Time for the group number. They mention that Phil Vassar has a Greatest Hits album coming out on May 2nd. Phil Vassar is center stage compete with his grand piano. He starts out with "Another Day in Paradise." Casey, then Jared join him on the chorus. They change songs, to sing "Bye Bye," and Nicole starts out the song. Next song is "My Next 30 Years" which Chris starts out the song, changing the lyrics to "My Next 20 Years," since he's only 20. Matt comes out and sings part of the song, still using the same lyrics, since he's also 20. Phil finishes the song with the proper lyrics. The last song is "American Child," and the finalists help with the "woah woah" backup parts. Pretty good. Oh, I saw previous finalists from this season, Jewels Hanson and Shy Blakeman in the audience too, during the group number.
As we come back from the commercial break, Cowboy Troy tells us next week, we'll have a special visit from Wynonna's sister, Ashley Judd. They show the audience, and I see Kristen McNamara holding up a Nicole Jamrose sign, right behind Jody Evans, and next to Melanie Torres. It was quick.
Next performer of the evening is Chris Young.
In his pre-recorded clip, Chris talks with Wynonna.
"Wynonna: Six weeks in, three to go. Record deal. What are you thinking? Chris: I'm thinking song choice, song choice, song choice, is going through my mind. Wynonna: Very good. Chris: Everybody is really concerned about that right now, 'cause you have to play it safe, but then, at the same time, you have to do something to stand out. Wynonna: Ernt (makes sound like a buzzer). You can't play it safe. I disagree. Because, I think, after last week, it was so good, it's gotta shoot through the roof from now on. Your falsetto is my favorite thing. (they show him singing "Drinkin' Me Lonely" from last week.) I know it's a big part of what you do. You love the fans, and you love toying with the girls out in the audience. And you're signing autographs, and you're staying 'til the very last one. And they're walking away going, 'You know, that's like a Garth Brooks.' Chris: It really is because of people like you and your mom, and Garth Brooks, and where that came from. Just seeing people that would stand there and be there for their fans. And I wanna be one of those artists that people remember for a while."
Chris sings "Dust on the Bottle"
Anastasia: Chris. My friend, Chris. Don't you think the competition has been re-ignited tonight?
Chris: Yeah.
Anastasia: You got some stiff competition back.
Chris: I do, but I love every one of them.
Anastasia: I know you do. And, I think after last week, we all through that you might be bullet proof. And, you still are close to being bullet proof. But now, you have some serious competition. So, don't jump in the pool without making a big splash next week.
Chris: Yes ma'am.
Patti: I agree with what Anastasia said. And I think you have a very rich voice, and so much substance, and I was waiting for modulation. And, I know you can do about three or four modulations. I know you got it going on, and I like it like that.
Phil: I think you're solid, Chris. I think you're great. I think you're the best in the competition, by far. I like the electric tonight. I think that was an interesting touch. I like that look. But, man, you're doing great. I think what they're saying is, man, just don't leave anything in the bag. 'Cause these guys did great. The other guys did great so far, tonight.
Wynonna: Oooh, Miss Patti likes it like that. We talked this past week about when you've sold millions of records and you are going to be a big star, right? So, the thing we talking about was...
Chris: (Points to Wynonna) She said it, not me.
Wynonna: Well, I believe it, so that settles it.
Chris: She gets mad when I say 'if.'
Wynonna: Don't interrupt me. Anyway, I think it's important for you to remember, especially country music, it's what my mother told me, 'It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.' So, don't go changing, ok? 'Cause he can get a little arrogant girls. You girls are giving him a big head. He's gonna need a bigger hat if he wins, so...
Chris: I love ya'll. Thank ya'll for coming out and seeing me.
Wynonna: Chris Young, everybody.
My thoughts: Not my favorite performance. Not bad, but not fantastic like last week. I still love his interpretation of the song, but think that one of the other guys will be my top performer this week.