At the start of the show Cowboy Troy is on the stage, welcoming everyone to the show. He introduces Wynonna, only this week, it's not only as his guest host, but as the musical guest. Wy stands center stage and she sings "No One Else on Earth." Great performance!
After the opening credits roll, we're back with Wynonna and Troy on stage. We're introduced to the finalists; Chris Young, Nicole Jamrose, Matt Mason, Kristan McNamara, Jared Ashley, and Casey Rivers. As they pan to the audience, it looks like there are even more signs and posters than ever. These fans surely love their favorites.
Next, we get to meet the judges; Phil Vassar, Anastasia Brown and in the guest spot is mega producer David Foster. Each of the finalists get to talk to songwriters Aimee Mayo and Chris Lindsay.
The first finalist to sing tonight is Jared Ashley.
In his pre-recorded spot, he talks with Chris and Aimee.
"I think having Chris Lindsay and Amiee Mayo critique our songs is awesome. They're bigtime songwriters here in Nashville. Jared: You know, I've written with some big names in the last couple of months. I've never really got anything out of it. Chris: A lot of people have this misconception, if they go write with this big writer... Aimee: ...they're gonna get a big hit. Chris: ...they're gonna get a big hit, and everything's gonna be great. Jared: Luckily, I've found a group of guys that are on the same level, and now we're just working our way up. Chris: It's better the way you're doing it. Aimee: Yeah, it's good. Jared: (to camera) Their advice means the world. You know, because they've had so much success in writing music. They've made a lifestyle of writing songs. It's something I can only hope for, and dream of."
Jared's song is "If You Ain't Got a Redneck"
Phil:You always stir the crowd up. I like that. I think that from the songwriter point of view, I think the redneck thing is getting a little bit old. But I think it's a good rocking song. You had a good chorus. And, you always deliver. You're a good performer. Try to do something different.
Anastasia: I must be honest -- I am stunned that you are here and one of them (points to remaining finalists) are going home. And I'm sorry that I must say that.
David: (to Anastasia) Wow, that was really harsh right off the top.
Phil: (to Anastasia) You're a meanie.
Jared: Welcome to Nashville Star.
David: Yeah, you know I gotta say, stepping out there first, it was great. You got a lot of guts. You got out there first, man. You had a lot of stage presence. You didn't sing in the groove, man. It's like the band was groovin', and you were a little ahead of them. Maybe you were a little nervous or something? Not a bad song. Not a great song. But, all and all it wasn't bad.
Wynonna: I think maybe the redneck thing is a little tired, but, so you should write a song called "Get a Redhead." *laughs* So, you have some fans here tonight.
Jared: I do. I've got some fans from Hobbs, New Mexico, Erie, Pennsylvania, United States Navy down here, by God. This is my family. My Navy family.
Wynonna: Alright, Jared Ashley, everybody.
My thoughts: Boy, I can't believe Jared is still in this competition. Although I did enjoy his performance last week, this song is really weak, and it really shows his weak vocals. Not crazy about this song.
