We were told last week that in this episode two people would be going home today. In the first 5 minutes, one person will be going.
Billy Ray calls out Melissa Lawson, and Tommy Stanley. One of them is the Top vote-getter, and the other one is going home. Which one will be staying, and which will be going home? And, after a long pause, Tommy Stanley will be going home. He gets a standing ovation before leaving the stage. I'm actually shocked that they didn't show his journey to Nashville Star video. Not cool, if you ask me. Why should he not get the send off that everyone else, including Charley Jenkins, who was voted off in the first show got?
Melissa is first to perform.
In the pre-recorded video, Melissa and John talk about her having lost 70 lbs to help get her into good condition to perform daily. We see her working out and running. John says, "Melissa has the capacity to be a world class artist."
In the live performance Melissa sings "Danny's Song."
My thoughts: What can't this woman do? I loved this performance. Great arrangement.
Jewel: It was hard for me to catch up. The beginning of that song, it started so low. I know you have a family. Working a record takes so much time. I've been working for a year solid, and I don't have a family. I just was wondering if your family and you were ready for that?
Melissa: We totally are. We've been waiting 19 years, and planning for it.
Jeffrey: Melissa, you are the best part of this show. I just love hearing you sing...every night.
John: I agree with Jewel, it did start a little low, but I think your nerves kicked in. You are, if not the best, you're at the top of the heap in this show right now. I've got big hopes for you. Hang in there.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 5
Emotion: 4.5
Song Choice: 5
Originality: 4.5
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4.5
Confidence: 4
It Factor: 4.5
Risk Taker: 4
Total Points: 45.5
The second finalist to sing is Laura & Sophie.
In the pre-recorded video, we see the girls talking with Jeffrey, and find out they've been fighting lately, and Sophie walks out of the mentoring session in tears. What will happen with this duo? Can they pull it together?
In the live performance Laura & Sophie sing "Walking After Midnight."
My thoughts: Interesting arrangement, but I really wonder if they can keep it together. They walked out hand in hand, but I'm not sure they are really happy with each other or not. They did ok, but the ending was a little off.
John: I'm sure you can't wait to hear from me. Girls, it's the same thing as last week. If I was your big brother, I'd load up your bags myself, and take you back home. I worry about you so bad. I don't think you're ready at any capacity to take a real run at the big time.
Jewel: I think you guys need to go home, personally, and develop a little more.
Jeffrey: Sophie, how are you guys doing? I saw you walking out holding hands. Everything cool?
Laura & Sophie: We're perfect. We're fine.
Jeffrey: Just remember, we've got a lot of people who really want this thing. I want you to realize how important this is, and how many people are working with you. I believe in you guys. I think there's something there.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 4
Emotion: 4
Song Choice: 4
Originality: 4
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4
Confidence: 3.5
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 4
Total Points: 41
Next to perform is Gabe Garcia
In the pre-recorded video, we see Jewel talking to Gabe, and he talks about taking dance lessons to try and loosen up a bit. We see him dancing with Jewel. Cute!
In the live performance, Gabe since "Somebody Like You."
My thoughts: You know, I wouldn't have thought that this could be a song Gabe could do well, because he's so traditional, and this song is so contemporary. But, he totally rocked it. I loved it!!
Jeffrey: Gabriel, I wondered if you had this in you. You were a 10 tonight.
John: Gabe Garcia, from one Texan to the other, that was mas caliente de todo.
Jewel: Good job! I'm gonna keep stepping you up. I want you to make it to the end.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 4.5
Emotion: 5
Song Choice: 4.5
Originality: 4.5
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4.5
Confidence: 4.5
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 4.5
Total Points: 45.5
Next to perform is Shawn Mayer
In the pre-recorded video, we see Shawn deciding that she can't deal with John Rich, so she changes mentors to Jeffrey. Jeffrey admits that he and John have different ways of approaching how they criticize and mentor, but they both want to get a star out of this.
In the live performance, Shawn sings "The First Cut is the Deepest."
My thoughts: She's putting a lot of emotion into the song. I like the performance, but it's far from her best. I think it could be a little faster.
Jewel: It takes a lot of guts to turn down John Rich. Congratulations for sticking up for yourself.
John: I also respect you for sticking up for yourself. Some of the most talented people in the world can't work together. (To Jeffrey) The performance tonight, if that was your critique, and that was the performance, from a 1-10, that was a 5. What did you tell her that I didn't tell her?
Jeffrey: I told her to stay out of the way of the licks, and let the song do the work for her. (to Shawn) I thought you did a lot of that tonight. I want to make sure to tell you to keep your tears backstage and onstage, all those tears that you are crying, put them into your song. I'm proud of you though, Shawn.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 4
Emotion: 4.5
Song Choice: 4
Originality: 4
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4
Confidence: 4
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 4
Total Points: 42