how many gimmicks he uses. He constantly speaks after every phrase he sings, and always gives little shout outs to the band like "Come On!" or "Let Me Hear the Horns" you know what I'm talking about, right? Long story short. . . . he bugs!



Ok these next two groups I wanna talk about next are The Two Teenage BFF's named Laura and Sophie, and the sister trio called Pearl Heart, I'm sorry to say, but I'm a little unsure of their appeal, sure they are cute, young girls, but both acts are BORING!!!!

I hate to do it, but you must see these two girls who just call their group Laura and Sophie (really creative ladies) countryfy Michael Jackson's PYT. . . . Oh you just wait, it's a doozy!




This is like drawing a mustache on the Mona Lisa to me!

and Now Pearl Heart. . . . .

These girls really work the wardrobe, The best thing I can say about them is they always look cute, but I can't help falling asleep or feel the need to fast forward after the intial "that's a cute outfit" thing wears off. The Judges think their harmonies are good, but sometimes 3 part harmony doesn't sound so awesome regardless of how in tune it is, the perfect example is when they turned "Love Shack" into a country song. Oh yeah, I know! Even the Karaoke PorterHouse version was less annoying!





Watch and observe and tell me what you think!



I mean not only was that song ridiculous, but these girls do not have that natural stage presence that makes me wanna watch, and the supposed front woman is the most awkward mover ever!!!! It's a shame because musically they know their stuff, but I see no Star Quality.


Ok so this kid's name is Tommy and his schtick is he's in the Navy. The kid can perform though soI know he's not getting any "We Should Vote for Him because he serves our Country" votes. He kind of reminds me of a southern Elliot Yamin he even has messed up teeth. He likes to do all the vocal tricks like Coffey, but his voice is way more controlled, I think he would have a lot of success on Idol, even the judges have said that, they have a hard time believing he is a Country Singer, but he sounds alright to me!


This is Gabe, He's like a Hispanic George Strait. He sings really well, always intune and never over the top, but really not that exciting to watch, I'm sure he probably writes cute little songs about being in love and what not just like Mr. Straight, but definatley doesn't pack that entertaining punch I speak so much of!

And don't even get me started on Billy Ray Cyrus as the host. You would think with all the TV work I've heard he does, he would be masterful at this job, but that is not the case. He doesn't seem able to disguise the fact that he's reading from a teleprompter, and everytime he talks to the contestants it's like the most artificial and forced interaction. I think they just hired him for his big name status, because the Nashville Star people where sorrily mistaken if they thought Cyrus would do a good job. He kind of sucks!

I can say the judges they lined up this season are good. I think for the most part I can agree with them, I think they all have a lot to offer, and I have to give them props, because they don't just sit and judge they all have contestants they Mentor and try to help improve throughout the week, so props to who ever came up with that idea.

For those who don't know there is Jewel

but don't get it twisted she's not here to be the Mother Hen and just compliment people about their outfits, she actually makes audible/understandable comments and criticisms.

Jefferey Steele

Who is probably most well known for his Song Writing abilities he wrote the songs "What Hurts the Most" and "These Days" for Rascall Flatts, but he had his own band called Boy Howdy back in the 90's (never heard of them) Anyway, sometimes his comments don't make sense, but occasionally I agree with what he has to say.


Then there's John Rich



You might know him as being the second half of the Band Big and Rich.
Unfortunately I think John Rich suffers from Little Man Syndrome, he seems like he is over compensating for something, but he does know his stuff, and even before he hit it big with "Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy" he was writing hit songs for people like Faith Hill. I don't always agree with his taste, but I think he does a really good job mentoring the contestants, and occasionaly offers a good critique.


Even though I can't handle the music sometimes, I'm sucked into the show because now I have to see how it turns out! I really hope Melissa wins, the Country scene needs a woman like her. I'm also curious to see how these contestants do when it's write your own song week.

So all in all this show will never replace Idol for me, nothing will, but atleast it gives me something to blog about!

Peace Out!