April 5, 2003 was the date of episode 5 for Nashville Star. This week the contestants performed original songs. Footage was shown of the contestants after last week's show, going back to the house and saying goodbye to Travis and Prentiss. Tears flowed, and you could tell how much these guys really mean to each other. It was really touching.
Back to the theater they had the contestants come out like in previous weeks and stand facing the screen while their pictures flashed on the screen. The last one shown was the one with the fewest votes, and thus would go home. That person was shockingly Jamey Garner. Everyone looked totally surprised, but Jamey took it well, and he asked if he could thank some people. Nancy said sure, so he said thanks to Sony Records, USA Network, the judges, his parents and his girlfriend.
Brad Paisley was announced as the guest for this week, and he came out and waved to the audience.
First performance was from Brandi, who sang "I'm Gonna Make It."
Robert: "Brandi honey, I'm sorry I cussed in front of you last week. I apologize. You're a lady, and I didn't mean it. Here's a buck for Katy and a buck for Sam and a buck for baby Gus, for me having a bad mouth. (These three are Tracy and Charlie's children.) And, you know what? You've got the makings of a great songwriter in you."
Tracy: "Brandi, I have no doubt you're gonna make it, but I gotta tell you, somebody who might make a record on you... you gotta get more thick-skinned. Because I gotta tell you, down the road as a Nashville artist, there's a lot of rejection in store for you. Ask Charlie. But, that's my advice for you. (Brandi replied: "And I'm smiling tonight.")
Charlie: Brandi, I think you got a lot of better stuff in you. But you wrote from your experiences, what you're going through right now, which is, I can see why you'd do that, and I think you explained it very well, but I think you got better stuff in you, and I think your potential is there."
Second performance was from Buddy, who sang "Lacey's Song."
Tracy: "Buddy, I don't have a lighter, so this will have to do. (lights a match.) That's all I have to say."
Robert: "The song that you sang for us in the Nashville auditions, I liked bettter. "Abiline." That may be a good radio song and it might do well for you, but I think the one you sang before I liked better."
Charlie: "Buddy, I usually like your more hardcore stuff, but I'm a new dad for 4 1/2 months, so you got me."
Third to perform was Miranda, who sang "Greyhound Bound for Nowhere."
Charlie: "Miranda, that's just what country needs right now, is imagery. You painted a picture, and it's not just based around a hook line. It was beautiful. It had a great melody, great chorus. Great job."
Robert: "The reason we pick these people to be in this contest is because they're all writers, and America you just heard one of the best ones right here."
Tracy: "That's right. This is the third original song I've heard from you. They're all great. I'll buy the record now. (Miranda replied: "Let's make one!")
Next, they talked with Brad Paisley. Nancy asked him if it gives them a leg up to be able to write their own songs. Brad replied that new artists are not always pitched the best stuff. Those songs go to George Strait or Alan Jackson, or people like them. If you can write something and basically make it you, you have a leg up on anybody else. He then stated that the reason he really wanted to do the show was because of the original material, and said he enjoyed all three of the songs so far.
Fourth performance was from Brandon, who sang "Life Don't Get No Better Than This."
Tracy: "Oh Brandon, what am I going to do with you? I think you have so much raw talent it's scary, but I still say the same thing. You are not ready to make a record. You have a lot of work to do. But I will watch you for a long time."
Charlie: "Country music is always Merle Haggard, the 'Workin' Man Blues,' everyone is workin' hard. Just workin', workin', workin'. I admire a guy who flip flops and talks about just laying around all day."
Robert: "That's all well and good Brandon, but you can't sing. I mean, compared to these other people up here, you can not sing."
Next, the contestants went to the Ryman Auditorium and talked about what it meant to them, and sat on the stage and sang "Amazing Grace."
Fifth performance was from John Arthur, who sang "Everything I Never Knew I Wanted."
Charlie: "Hey John. I saw a lot of your original stuff in the prelims, and you're a great writer. This is not one of my favorite songs that I've heard from you, though, unfortunately."
Robert: "You know, though, no matter what you do, you're a wonderful performer. You just, you exude so much warmth and humanity from that stage that I'm there with you, man."
Tracy: "I agree with both of you. But I would like to say that the reason I like country music is because it's organic, and it comes from the heart, and that song came from the heart, and you're organic, and I just love you."
Again, they asked Brad what he thought so far. He jokingly said that his publishing company was probably going to be calling on the contestants. Then, he said he was gonna solicit them to have an opening slot on their tour when he's washed up.
They cut to the house where the contestants are opening questions from, I'm presuming the fans. Buddy's question is "What is the most embarassing thing that's happened to you on stage?" He said it was something actually that happened off stage when he came off from performing to find out that his fly was undone. Jamey's question was "if you were on a deserted island and could only have one person with you, who would it be?" He replied that was easy, and he'd have his girlfriend with him. Brandon then replied, "Me too!" And, everyone laughed at that. Amy's question was "Where do you see your self 10 years down the road?" Amy replied that she wanted to be an artist, doing this, and also a mother and wife.
The final performance was from Amy, who sang "No Turnin' Back."
Robert: "Hey Amy, my wife and I wrote a book about the history of women in country music, and I can tell you a fact, that the best female songs in country music are written exactly like that, from a female perspective, and you got it going on."
Tracy: "Well, being a female, I have to be honest with you, that song didn't kill me. But, I gotta tell you something... you impress me every week as a performer. You're just getting better and better."
Charlie: "I agree with Tracy, performance-wise you blow me away, but the first song, the original I heard you sing, just blew me away, and it was what Tracy said earlier, very organic. That sounded like Nashville and popiness is kind of creeping in the veins, and I liked your other stuff more than I liked that one." (Robert then replies: "Amy you rule!")
Next, Brad was backstage talking to the contestants. He commented about the diversity - heart, sass, profanity. He said he was proud of all of them, and told them to keep doing this. He also said a songwriter is never done.
My comments?
- I was happy to see Brandi realize that the crying thing was something she needed to stop doing. She sounded great, and I really enjoyed her song.
- Buddy's song was wonderful. I had visited his website at http://www.buddyjewell.com and listened to several of his songs and they're all great.
- Miranda was so at home on the stage. She always seems like she just goes out there and nails it.
- Brandon's song was ok. I still don't know what Tracy expects him to do differently. I think he's being himself, yet she keeps insisting he do something differently. I didn't care for his remark back to Robert. He could have said it more delicately, but maybe he was just pissed at being told he can't sing?
- In the Ryman segment, I thought that most of the contestants were in awe of the place. One exception was Brandon. I don't think he really even knows what the Ryman is or was or anything. I would think that anyone that claimed to be a country artist would know that mother church of country music.
- John Arthur's song was real sweet, and I enjoyed it, but while the judges say he has all this humanity and stuff... I don't feel it. I like him fine, and he seems like a great, caring person, but he just doesn't bowl me over as a performer.
- Amy is another one that has never totally bowled me over. I thought the song was nice that she performed. I have to agree with Charlie, I prefer her bluegrassy side.
- Who do I think will be gone next week? I'd have to say most likely Brandon.
Do you have a favorite Nashville Star?
Feel free to vote for your favorite below.
I'll include polls with the current contestants in my updates each week.
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