Simmer Down
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)
Hey Bud, Melissa sang a Bonnie Raitt song
Melissa outsang everyone by far. Anyone that can look past her physical appearance and hear her sing will realize that. What was everyone thinking?
Obviously looks must matter because Justin Gaston can't sing a lick and he's still on.
why was Melissa, who can out sing many of them, in the bottom two but pretty boy Justin who can't sing still in the all clear! Let's get rid of him. They don't called it Nashville Star because the city is know for all the good looking models.
Yeah, I thought the same thing. How could Melissa be there while some of those others weren't?! Real glad Third Town is gone. Did not like them at all. Totally weird.
Hurray!!!!!!!!!!!! We got rid of third town or what ever thier name is but they sucked sooooooooo bad the noise set my dog off by howling........
First time viewer, and perhaps the last. Old saying.... you're taste is all in your mouth. I couldn't believe my ears/eyes - Melissa wins - YOU MUST BE KIDDING.... She hurt my ear! Are you guys wearing ear plugs!
Being country for over 60 years, I feel I have a right to comment..... this show is NOT about talent... I'm not sure what it is about..... but it's not about talent.
I liked Pearl Heart - nice song, they could at least stay on key. Pretty song.... I liked Gabe tonight..... pretty song, getting in to it..... should've had a chance....
Didn't see enough of the others to comment..... All I can say at this point --- you won't get many viewers the way you're going. Get a Grip - listen..... That dark-haired girl completely murdered one of the best songs ever written (poor George must have cried).....
I'm too repulsed to even care. Obviously no one else does either.
More thoughts: I really was excited about this "NASHVILLE" show.... but you guys threw out anyone who even came close..... Melissa - a Wy wanna be..... again; YOU MUST BE KIDDING. Get real, eat a twinkie... go home. She hurt my country heart.
Laurie & Shophie could sing, and yes, they sang country. Isn't that the idea. The same with Gabe - looked good, sounded good, sounded country..... What On Earth are you looking for?
I'm absolutely disgusted with this whole thing. Nobody says life's fair... that's for sure; and for sure THIS SHOW ISN'T. The kids that sang "you can't go home".... o.k. they're not Jennifer Nettles, but for pete's sake, they deserved a chance.... they're country.... they sing nice... they're cute....
FALSE ADVERTISING: Not nice to those of us who are REAL COUNTRY to drag us in then throw the "country" out. Think about it!
OH HECK NO!!!!! Melissa had the best voice in the opening week, she and Gabe, as far as I'm concerned and I DO buy CDs. I can't believe Melissa ended up with that trash 3 town or what ever - oh my Lord! Bohemian Rhapsody???????? What was that little purple-haired freak thinking - crying over that????? Sailor Boy really stepped up his game tonight, singing a John Rich song to the man himself, making it his own and doing a pretty danged good job of it. Pearl Heart?? Three little girls playing at being a star, same with the little two-some. I'll admit they all (all 5) have good voices, but they didn't entertain me one bit. I would NOT buy their stuff and I've spent money on Taylor Swift, so it's not their age, it's their ability. Finally - Ms. Pageant Chick - she SHOULD have been gone last week and even though she was better this week, she made it because she cute, not because she can either sing or entertain us.
And Judy - I'm real country, as real as it gets Lady, and I happen to get a kick out of the show. Come on - it's NOT billed as Grand Ole Opery and it did produce Miranda Lambert, so if you don't like it, don't tune in - Simple as that. Thanks John Rich for bringing us this bit of entertainment and keep Bohemian Rhapsody out of it!!! LOL
Shawn Mayer has the most talent and is deserving of being the next Nashville Star! Shawn is just an awesome performer!
Hey all. I love the show and country music is in my soul, country soul that is. How about singing some country songs or is this the Nashville sell out to pop star show.. Maybe I am on the wrong station. Just my personal opinion. I love me some country get down and sing about real life music. just putting in a steel guitar does not make it country. Ok i will keep watching but kick Justin of already. I think I could do better than that...at least it would be country. whats wrong with some real country. Merle, Buck, Ray Price, Charlie Pride, just a few to check out, I am sure it will be new to most of them.. Country on....
Hey I have a great idea! How about some country songs?
Let's stick to country songs, please. We can listen to pop songs on all the other TV shows. Canadian fans love Nashville Star for it's country authenticity.
TOMMY STANLEY ROCKS!!! The best voice and entertainer!
You really made "Safe A Horse Ride A Cowboy" your own. Way To GO!! We love you here in East Texas!!
