April 26, 2003 was the date of episode 8 for Nashville Star. Originally, this was supposed to be the Duets show, but now it's called the "Final Vote" show. No guest judge this week, instead each of the three remaining contestants will perform twice.
All four contestants stood on the stage and Nancy O'Dell said that like the previous weeks, they would be called out to sing one by one, and the one left standing at the end was the one that would be going home. She said that they have fans all over the country and that there were three of them that wanted to say something to them. They turned and on the screen Rascal Flatts sent their greetings as they're on the road with the Brooks & Dunn Neon Circus Tour, and told them they'd see one of them on the road soon.
Miranda was the first name read, and before she sang, they showed scenes from her trip back home in Lindale, TX. They had a parade for her with pink ribbons (her favorite color) lined up along the side of the street. They mayor gave her the key to the city, and proclaimed the day "Miranda Lambert Day.
Miranda sang "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance."
Tracy: "Oh Miranda, you know, what I love about you is that here you are 19-years-old, and yet you can celebrate this rich heritage that we have in country music. I mean, one week you pull out a Merle Haggard song, and now a Jerry Jeff Walker song..." (Robert corrects her: Rusty Weir, as does Charlie)... "Jerry Jeff Walker did it, most people... excuse me... Anyway, I think you're just wonderful, and that's one of the things I love about you."
Charlie: "Being a Texas boy, great choice of songs. I mean, for someone 19 to know that song and to do it that well, and you're just getting what we're looking for.. is for you to get... finding yourself every week more on stage. And I feel like you're doing that. You found your stage presence, and it's just great."
Robert: "Miranda, whatever happens next Saturday night, I want you to know you have a future in this business."
The next name read off was John Arthur, and you could see Brandi break down as she knows she has no chance of beating Buddy, and will be going this week. They show John Arthur back home in Marble Falls, TX where they have a parade for him, and John Arthur is surprised to see 1200-1500 people show up. He also was given the key to the city.
John Arthur sang "River of Love."
Charlie: "John Arthur... I would like to coin this phrase right now. You are the 'Mexican Marty Robbins,' buddy. I mean, that is awesome. That is so good. I'm from South TX. I think the ethnicity needs to be brought into country music more, and you're doing it great. You're blending the two things together."
Robert: "I agree. I think that what you're doing there... We heard a bunch of your original songs, and that just took me away. That was beautiful."
Tracy: "All his originals are great. You know, now I wish I paid attention in Spanish class, because I would say all these wonderful things. All I know how to say is "El gatos grande," which is "my cat is big," and that doesn't make any sense. (Charlie replies: See, I knew what he was saying.) You're so wonderful. You are so wonderful." (John Arthur replies: Buenas Nachos.)
As predicted, Buddy is the final performer, and Brandi cries, but isn't as bad as I thought she would be. Nancy tells her she's made it to the final 4 of 8,000 people, and she should be proud. Brandi says she is trying not to cry, saying she just wanted to sing tonight, but she'll be happy with 4th place. She thanked everyone at Sony and USA and everybody that's made this happen, and her family and friends for all their support. She hugs the final three contestants and leaves the stage.
They show scenes of Buddy back home in Osceola, Arkansas, population 8,000 plus. Buddy plays a benefit show for the American Cancer Society in the High School auditorium. He thought maybe only his family would show up and is shocked to see the auditorium is packed. April 21st is proclaimed Buddy Jewell Day in Osceola, Arkansas. The mayor gave him key to city and made him honorary mayor, and Buddy says as his first duty as mayor he has the key and he's letting them all out.
Buddy sang "Gentle on My Mind."
Robert: "Buddy, that was as cool as a breeze. I could listen to you sing all night long."
Tracy: "I just have one question. Are you gonna remember me when you're a big old star? (Buddy replies: "You bet.")
Charlie: "Hey Buddy, your conch shells are keeping the silversmith's busy, and I think your voice is going to keep the record label busy. Good job."
We get to hear the contestant's each sing one more song. Miranda is first, and sings "You and Your Memory."
Robert: "You know Miranda, when Charlie and Tracy and I set out on this journey to find you folks last January, we didn't know what we were gonna find out there. I am so proud that you're standing up there right now. Your songwriting is so strong, and that's why you're there, and I can't say enough good things about you honey."
Tracy: "I agree. I mean, ok, 1) you have a wonderful, unique voice that I would be able to identify on radio if I heard it, number 2), you're a great songwriter, and number ),, you can stand on that stage with those 4" heels. you are my kind of woman."
Charlie: "I think they've taken up all my time. I'm a sucker for a waltz. And you got a great.. the hook was wonderful, and just good job."
We're shown some scenes of the contestant's going to the Opry. This show was taped prior to the show on the 19th as Brandon was still with them at the time. They get to meet Brad Paisley (again), and Vince Gill, and go on stage to find out that the winner of the "Nashville Star" will be invited to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Next to sing is John Arthur, who sings "The Man Who Holds The Bow."
Charlie: "John Arthur. Man, I'm so glad your family loves you. My family can't stand me. The happy songs in country music, I've always thought there was no place for happy songs in country music, but man you're selling me on 'em. You're selling me on 'em good. And you're doing a great job." (Robert says: "So, last week you asked him to rock out, did that rock hard enough?") Charlie replies: "Yeah."
"
Robert: "That's the song that brought you to the dance, right? Isn't that what you sang for us in Texas? (John Arthur replies: That's it.) Well, that's why you're here pal."
Tracy: "Listen, I'm so glad. That's the energy I was talking about that I wanted to see. And all I know is that the world would be a better place, the country music world would be a better place with John Arthur in it." (Charlie replies: "Accordian buddy." John Arthur replies: "I got one in Texas.")
The final performance is from Buddy, who sings "One In a Row."
Tracy: "Oh Buddy. You know, I betcha there's a lot of people in this town who have worked as hard as you, and as long as you, but you have the vocals to back it up, you have the songwriting to back it up, you've got the conviction, the honesty. You're an inspiration as far as I'm concerned."
Robert "For a man that writes that well and sings that well to have been standing in line in this town for 10 years is a shame. Shame on Nashville. Shame on Music Row. You deserve a deal pal." (Tracy replies: "Well he's here now.")
Charlie: ""Will you let me talk please? (Tracy replies: No, cuz your family hates you.) I saw the title of this song and I was like, this is a cliche, and I was just like.. when you sang it, it's not, you wrote it great. You can sing the phone book. I've made a great living in this business. I can't sing. I'm out of key at birthday parties. You are on your way, Buddy."
My comments?
- Once more the performances were all excellent. I didn't care as much for Miranda's original tune, but I loved both of John Arthur's and Buddy's songs.
- These three are definitely the most talented of the contestants, and it will be interesting to see who the public chooses.
- I'm looking forward to next week when all 12 contestants will be back, and there will be performances from Clint Black, Jo Dee Messina, Trace Adkins and Wynonna.
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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