Next to perform, from Team Rich, Alyson Gilbert.
In the pre-taped video, John tells Alyson, "I thought you should have been gone. Now, we gotta talk about how we can keep you here." They work on trying to find a song for her.
Back to the live performance, Alyson sings "Every Step You Take."
My thoughts: What a difference the right song makes. I think Alyson is much better on slower songs. She started out soft, and then kicked it into high gear with the chorus, but not over the top like last week. No weird faces. Very good performance!
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 4.5
Emotion: 5
Song Choice: 5
Originality: 4.5
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4.5
Confidence: 4
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 4
Total Points: 45
Jeffrey: Will the real Alyson please stand up. I've seen two different people, on two different weeks.
Jewel: That was much improved. When in doubt, do what Reba does. She has such a lovely way of standing on stage, and relating, and being kind and accessible.
John: (Asks Alyson) Are you crying? Those are the right kind of tears. Those are not scared tears. Those are "I just nailed it tears."
Next to perform, from Team Steele, is Pearl Heart.
In the pre-taped video, Courtney works on getting her confidence back, and Jeffrey tells the twins to support their sister.
Back to the performance, Pearl Heart sings "Who Says You Can't Go Home."
My thoughts: Courtney is doing better. She gets out there and works it. The twins harmonies are excellent.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 4.5
Emotion: 4.5
Song Choice: 4.5
Originality: 4.5
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4
Confidence: 4
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 4
Total Points: 43.5
John: You know what, that was a vast improvement from last week. (to Courtney) Your stage presence... I think the same problem exists this week that existed last week. And that is, you seem like you're a little scared of the other two.
Jewel: Here's what I need. I need you to not act like a front person. I relate to you, because I used to sing with my dad, I was in a duo, so I used to be real awkward. You need to take dance lessons. You need to do something to get physical.
Jeffrey: You're still wandering around a little bit, and not, like focused on the performance.
Next to perform, from Team Jewel, is Tommy Stanley.
In the pre-taped video, Tommy and Jewel talk about what song he's going to do. He says he's drawn to "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)," which is a Big & Rich song. Jewel thinks he's taking a chance singing this song which John Rich wrote and performs better than anybody.
Back to the live performance, Tommy sings "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)."
My thoughts: I like Tommy's voice, but he just is too herky jerky for me. I didn't like this song choice.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 3.5
Emotion: 5
Song Choice: 3
Originality: 4.5
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4
Confidence: 4.5
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 5
Total Points: 43
Jeffrey: You are such a kiss ass. (to John) He is playing up to you! Well, why couldn't you have sung "What Hurts the Most," or something like that. It's the best one you've done yet.
Jewel: Really watch your phrasing on something that rhythmic, and be sure you're not rushing your phrases. Just settle back and play on the back side of the beat a little more.
John: Well, I'll tell you what... Big Kenny is taking a little break right now. He's probably watching right now. I don't know if we can do a Tommy and Rich thing on the road?
Next to perform, from Team Jewel, is Gabe Garcia.
In the pre-taped video, Tommy talks to Jewel, saying that he's a little bit shy. Gabe sings a bit of his song, and Jewel says that he needs to bring the audience in.
Back to the live performance, Gabe sings "Have You Ever Seen the Rain."
My thoughts: I thought he was awesome last week. This song is so so. He does seem to be engaging the audience more, though.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 4.5
Emotion: 4.5
Song Choice: 4
Originality: 4.5
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4.5
Confidence: 4
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 4
Total Points: 43.5
Jeffrey: I feel a little bit of the deer in the headlights there, when I look at you. Need to sing the song, and worry less about the band and the arrangement.
Jewel: Slow and steady wins the race. Keep that up. I'm glad to see you enjoying yourself.
John: You gotta turn your "Texas" on a little bit more. When you're looking in that camera and looking at this audience, pretend like you're in a honky tonk down in San Angelo, and turn your Texas on, and you'll have all the women voting for you.
Next to perform, from Team Rich, is Shawn Mayer.
In the pre-taped video, John asks Shawn what song she wants to sing. She says she wants to sing "He Stopped Loving Her Today." John is skeptical, saying, that's the greatest country songs of all time, by one of the greatest country singers of all time. Shawn says she's not going to go out playing it safe. She says she's not scared to try something.
Back to the live performance, Shawn sings "He Stopped Loving Her Today."
My thoughts: I thought she did a great job with it. I like her arrangement too.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 4.5
Emotion: 5
Song Choice: 4.5
Originality: 4.5
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4
Confidence: 4
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 5
Total Points: 45.5
Jewel: Your problem is not going to be demanding a lot of yourself. Your problem, from one girl to another, is going to be how to be kind to yourself.
Jeffrey: Hey, I wasn't sold on this. This is some sacred ground you are walking on. I think you've got the talent. Try to concentrate on the vocal.
John: When George Jones sang it, Shawn, it was a moment in time in country music, and in American music. You tackled Mt. Everest, basically tonight, and I thought you climbed halfway up it. I respect your ability to go after something that tall.