It's Monday night, and time for another episode of Nashville Star. We are down to six finalists. Katie tells us that each of the six finalists will sing love songs.
The finalists are all lined up and Billy Ray says that he'll call out the finalists one by one, and the final two will be up for elimination.
The first to perform is Ashlee Hewitt.
In her pre-recorded video, Ashlee talks about choosing the song "Cowboy Take Me Away," and how it fits her, because she's young, but she's never really been in love, and she believes there's someone out there that is meant for her. She hopes that her future cowboy is watching.
Ashlee performs "Cowboy Take Me Away."
My thoughts: I think she did a pretty good job with this. She's good at ballads. In places, she sounded a bit pitchy, though.
Jewel: Ashley, one thing that I like... you've more of an understated style. I've always had a soft spot for you. I think that you're more of an artist. I'm a fan, personally.
Jeffrey: I thought last week you missed by a mile. I wasn't happy with the song. This is the Ashley that I really love, and I've been hoping to see. I heard a couple of little notes kinda not hit there, but I know you know it, and that you're aware of it. Good job.
John: I thought tonight you felt more comfortable. You are constantly growing each week. I think America is watching it happen right in front of their eyes. Great performance.
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
Katie talks to Ashlee: She asks her if being in the bottom two last week let it shake her confidence. Ashlee says that it made her step up her game, and she thinks it was good for her.
Next to perform is Gabe Garcia.
In his pre-recorded video, Gabe talks about the song he picked, "Must Be Doin' Something Right," and how it has a lot of meaning, because it was his song with his ex-girlfriend, who he left behind to pursue his dreams. He says she's behind him every step of the way, and he still loves her.
Gabe performs "Must Be Doin' Something Right."
My thoughts: For someone who is so traditional, you'd think he couldn't sing something so very contemporary, but man... home run. Especially liked the falsetto part.
Jeffrey: If America is really going to vote for the next great American country singer, you have a pretty good chance of winning this. Every week, you just keep getting better and better.
John: Hey Gabe... Gabe, I gotta tell you, when I learned that NBC was going to be picking the talent, ultimately, for Nashville Star, I was concerned. Some questionable choices were made for this year's season. However, when I see a performance like that, it tells me that even the big wigs in New York City are starting to get a clue about what makes country music. That was a great performance.
Jewel: Gabe, good singing. I liked hearing your falsetto. That was something new. I still want you to flirt with the audience.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 5
Emotion: 5
Song Choice: 5
Originality: 4.5
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4
Confidence: 4
It Factor: 4.5
Risk Taker: 4.5
Total Points: 46
The next finalist to perform is Coffey.
In his pre-recorded video, Coffey talks about picking the song "It's Your Love," and he tells about it not being easy to sing the song, because he is still dealing with the death of his mom.
Coffey performs "It's Your Love."
My thoughts: He starts with a ton of vibrato in his voice, and at one point in the song has problems with the words, he's so moved. It's one of his better performances, and actually was one of the more country performances he's done.
Jeffrey: Coffey, I have two things to say. Up until now, it's been a lot of charisma with you. You got a great vibe, but I haven't been sold. Tonight, there was some pitch problems. That's the best one I've heard so far.
John: Well, I've cracked you about as hard is anybody can crack another person, as an artist. I think what Jeffrey said was right. You were pitchy. But, I know you missed the one line because you were choked up the entire time. To see that kind of emotion coming out of you while you're singing, Coffey, is a pretty incredible thing.
Jewel: Coffey, I really, really, really want to thank you. This was hard. Music is healing. To see you get up there and allow the audience see an authentic, emotional experience means the world. Thank you for that.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 3.5
Emotion: 5
Song Choice: 4
Originality: 4
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4
Confidence: 4
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 4
Total Points: 42