LeAnn Rimes is the new host of Nashville Star this season. She starts the show with a song called "Take Me Home."
LeAnn says she's really excited to be the new host for the third season of Nashville Star. In the upcoming weeks we'll have visits from stars like Montgomery Gentry, Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels.
We next get to meet the new judges. They are Phil Vassar, Anastasia Brown, Bret Michaels. The newest edition is the backstage correspondent, Cledus T. Judd.
Next we get to meet the Top 10 finalists. They are: Justin David, Jenny Farrell, Jason Meadows, Christy McDonald, Jayron Weaver, Erika Jo, Tamika Tyler, Josh Owen, Casey Simpson, Jody Evans.
LeAnn tells us that the winner of Nashville Star receives a recording contract with Universal South and will get to appear on the Grand Ole Opry.
Casey Simpson is first up, and she sings "Somebody Like You."
Casey has a lot of energy, and I think she did a great job with this song.
Anastasia - Casey, you nailed it. I really felt you just nailed it. The first go 'round. I'm impressed. Next time, loosen up a bit, and I can not wait to see you perform again.
Phil -I think for starting off the show, I mean, it's awesome. You didn't look nervous, or anything. You worked it. I love the choker. The choker's great. You sing great. You didn't miss a lick. You did great.
Bret - You know what. I'll say this. I think you have great charisma. You got what it takes. You got skill, you got the will, and you got the "it" factor. You have to have an "it" factor, and I think we're gonna see a lot of you.
Next up is Jody Evans. He sings "Three Nickels and a Dime."
He's rockabilly all the way. So much energy too. He doesn't look like he would be that wild.
(Unfortunately, I had really bad luck taping Jody's performance. The first two times I saw the show, it was raining and my satellite was cutting in and out. Then, the third time I had turned the tape on during the commercial and off during his performance. ARGH! So, my comments below are what I remember them saying. I wrote my thoughts about his performance as I watched, so that is accurate.)
Phil -I think he looks like my agent. I mean, it's unbelievable.
Anastasia - Man, I love it. I'll carry your guitar and shine your boots.
Bret - I got a comment about the string. I've had every string break on my guitar over the years and I think you handled it really well.
Tamika Tyler is the third finalist to perform, and she sings "You Don't Even Know Who I Am."
I thought she sounded great. She started out soft and then really belted out the chorus. (I missed the comments here as I mentioned above, I taped the commercial and turned it off during the show, so the comments are as I remember them.)
Anastasia - If I were a man I'd propose to you. You're so talented. But I do have to say your outfit isn't incredible enough for your talent.
Bret - I will say this. I'm gonna stick strictly to the voice here. You look beautiful, but your voice is something I can sit and listen to all night. I thought the other performances were wonderful, but your voice really shines, and that's an important thing. Great voice.
Phil -I love your accent, and I love the legs. I love the dress. (to Anastasia and her comment on the dress) I don't know what's wrong with you. You must have had something to drink tonight, I don't know. Unbelievable. Just blew me away. Good luck.
Tamika - I can't believe I'm talking to Phil Vassar.