For episode Seven we have a substitute host with Sara Evans. The show opens with Jamie O'Neal singing her recent hit, "Trying To Find Atlantis."
After the credits we find out that LeAnn Rimes is under the weather. Sara admits she's addicted to the show, so when she was asked if she would fill in as the host, she said "Yes."
Next, we are introduced to our Nashville Star finalists; Jody Evans, Justin David, Jayron Weaver, Erika Jo, and Jason Meadows.
We're told that in two weeks, one of these finalists will be named the Nashville Star. Later on in the show the finalists will get to sing with both Jamie O'Neal and Phil Vassar. That should be cool. As they show the audience, we can see former finalists Casey Simpson and Jenny Farrell in the front row.
Next up, we're introduced to our three judges, Phil Vassar, Anastasia Brown and Bret Michaels.
Time to find out who the first performer of the night will be, but first Cledus pulls Jody aside.
Cledus: (to Jody) "Alright, come here bro. Get over here Jody. Did you ever dream that a long time ago, back during auditions, which was probably seems like years ago, that you'd be standing here just a few weeks away from hitting a home run, getting a record deal?"
Jody: "I dreamed it, but I didn't expect it."
Cledus: "You alright? Good luck to you man. Hang in there, alright? Alright Sara."
Sara: "Alright. The first Nashville Star finalist of the night that America has voted through to next week's show is.. none other than... Jason Meadows."
In Jason's pre-recorded clip, he says, "Well, Anastasia told me last week to stay away from the ditties. I myself don't find anything wrong with ditties, because if you've got a song that sticks in your head, then you're doing something right. I want to give back to the American people what they've given to me, which is the love and support in everything that I've done. And I mean, I'm getting votes from up in Hawaii. And that's to me, that's amazing. I don't know if they can vote or not, but they're sending me emails from up there. Anchorage, Alaska, Canada. You know, I wanna make them proud, as they are proud of me."
Jason performs "My Town."
See my Rankings for Episode 7
Sara: "Great Job. Alright Jason, I have a question for you. You're the only guy in the competition that wears a cowboy hat. Now, do you think that on a show called Nashville Star, that that's going to help you out with the voters?"
Jason: "You know what? It gives me a great pleasure and a heads up to be the only one on here that's a cowboy. So, I don't have to compete with another cowboy."
Sara: "That's true."
Jason: "And it's all up to America. And I love America, and I hope America loves me, and praise God for all these fans. And you guys. And it's just great. I love it."
Sara: "Well, you did a great job. Let's hear what the judges have to say."
Bret: "Woo ho! You know what I think? There's two of us that wear a cowboy hat here. Let me tell you something. This is YOUR town. You know how I feel. I dig your ditties. And I dig the traditionalness. And most of all, what I dig is your passion and your energy. Man, that's what it's all about. Just give it next week again. You did what I asked you."
Anastasia: "You DID back away from the ditties, and I appreciate it. You nailed it. Good job."
Bret: "She said something nice."
Anastasia: "I do have to tell you. America is bigger than Oklahoma. And Hawaii and Alaska are part of America, and they do get to vote. I have to tell ya."
Phil: "There's nothing wrong with ditties, dude. I mean, you do great. I think that song you did was great tonight. And I can tell you want it. Great passion."
Bret: "Passion matters."
