It's Tuesday night, so naturally that finds me sitting in front of my tv waiting for the start of the fourth episode of Nashville Star. Last week's show left me with the impression that perhaps Justin David, who commented that he didn't feel he had to really give 110% until the final show, or Casey Simpson, who had a less than satisfactory performance of Janis Joplin's "Me and Bobby McGee" may be leaving this week. Tonight, we'd see if either of those predictions were correct, or if it was someone else that lacked the votes to move on.
Tonight's special guest is the lovely Sara Evans. Like all the previous shows, it's the special guest's job to provide the opening performance, and we're not disappointed this week as Sara strolls onstage to belt out her recent No. 1 Hit, "Suds in the Bucket." (This reminds me.. with American Idol using the No. 1 theme for the finalists to choose songs from, I'd love to see our Nashville Star finalists do the same with the country hits.)
After the opening credits, LeAnn asks us to give it up one more time for Sara Evans for such a great performance. Sara is now seated in the front row and smiles and mouths her thanks as the crowd gives her some love.
Next come the introductions of the finalists, and then the judges. LeAnn again reminds us that she will be calling out the names of the finalists that had enough votes to move on in the competion, and they will in turn perform. And of course, if you don't hear your name called, you are the unfortunate one to be sent packing tonight.
LeAnn turns to Justin and says, "Justin, come here. You know what? Kind of had a tough week, I'm assuming. Some of your comments last week really riled up a lot of our judges, and a lot of our viewers out there. So, how's it been, preparing this week?"
Justin: "Well, I'll tell you what. After the week I've had I just hope Cledus is somewhere backstage, hanging out with that official mop and bucket."
LeAnn: "Maybe to pull your foot out of your mouth a little bit? That would probably be a good thing. Well, do you think you brought your A-game tonight?"
Justin: "Yes I did." (Somehow, I think Justin is worried that maybe last week's comments will be the deciding factor in if he made it through tonight, and wants to make up for it tonight, just in case he does move on.)
LeAnn: "Alright, well let's see how you do. Let's get this thing started. The first person moving on in the competition is Jayron Weaver".
In Jayron's pre-recorded segment he says: "My dad always told me to watch out for women, 'cause they'll make you do things that you don't want to do. And coming into this, it's obvious that people perceive you different when you're on tv. And to me, I'm just a guy that goes to college, and now I'm here. The emails that I've enjoyed reading the most was the proposals of marriage, and the invitations to go to prom. So, I've gone from nobody knowing who I was to all of a sudden, you know 'will you take me to prom?' I think this is every single guys dream."
Jayron chooses to sing Keith Urban's "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me."
This week, I'm going to start ranking each finalist in various areas, and then list my picks from first to last, based on the points received in the ranking.
LeAnn: "So, last week you said you didn't have a girlfriend?"
Jayron: "No."
LeAnn: "So... (screaming from the audience) there's a few out there that want to.. obviously. I was just wondering what are you looking for in the perfect woman?"
Jayron: "Ummm.. gotta be a church-goer.. preferably brown hair."
LeAnn: "Let's not get too picky yet. Let's see what the judges have to say."
Anastasia: "Jayron, you know you are one of my favorites.. but tonight, I think you've been a little bit of a bad, bad boy. Only because, I don't know if you picked just the perfect song for your voice. 'Cause I love it when you wail. And that song is so closely tied to Keith Urban. And he's got that animal thing about him. And you just don't have that swagger that you need. So, just.. those ballads let you soar."
Phil: "Well, I think it's a Jimmy Swaggart thing. But, I think it's.. you've set the bar high. I think you're one of the best singers in this competition. Have fun. Just have a good time."
Bret: "Anastasia loves you. She does. And she just wants to see you do a great job. You have an unbelievable tone to your voice. And not many people can sing as strong as you do with such a great tone. Let me just say this. You have lots of room to roam, and I cannot wait to see you on original night, cuz I think you're gonna kick our ass."
Anastasia: "I agree."
(I keep wondering why Bret feels he has to keep repeating "Let me just say this" all the time? Anyone else find this annoying?)