We're down to our final two finalists. Casey Rivers and Kristen McNamara.
The finalist going home this week is Kristen McNamara.
Wynonna: I don't get it. Talk to me.
Kristen: Um, I just feel very blessed to be here this long. And, I can't thank America and my fans, and all my family enough. Thanks so much, and don't forget all our troops.
Wynonna: Anastasia? Phil?
Anastasia: I believe that America made a big mistake tonight. But, I have two words for you. Miranda Lambert!
Phil: I think it's a..I'm surprised too. I think you women better vote for your girl, cuz this is becoming a sausage fest. Kinda weird. Lotta guys.
Wynonna: You know, if I had a record label, I would sign you. And, I never said this before, but if you need a producer, would you look me up? I mean, I'm crying. I don't get this. This is weird. Big hand for Kristen McNamara everybody.
The final performer tonight is Casey Rivers.
In his pre-recorded spot, he talks with Chris and Aimee.
"This song is important to me, because you know, it's how I grew up. In this case I actually came up with the first line... (He sings a bit of the song) ...and then came back, and got the groove. Aimee: Way to go. I'm glad you got a tempo. I think it's gonna come off great. I think it's like a "Chatahoochie," or a "Watermelon Crawl." Just a good fun song. Chris: Will it be you and an acoustic guitar, or will you play with the band also? Casey: I'll play with the band, also. Aimee: Yeah, cuz it'll rock out. It'll change the tempo, and come to life."
Casey's song is "Good Things Gone Better"
Anastasia: Casey. That big baritone, beautiful voice of yours deserves better. That song was b-b-b-boring.
Phil: I thought it was kind of fun.
Casey: If I get a chance, I'll work up a good one.
Phil: I think it inspired my fiddle player for one. But, I think the song was fun. But, I think that ba-ba-da-ba, probably a guitar lick, probably in the studio. I think that's what I would do. I don't think the song is bad. I think it's a fun song. And you just sing good. It's not a great song, but it's a good song, it's fun.
David: You know, you have a really good voice. By the way, I love the band. I don't think anybody ever gave credit to the band. But, it's about you, Casey. I don't get it, because like, this is your moment, man. The microphone comes past once. You get this moment, and you do an average song. Like, there's so many great songwriters that you could write with, so that you could shine the way I think you probably can. I think I've already picked up my winner, and I don't think it's going to be you.
Wynonna: Casey, don't forget me, Casey.
Casey: I love you, Wy.
Wynonna: I do love you. And, you know what? This is really hard, isn't it? And you know, this is your first time in the final two, and that must have really just like flipped you out.
Casey: It did. I've actually. I went first, and I'd much rather go first than last. And you know, it's getting so hard. I hate to see people go.
Wynonna: We're three weeks away.
Casey: We're all friends here.
Wynonna: Well, when you get your record deal in three weeks, you can maybe, like put them on your payroll or something, you know, and take care of them. No, I'm serious, you're right. We do stick together. And I know that was a joke, but seriously, we do hang together. And that's what country music is all about. And there's a lot of love in this group. I mean, they're still here.. the ones that... So, anyway, Casey Rivers, everybody. I think you did really good tonight.
My thoughts: I like the chorus, but the "Bah Bah" stuff was kind of a slow start. It's not a bad song, but could be better.
We get a recap of the finalist's performances. Next week, Trace Adkins will be the musical guest, and Patti LaBelle will sit in the guest judge seat. Cowboy Troy mentions that people can download the tracks of the live performances from tonight's show, plus Kristen McNamara's "Blow Away." I'm so sorry she didn't get to sing it. It was far superior to the song Nicole performed. They let the wrong girl go, if you ask me.