The next finalist to perform is Angela Hacker.
In her pre-recorded video, Angela had this to say:
"(Angela is talking to Jewel.) Angela: Ok, so every week we get the judges opinion. I would like to know what your opinion is. What do you think I should do? What's your critique? Jewel: I'm a fan. A fan of yours. Angela: That's so cool. Jewel: I'm a fan of musicians. I believe that you know what's best for you, in your heart. And that's your right. You've earned that. I would just say, keep following your instincts, 'cause you're doing a great job. I do think your strong suit is bringing your life experience and your emotion into the lyric. Angela: It's kind of a scary thing too. To kind of put yourself out there. Jewel: That's what people want. They just want authenticity. They want you to be who you are."
Angela performs "I Can't Make You Love Me."
Anastasia: Angela Hacker. Angela, your talent is so unique. You have just redefined star quality.
Angela: Thank you.
Randy: Angela, you made me feel what you're singing. You made me feel every word. You made me feel every emotion. And that's the kind of music that will sell records.
Blake: Hey, you know, uh... I don't know if you're gonna win this thing or not. You could. But, I can promise you one thing. When you make your first album, and you will, I'm gonna be one of the first people in line to buy your album. I love your voice.
Jewel: So, we talked about your son, and we talked about your brother. I wanna talk about you for a second. You could be five weeks away, possibly, from winning a record deal. What do you think?
Angela: I think that'd be great.
Jewel: Sign you up?
Angela: Yeah.
Jewel: What do you think the best part would be? How would it change your life?
Angela: It would just be a dream come true, ya know. All my life, this is what I've wanted, and I'm getting to live it through Nashville Star. So, thank ya'll.
Jewel: You kind of remind me of Tammy Wynette.
Angela: Tammy?
Jewel: Yeah. Angela Hacker, everyone.
My thoughts: I wonder if there is a song that Angela can't sing. This is another perfect song choice for her. She got a well-deserved standing ovation, and I loved seeing Randy and Anastasia dancing. So cute.
We find out the surprise that is in store for the finalists that make it through to the next round. Next week, the judges will pick the song that the finalists will sing.
The final finalist to perform is: Whitney Duncan.
This means that Kacey Musgraves is going home.
Jewel: I uh.. your first performance blew me away. It's a great thing for you. Why don't you tell everyone what's going through your head?
Kacey: This has to be all Blake's fault, right?
Jewel: Everything is. Let's see what he has to say. Blake?
Blake: Hey Kacey, man, I was seventeen years old when I first moved to Nashville. And, seven years later, I finally had my first song come out on the radio. And it took a long time, because I wasn't ready. So, what I think you should do, and I think I'm speaking for all of us, I think you should go back to Texas, and sell out the honky tonks now, for a couple of years. And then come back and take over this town
.
Jewel: Well, Kacey we love you. Everybody give a great big hand to Kacey Musgraves.
In her pre-recorded video, Whitney had this to say:
"You know my friends can't believe it. Like,I actually sit down and had a conversation with Jewel. (Whitney talks to Jewel.) Jewel: What interests you with writing, and who are your heroes? Whitney: Well, Elvis, ya know, is what made me want to sing. Jewel: Really? That's neat. Whitney: Yeah, I was a huge Elvis fan, thanks to my grandaddy. Jewel: I would love to see you stand there, and just deliver it, and be riviting, and captivate everybody, to show everybody that side of you too. Whitney: Well, I hope I can. Jewel: It would be exciting. You've showed us such a cool, fun, rocker side. You're really a competant, good, awesome singer. Whitney: Thank you. Jewel: I think it's going to be awesome for you. Whitney: Absolutely."
Whitney performs "The First Cut Is The Deepest."
Blake: Whitney, that's the first time I've ever heard you be pitchy, so far. But, I still think this thing's gonna come down to you and Angela. And, I'm proposing a wrestling match, in a kiddie pool full of mud. That's just me... while you shout my name.
Randy: Whitney, I liked you with a guitar. I really, really liked what you did last week. And, I think that's your strong point. I like the guitar, and I like you up, enjoying yourself. And, you have to understand that this audience are your very best friends. And, I never seen you make eye contact with the people out here. These people love you out here.
Anastasia: Whitney, I've heard rumors that this has been a hard week. I don't know what. But, I hear that whatever happened, I heard you acted like a pro. Given the stress that I don't know about, that hopefully, we'll hear about, you did ok. I've heard you do better. I agree with you, you were pitchy. But, you really, you came out, you walked on the stage, and you sang like you owned it, and I respect what you've done so far.
Jewel: Well, to let you guys know what the stress was. She wanted to sing a different song, "When a Man Loves a Woman," and it didn't clear, so she had to switch songs, last minute.
Whitney: Like, Tuesday, after we rehearsed "When a Man Loves a Woman," but, I'm just happy to be moving on, whatever song.
Jewel: Whitney Duncan, everybody.
My thoughts: I have always loved Whitney's voice, but she sounded a little flat or something on this song. Not sure if this is a good song choice for her.
We see the six finalists performances once again, and get the numbers to call for each finalists.