Tonight is the big finale, where we will finally learn who America voted as the Nashville Star. But first, Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy will get the party started with Troy's "I Play Chicken With The Train." As we see the audience members, many are on their feet clapping and singing, but some are looking like they want to get past the performance and on with the show.
After the Nashville Star opening credits roll, LeAnn welcomes us back and asks everyone to give it up one more time for Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy. She then gives out a big thank you to Sara Evans for covering for her on the show for the two weeks she was out sick.
Time to intoduce the finalists. We have Jody Evans, Erika Jo, and Jason Meadows.
Mext, we're introduced to the judges; Phil Vassar, Anastasia Brown & Bret Michaels.
LeAnn: "Ok, our first performer of the evening is our resident cop by day, rockabilly star by night. Make some noise for Jody Evans."
LeAnn: "So, here you are on the final episode with a chance to be Nashville Star. Tell me, how's the last nine weeks been for you? How would you describe them?"
Jody: "It's been wonderful. I've grown up a lot and learned a lot, and made a lot of wonderful friends. And, hopefully made some climbs on the ladder up, to a successful musical career."
LeAnn: "Well, you're doing something right. Let's look at the clip."
We view the clip which shows Jody performing some of his songs, and the judges comments. Plus, we get to see Jody and his beat box again, as well as his various endings. The judges keep saying how they love his energy.
As the clip ends, we see Jody back on stage performing "Good Rockin' Tonight."
My thoughts: One thing about Jody that is endearing is that no matter what, he always gives his all during his performances. He could have coasted by tonight, singing something simple and not get into it, as the decision as to who is the Nashville Star is a done deal, but that's not his way, and I admire him for that. He does a great job with this song.
LeAnn: "Good job. So, Jody, I wanna know, what are you going to miss the most about Nashville Star?"
Jody: "It ain't gonna be the nerves. All the wonderful friends we've made. The fellow crew members, and the cast members. Everybody has just been so wonderful. Somebody that I looked up to one time said to cherish each moment, 'cause it will never come again."
LeAnn: "So very true. Well, let's see what the judges have to say."
Bret: "I told you from the beginning. My biggest fear was seeing you end up in a lounge. You have grown, and you have brought it, and you are working in your own style. I think you're a superstar in the making, bro."
Phil: "I think you have grown every week, and your energy's great. You're gonna be a great big star. And I tell you what. Your concerts are going to be great. I wouldn't want to follow you. You know what I'm saying?"
Anastasia: "You have grown the most. You have harnessed that nervous energy, and you've made it work for you. I'm proud of you. And, if I were the Queen of Music Row, I'd proclaim you the Nashville Star right now."
LeAnn: "Now, make some noise for your second finalist of the night. She's an 18-year-old high school student, who just last weekend went to her senior prom. Say hello to Erika Jo. So, how did the prom go last week?"
Erika Jo: "It went very well. I had a really great time."
LeAnn: "I heard you brought an interesting date."
Erika Jo: "I did, actually. I brought Mr. Jody Evans with me."
LeAnn: "Really? I think we have a picture. Let's take a look. (Picture is shown on screen of the two of them dressed for the prom.) Aww, you guys look so cute. Alright Erika Jo, let's take one last look at the journey that got you here tonight."
We cut to the clip of Erika Jo on previous shows. We hear her name constantly called, and again as she moves on each week, and hear again the mention of not having enough experience, and the week when Tamika went home. We see Erika singing her original song, and then answering LeAnn that a woman can win Nashville Star.
As the clip ends, we see Erika Jo on stage performing "Heads Carolina, Tails California."
My thoughts: This song really fits Erika Jo well, range and style-wise. She does a really good job. Nothing spectacular, but adequate. Not to say that she's just coasting by, but the performance wasn't awe-inspiring as some of hers have been.
LeAnn: "Alright Erika Jo, now. You're going on the Nashville Star tour with Jason, Jody and Jayron this summer. Have you ever been cross country on a bus with a bunch of guys?"
Erika Jo: "Well... not of this magnitude, yet, but when we travel sometimes, we take the bus, and we have the band. But, I think it's going to be a great time. I'm definitely looking forward to it."
LeAnn: "I'm glad you cleared that up. Let's see what the judges have to say."
