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So there I am, sitting backstage sucking down all the free drinks they supply, which is a cool way of saying I watched the show on my couch with a 12 pack like you, when I hear the theme of the show is Pop Goes Country. It's a cool idea, except it seems a little premature. Shouldn't this be farther down the line as a more challenging obstacle for the blessed few to show their versatility at the end?

And what exactly are the rules, because I'm getting . Take a pop song and make it country. Then what's with the dancers? Aren't we trying to find a country artist? Country is "3 chords and the truth". I understand needing bells 'n whistles to sell the show, but the dancers were too distracting to me. It would be like saying this picture is country because she's wearing a cowboy hat......"ok, but what about the clothes and swords?!"

But enough of me editorializing the direction of the show. Besides, all of this is great news for Gabe. Being the only hardcore country guy on there he should be able to run away with it.

Now let's get to the performances! Gabe continues to build momentum with a killer version of "Livin' La Vida Loca" which I thought was a fantastic song choice for him. I remember being a country record promoter in Chicago when my pop counterpart came into my office and said, "Do you wanna hear a smash?" He played me the Ricky Martin tune. It was one of those undeniable songs. This fit perfect for Gabe. My question is who picked it? Are they allowed to pick any song they want or do they pick from a list? Well I'll find that out today because I'm headed down to check out the rehearsals in a couple of hours where I get to talk to the contestants for the first time. Again, the judges told him to "loosen up". How could he? Those dancers couldn't have pinned him to the microphone any more than they did. I thought he was going to get a kick to the head at one point.

Next we had Pearl Heart doing the B52's. The B52's are one of the greatest country bands ever! You don't believe me? Lookey here

See that cowboy hat. Toldja. Anyway you don't have to say which song they did of the B52's, because it's the only song they've ever had. "Love Shack" is one of those songs that I honestly truIy think I could throw up when I hear it.

Nonetheless I thought these gals showed some growth from last week, but they still battle with the positioning of the lead singer. Which I think is funny because they tell her to stand out and separate, and then make her use a 3 headed microphone stand that essentially pushed the lead singer to the back!

Following them we had Alyson doing the Tiffany hit "I Think We're Alone Now" which didn't fare well with the judges. I don't think the song was necessarily a bad choice, but it definitely wasn't country enough. I liked the slowed down version she was practicing, over the up-tempo one she performed.

Ashley Hewitt ensued with a fantastic rendition of Brittany's "You Drive Me Crazy" which I don't think I've ever heard before, but I didn't need to, to buy what she was selling. John Rich made a comment about everyone in the crowd giving her a standing ovation. Was the standing genuine? I believe so, but after that it seemed like someone
was telling the crowd to stand up. I grew up Catholic, so I recognized people tired of having to stand and sit. That's also a pet peeve of mine with Nashville award shows, because all those industry lemmings will give a standing ovation to every yahoo that comes along, and then when Kristofferson walks out to receive a lifetime achievement award then where do you go? There's a reason standing ovations are reserved for special occasions. They shouldn't be handed out like wet naps.

This isn't that funny, but I needed a picture.

Next we had Coffey, and I can't figure this guy out. One week I dig it, the next week I don't. He would have been better off doing the John Mayer song from last week, as opposed to the umbrella song this week. There was so much going on during his performance that if every distraction was a different color, I would have had a seizure.

After that we had my favorites of the show, the cupcakes Laurie and Sophie. In fact, I would change their name to Cupcakes.

How befitting is that? "Ladies and Gentleman up next we have Cupcakes!" Who doesn't want to hear that? This performance was one of the highlights of the show. The good thing about there being a dearth of country artists on the show is that when you do see one, you know it! These girls are awesome. A great performance. Great song choice- Pretty Young Thing by Michael Jackson. You can insert your own joke here, but I think this completely fits their image much like Gabe's song choice did. And I can't remember which is which, but did you see non-braces working the camera? She looked right into it and it was like she knew I wasn't wearing pants.....whoa what? Hang on, did John Rich type that? Is he creeping everyone out or just me with his "turning me on" comments? And what's with the slumber party critiques? They're kids, let 'em be kids! I keep waiting for him to say, "Let's get rid
of those braces and getcha a couple boob jobs and then you'll look old enough to sing." Speaking of doing incredible versions of Michael Jackson songs in another genre, have you heard Chris Cornell's version of Billie Jean? It's INCREDIBLE.

Alright I can feel the NBC folks getting uneasy so let's move on. Next we had a train wreck guest pop performance. I think they were called Hannity and Kolmes or something. Some contrived wanna be Spice Girls band who were put together by P. Diddlydoo for another reality show called Making of the Band. Seriously can you tell which is which?

What were they? Did someone let the dancers sing? And sing to tracks no less. Again, I'd like the judges to critique the "professional" performers. I'd like one of them to say, "Ummm, you dropped your earring," Did you see that?! The asian demographic of that band lost a lobe-ring. Hilarious! Gotta love live TV.

Shawn Mayer sang an NSYNC song, and did it well. Again though, lose the dancers, and thanks for not crying again!

Next we had Melissa Lawson, and I'll be honest, I'm starting to get it. I don't believe she'll win, but again, when you juxtapose her with every thing else on the show, she at least sounds country. Great song, great delivery and no distractions. Thank you.

And I'm sorry I'm rushing, but I have to be down at rehearsals in 30 mins!

I keep pulling for Sailor Tommy, but he keeps walking a thin line. A terrible performance. His performance embodied everything wrong with the show. And I agree with Jeffrey Steele. Where's the guitar? Where's the piano? The guy is a musician and we haven't seen it. There was nothing country about this performance.

Sorry Justin. Justin Gaston had a marked improvement, but I was glad to see him go just because I'm tired of seeing him "modeling" all the time. If you're modeling, model. If your singing, sing. I don't need to see you play guitar without a shirt. That's Billy Currington's job.

As usual, leave a message at the beep (BEEP)

Alright I've been reading the comments on the blog and I've also been doing some very meticulous research with the expense account that NBC didn't give me and I've found out that most people commenting are really bashing the show this year. Where are the positive comments?

So far, I have to say I'm really impressed with the show. Granted, I'm on the payroll to a degree, but there are some folks out there who are Negative Nancy's.

Like Judy, who is "too repulsed to even care" but not too repulsed to take the time to post a comment. Thanks for letting us know how you feel, now let's take a deep breath and count to 10. This is a tv show folks. It is to entertain. It's not solely based on talent, because what if all the technically best singers were the same age, the same gender and the same ethnicity? It would be boring. Don't forget, the show has an agenda as well. So let's all just sit perched high on our couches and look down our noses, and shallowly crush some dreams shall we?

I do like the way they are utilizing the judges more as mentors this year. One thing I'd like to see is the judges judging the star's performances. Put Taylor and Trace up against the same scrutiny as the contestants.

That would be entertaining huh? I wanna see Jewel tell Trace his jeans are too tight, good Lord I think I could see his bullet holes.

Before we get to the performances, let's all bow our collective heads and be thankful that Third Town has been voted off. At first I was giving them the benefit of the doubt that there might be more to them than just being a weird collection of vocalists and colored hair but after seeing another performance I'm think I'm more creeped out this week than I was last week. I think it's because the bubblegum headed guy reminds me of Toddy from the Wedding Crashers.

Did you see the one guy justify the band to the judges by saying, "We all sing lead."? No you don't. Because you only performed 2 songs yet there are 3 singers? I think he meant that they are all capable of singing lead, You all CAN sing lead, but someone's got to be the front man. And if I was to Monday morning quarterback I would have rather seen Charlie Jenkins perform a second time.

First up we had Laura & Sophie doing a Judds tune. Again, great harmonies, and great vocal arrangements. I love watching these girls because they are so young and so innocent. They look like they are having a ball and their ebullience is infectious. It's like watching puppies play together. I didn't really agree with John Rich saying it was like a slumber party, because that's what they are. They are so BFF!!!!! (insert emoticons here!!!!!)

I also didn't agree with Jewel saying that they should do something new because they've been doing that song for years. So what? It's new to me and most of America so why not put forth what you know works? With that said, I still think they'll be in the final 3. And how funny was it when the one corrected the other for saying "my song" instead of "our song"? I see a rift. They'll be splitting up over "creative differences" by next week.

Speaking of the top 5, I also think Ashley Hewitt will be in there. She continually delivers solid performances and carries herself very well. Great song choice as well.

Next is the pretty boy Justin Gaston. Everytime he looks into the camera I expect his teeth to sparkle like an Orbit gum commercial. He kind of comes across as a mimbo and I agreed with the judges that he's just going through the motions. "Phoning it in" as they say. I thought this was a better performance than last time but he still just seems to be focusing more on looks than soul. John Rich said he was "sweet", I didn't agree with that so much, but I know what he was alluding to. High marks on the song choice though with The Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah". I like when people take pop songs and countrify them. Like Jack Ingram doing "Lips of Angel" by Hinder. A great song is a great song no matter what genre. I also predict that he'll get farther in the contest than he deserves just because I think he will get a lot of the little girl's votes as a teenage heart throb.

Alyson's rendition of Every Breath You Take was the performance that I was hoping for after her rocky debut. It was redemption. I'm glad they toned down her eyes and made her more endearing as well.

Pearl Heart had a marked improvement from last week's performance. I think the judges were right on about the lead singer not carrying herself as a lead. Why don't the twin sisters dress the same and bookend her? That would help, they could be like the .

Up next was the sailor. Not the band Sailor in case you were confused.

Because everyone knows how hard this band rocks!

"All hands on deck and batten down the hatches because Sailor is about to rock it from port to starboard!!" Do Trace and Sailor have the same pants stylist? I'm talking about Tommy Staley. I really dig this kid. He's got style, excitement. Doesn't take himself too seriously. Every week is another week he's not on the USS Kittyhawk and you can tell he's having fun. Ballsy choice to do a John Rich song which I also commend. I think he'll make it into the Top 4.

Gabe is a darkhorse for me. Cool tune to cover with CCR, and I don't mean Cross Canadian Ragweed. This is also another well rounded contestant with a good voice, style and identity. I can't write much about him, because I can't find anything wrong with him.

Next we had Shawn Mayer doing "He Stopped Loving Her Today." I will admit that she looked better this week, but what's with the crying? The only one crying after this song should have been George Jones. Here he is on the ground laughing at her song choice.

Like most people, I rely on coffee to perk me up. That's exactly what happens when Coffey hits the stage. This cat grows on me every week. I like his song choices, I like his delivery, his look. I still can't tell how "country" he is though. And I couldn't agree more with Jewel and her "vocal acrobatics" critique. There's a fine line between overkill and authenticity and I think he tiptoes it.

Lastly we had Melissa, which I'm going to be honest, I don't hear it. I don't get it. What's the point? Jewel said she has one of the better voices on the show, but I'll take a lamer singer over a better package. I will give her credit on her song choices though.

Well there we have it. Next week I'll be milling about backstage and trying to dig up some good dirt for you.

Until then, leave a message at the beep (Beep)

Wix

Alright then let's just simmer down and get to the goods and the bads of Season 6-Webisode #1, err uh I mean Episode #1 (force of habit)

Before I tear into the performances I'd like to start by saying TOO MUCH CRYING! Alright already! I get it. Your dream is coming true. You're doing it for your Mom, You're doing it for your daughter.

This is all you've ever wanted!

IT'S TOO MUCH CRYING!!

I know it's emotional for the contestants, but geez, can't the editors tame it down a bit? I made the regional finals of Last Demographic Standing, and I was excited, but I didn't boo hoo. The first half hour of the show everyone was crying. It was like I was performing at that kids birthday party all over again.

Ok, let's talk about the judges. As I predicted Jeffrey Steele was terrific and I agreed with almost everything he had to say. Except when he told the sailor guy he needed to play guitar like Keith Urban. Ummm C'mon Jeff it's only the first show and you expect someone to play guitar like Keith Urban? Let's bring it down to reality a little. That's like a cop pulling me over for a field sobriety test and demanding Cirque du soleil.

It ain't gonna happen.

As far as Jewel is concerned, I love her and will never say anything bad about her. She is genuine, sincere, astute and proven. Who can argue with 30 million records? Seriously. Besides, you can't say anything bad about Jewel or Australians get really upset. Did you know there is a website by Australians defending Jewel? Check it out http://www.geocities.com/jewel_australia/.

Don't wanna upset those wallabies do we now, it's best to keep those piles downunda!

I'm glad to see her as a full time judge because she's a good base to counter John Rich's acidity. Which brings us to John Rich. Is there anyone more polarized in country music? You either love him or you're everyone else. He's certainly qualified, and he's one hell of a songwriter. You don't have to go far down the charts before you'll find a John Rich song. And if that's not enough proof, just ask him. I liked what Taylor Swift had to tell the contestants, "Treat people with respect." Isn't there a saying that says "You don't have to be rich to afford manners"?

OK then, let's get to the performances! But before I start, I have to put in a disclaimer of sorts, because I'm not really a judgmental person when it comes to appearances, but when you are putting yourself forward in a competition, you are by nature opening yourself up to scrutiny and exposition. So I hope no one gets their feelings hurt, because then there's going to be more crying!

First up is Tommy Stanley, the sailor. The best part about his pre-produced segment is the sailor in the back ground making funny faces. I shot beer out my nose when I watched that. I thought this kid was great. Very engaging, distinctive voice. He'll end up in the Top 5 at least. Can't wait to hear more from him. Plus he's stationed in Japan which is where I went on a USO tour. That's where I went into a country bar in Hiroshima and heard the owner, Kuwateson, sing "On The Load Again," no lie.

Secondly we had Shawn Mayer, or "Joe" from The Facts of Life. I know they don't really look alike, but they're both mechanics and cute. I think the judges were completely accurate about her performance being "like a bar band" and underwhelming, but I'd also still like to see more from her. She seemed like she was trying too hard and over-selling it. In fact I'd say the only thing good about the "glitter boobs" is that it made for a visual metaphor. Because I like boobs, and I like glitter, but together it was too much and it distracted, rather than accentuated her performance.

Next we had a trio called Third Town with Tony, Lil' Tony and someone else. They were some kind of weird androgynous amalgam of talent and purple hair. But this isn't Green Day we're talking about,
this is country music. Sorry, but I don't get the purple hair. I'm all about musicians expressing themselves, but the only time you'll see these guys at Billy Bob's is when they're getting thrown out. They're certainly talented, but what are they?!

Next we have Coffey, which is funny because I think he looks more like a latte. You know like in those Vytorin commercials where they compare people to their cholesterol and they look like different foods? Performance wise, I really like this guy. He looks like the type of guy you want to hang out with. He was always in the stands having a good time while others looked intimidated. Did you see some of the contestants faces when the other contestants were performing? Wow. It's funny to see people when they don't realize the camera is on them. Anyway I'm eager to see more of him. I like his versatility both in style and delivery. A little too much over-singing, but I'd rather have that than under-singing.

Next was my favorite of the night 18 year old Laura and 16 year old Sophie. Laura & Sophie, or as Chris Hansen calls them Bait and Jailbait. Their performance was like a really nostalgic throwback, and Porter Wagoner should have introduced them by saying, "Folks hang on, cuz this next young sensation is brought to you by the fine makers of baking powder. Ladies and Gentleman please welcome Laura & Sophie." And wow could they sing! 7 years together and you can tell. It was like they were finishing each other's sentences. I also thought the vocal arrangements were fantastic. I've got them in the Top 3!

Next we certainly have someone who's country. Gabe Garcia. You really can't lose doing a George Strait song. I want to hear more from him though, that performance was good, but it was kind of like the free space in bingo. I need more.

Next was Alyson Gilbert. I was really worried at the end that Jewel was gonna send her home, but once again she proves why she's Jewel. This performance was terrible, yet I stlll want to see more of her. Her "pageantry" that they alluded to was ridiculous. And what's with the eyes? Are those contacts, or is she part alien? It reminded me of that Afghan girl on the cover of National Geographic

I was a really big fan of Ashlee Hewitt. Fantastic choice to do a Colbie Caillat song. The whole time I was listening it was strange, because she sings like a woman but then looks like this little girl. I put her in the Top 3 as well.

Next was Charlie Jenkins. This was my pick to be voted off. I just didn't think it was a good song for him. First of all, stay on the stage! Get off the stage and work the crowd in like week 8 or 9 when you've been up there for a while. Why go out into the crowd on the first night? Also, the whole time during his performance, all I could think was that he looked like Will Ferrell making fun of country music. Sorry Charlie.

Next was Justin Gaston, the pretty boy model who was ballsy enough to choose a Train song, but I think it backfired and made him sound thin. I need to hear more! I'm in complete agreement with Jewel, in that if you are blessed with good looks, you're going to have to be that much better, because as regular people, we already hate you!

And it's not over until....well wait a minute, last but not least is Melissa Lawson. I wouldn't have pandered to that one, but when she started out playing the size card, I jumped right in. I thought this was a pretty good performance, but I'd like to see her do something other than a Wynonna song. But she definitely had chutzpah! Need more!

Oops, I realized I didn't say anything about Pearl Heart. I thought they looked green, but they sounded good. When I was a record promoter I actually drove the Dixie Chicks around in a van to radio stations from Cincinnati to Miami when they were starting out. We'd go out to dinner with the radio station guy and then they'd bust out the instruments right there and sing like songbirds. This was before they started clucking. I love the Dixie Chicks and still support them. But it was hard for me to be objective on that song. Need more. Feed me Seymour!

Ok, with that said I'm eager to see the pairings of men, women, and groups this Monday. And as always leave a message at the beep. (beep)

A big hello to all the returning fans (Walnut Valley Girl) as well as to everyone who is checking this out for the first time!

For those of you who don't know, my name is Wix Wichmann and every week I'll be having fun looking at the contestants through my patented "reality glasses" and throwing my 2 cents into a blog as the contest progresses. I've been lucky enough to be involved with Nashville Star since the first season and I'm thrilled to be contributing again this year.

Besides being a fool-time comedian, I've also spent the past 15 years in the country music business. I worked at a major record label responsible for launching the careers of the Dixie Chicks, Gretchen Wilson and Montgomery Gentry. I spent 8 years on the road opening up shows for Montgomery Gentry and then signed my own record deal with Universal South to support my comedy album I'LL QUIT WHEN WILLIE QUITS in 2006. What does this have to do with Nashville Star? Nothing, I'm just trying to see if NBC will let me plug my album here.

I do know that many of you have questions about the new season on NBC and I look forward to answering those. Important questions like the one from travis232 that asks, "Is Miley going to be on the show?" Or the one from wix_fan4ever that asks, "Do you really type your blog without pants on?" On second thought, maybe that's not the best example.

Some of you may be wondering, "Hey, what happened to the web series you used to host called BACKSTAGE ACCESS with WIX WICHMANN?" I know I am. Unfortunately those have been canceled this year, either because enough of you didn't demand to bring them back, OR because I spilled red wine on a television executive at the wrap party last year. Not sure which.

Nonetheless, we are going to have a couple of laughs at the expense of the contestants getting their dreams crushed in true Schadenfreude-form! And it all starts with the 2 hour debut tonight on NBC at 9/8c!

You know, I've found that many people are curious as to what the contestants are up to after the show has completed. You'd have to be a moron to not know what Miranda Lambert is up to. She just won the Academy of Country Music's Album of the Year award for her platinum selling "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"

I still keep in contact with many of the former contestants, and I'll try to highlight their successes along the way. For instance, season 2 alum Matt Lindahl and I used to get together once a month and drink milk products until he became lactose intolerant and I told him to kiss my Sweet Acidophilus. We've since reconciled and he's currently working on a movie for the Sci-Fi network!

What has changed this year? Well they've added the immensely talented songwriter Jeffrey Steele to the judges lineup. I've known Jeffrey for years and greatly look forward to his insight. Many of you may not know him, but I guarantee you know his songs that other artists have recorded. It would be hard to listen to a country radio station and not hear one.

They've also added Billy Ray to the show. I've always liked Billy Ray. Did you know that when he was a nobody starting out, he went to visit a radio station at the top of this huge hill in West Virginia. The road up the hill was gravel and Billy Ray told the DJ that if he ever had any success in the music business he would pave the road. Guess what? He did it after the Achy Breaky Heart success. That's a testament to what kind of guy he is!

Another awesome improvement to the show is that they culled the military for talent this year. That is a fantastic idea and I can't wait to see who made it from our Armed Forces. A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to perform on a USO tour in Japan with new country artist Jeremy McComb, and we were astounded at how talented many of the serving young men and women are. Another big change this year is the admission of duos and trios! What do you think about that? I think it's about time!

Well I better save something for the debut later tonight, so until then I look forward to hearing what everyone thinks!

Cheers
Wix