Opening the show tonight was Gretchen Wilson, who sings "California Girls." After her performance, Wy says that if the audience gets really loud, maybe Gretchen will sing again. Oh, did I mention that this show will be 90 minutes long? That's how they squeezed another performance in there.
We're introduced to the nine remaining finalists again, Casey Rivers, Nicole Jamrose, Shy Blakeman, Chris Young, Monique LeCompte, Kristen McNamara, Matt Mason, Melanie Torres, and Jared Ashley. The finalists will be called to perform one by one. Each one that performs moves on to the next week's show. The last person called is the person with the lowest votes last week, and the one going home.
The judges are introduced next; Phil Vassar, Anastasia Brown, and guest judge, the wacky Larry the Cable Guy. When Larry is asked what makes him qualified to give out advice on country music performances, he replies, "Git 'R Done."
Matt Mason is the first to perfom tonight.
In his pre-recorded clip, he says:
"Last week's show, I did "Burn Me Down" from Marty Stuart. And, it's a completely different song from what I'm doing this week. This week, I'm playing "Born to Boogie" from Hank. (They cut to show Matt rehearsing his song.) I want people, if they're sitting in the living room to get up and wanna have fun, and get loud. I'm a quiet person. I'm shy. When I'm onstage, that's my comfort zone. That four foot box that I stand in or dance around in up on stage, you know, that's where I come out, and I come alive. It's almost like a schizophrenic. It's two different people. You know, one's quiet, and one's loud."
Matt sings "Born to Boogie."
Phil: Man, I tell you what, I love that. Hey, hey awesome! Great song to pick. I love that, man. You just have this thing, man. You look like a star.
Anastasia: Oh, man, do I agree with Phil. And, do you know why you're comfortable up there? Because you're doing what you were born to do.
Larry: Well, I tell you what *holding up cellphone* I didn't see it. I was ordering a pizza here. Uh, so I apologize to you. No. Let me just say, this is unbelievable. It's cool to be here. It's good to see some good singers. I was watching that American Idol show, and I swear, the first couple of weeks, I thought I was watching the Special Olympics. It's ridiculous. But, there's some good singers here.
Wynonna: How ya doing?
Matt: I'm doin' wonderful.
Wynonna: So, they call you the Quiet Storm. My fans call me Hurricane Wynonna, what kind of storm are you?
Matt: I'm a tornado.
Wynonna: So, if we did a duet, what would we be called?
Matt: A hurricanado.
Wynonna: That's right. Matt Mason, everyone.
My thoughts: I really like his song choice. Matt is really talented. I like his stage presence too.
Next to perform is Nicole Jamrose.
In her pre-recorded clip she says:
"Redneck Revolution to me is about rocking. So, I wanted to rock this episode. Well, this week, I just planned on utilizing my space a little bit more. (They cut to show Nicole rehearsing.) I think by taking a guitar out this week, it's going to allow me a little more freedom. For me, I just try to go in with an arrangement I want to do. I think my style changes, and I think that, this song is a fun song. It's a rocking song. And part of me is a rocker."
Nicole sings "Pour Me."
Anastasia: Oh, girlfriend. You know, I like you. I really like you. And, I'm trying to analyze what I'm feeling right now, because I sense a bit of an ackwardness with you, and I think it's because you put down the guitar. And, I don't think you should have walked away from the guitar. You're more comfortable with it. Keep it on. You play it great. And, I think, just really watch your song selection. I don't think that was the right song for you.
Phil: You know what? I'm a fan too. I see you more as a Sheryl Crow country kind of thing. And I like the guitar too. I think I liked it better. I don't know if that song was your style or not. I'm a fan, I really am. But I don't think that was your thing, that song.
Larry: Well, I'm gonna say this. I don't think that top is right for you, Phil. (looking at Anastasia) And, I don't think that top is right for you. And I thought it was a pretty good song. And I enjoyed it.
Wynonna: Hi there, hot momma. I like to see a momma rock. And, I wanna give a shout out to your husband, who's home babysitting the kids, so momma could come out here tonight to rock. Was it hard to leave them home?
Nicole: It's very hard.
Wynonna: A woman's gotta do, what a woman's gotta do.
Nicole: I miss my babies.
Wynonna: Well, hopefully, you'll be rocking on through this show. And, when you do make it to the very end, and you do win, it's going to be a challenge. But, you know, I think you can do it, because women can do anything, right? Nicole Jamrose, everybody.
My thoughts: Last week I didn't think Nicole picked the right song, but I liked her version of "Pour Me" more than I liked her last week. She moved around pretty well, but didn't look totally comfortable without the guitar.