At the opening of the show we have Cowboy Troy in the audience, and he introduces Wynonna, who starts the show with "What's going on Nashville?" She says how she's honored to be hosting Nashville Star this year, and asks, "is anyone ready for a "little bang in your ying yang?" Give it up for Big & Rich!" We cut to Big & Rich, who are set up on the stage, and perform "Coming To Your City."
After the opening credits, which are the same as the previous three years, we're back at the Acuff Theater, where the show is taped. Cowboy Troy and Wynonna take the stage. They take some potshots at each other, in a friendly way, about their differences. They talk about some of the guest stars that will be on the show this year. We'll see Gretchen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy, Kenny Rogers and WWE Wrestling Champion John Sena, and Sara Evans and Hank Williams, Jr. Next, we see some footage of the Nashville Star auditions around the country. Over 20,000 people tried out for the show. Now, we get to meet the Top 10 Finalists.
One by one they come out trading off lines of "How Do You Like Me Now?!" Some of the finalists sound better than others on their parts. Cowboy Troy joins the finalists at the end as well with a Nashville Star rap.
The winner this year will get a record contract with RCA Nashville, and get to perform on the Grand Ole Opry.
Next, we meet the judges, Phil Vassar, Anastasia Brown, and something new this season, rotating guest judges to fill the third seat. This week, Big & Rich are the guest judges this week. We find out that this week, one finalist will be disqualified by the judges. Then, America will take over, voting for the remaining nine finalists, and each week the finalist with the lowest votes will leave.
The first performer of the season is Casey Rivers.
In his pre-recorded piece, he says:
"I know people across the United States, they get tired of these Texas folks, cuz we're Texas Loud and Proud, we got a lot of pride. We started out really poor, out in the sticks, kind of in the edge of one of the pastures. We had a 15-ft travel trailer that all four of us slept in. All four of us in the same bed. And we had a thing called cow paddy fights. And if you don't know what cow paddies are. Cow chips is cow poop. I guess I always had that raw talent to sing, and I have a country voice. And it's just what fits me."
The song Casey sings is "Heartland."
Anastasia: Casey, Casey, Casey. You are the first to make my toes curl. You rock the house. I think your bluesy, breezy voice is going to set you apart. But, just keep on. Show us that you really want it.
Phil: Hey, dude, you got a solid country voice. You sound great. You're a great singer. You step your stage presence up a little bit, and you got a real shot at winning this show.
John: I think solid comes to my mind. You're solid man. It's a nerve-wracking experience. And you're solid all the way through it. I applaud you for that.
Kenny: I'll tell you what, there Casey. I think that Heartland movie was one of my favorite ones ever. Now straight up, boy. You is good. You keep on getting down with the program.
Wynonna: Hi Casey.
Casey: Hello Wynonna.
Wynonna: Your heart is beating really fast.
Casey: Cuz I'm standing next to you.
Wynonna: Oh, you're very smart. How did it feel to be the first performer tonight?
Casey: I was actually kind of glad to go first, because I'm really one, anticipation kills me. And, having to wait, like all of you all have to do. (points at the other finalists) I love you all, of you all half to deal, but..
Wynonna: Casey Rivers, everybody.
My thoughts: Casey really does have a great voice, and he's not hard to look at, either. He doesn't sound like he's just singing the song like George Strait. He's not knocking me over, but he's very good.
Next up to sing is Melanie Torres.
In her pre-recorded piece she says:
"I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. And, I lived in Albuquerque most of my whole life. Everybody spoke Spanish, and we probably have a little Indian in us. I won the Miss Albuquerque of the Year. I went to Miss New Mexico, and I was the second runner-up in the Miss New Mexico pagent. When I finally moved to Nashville, I got a job bartending. My goal in music is to touch people. And if I can be up there doing what I love more than anything else in the whole world, I can die a happy girl."
The song Melanie sings is "When God-Fearin' Women Get the Blues"
Anastasia: Melanie, man, I love your voice. Be sure to keep the beauty pagent experience away... far, far away.
John: You are extremely hot. And everybody knows that. You just sang your ass off. It was beautiful.
Kenny: I tell you what, girl. You look like you're here to take it. Rock the Casbah. Get on with the program.
Phil: Usually, if you pick a Martina McBride song, you are putting yourself behind the eightball. You did great.
