It's hard to believe we've already had six episodes of Nashville Star. Tonight's show will feature original songs by the finalists, and a performance by the three judges. Billy Ray quickly gets things underway, calling out the first finalist who is safe this week.
The first finalist to perform is Coffey.
In his pre-recorded video, Coffey talks to Jewel about his original song. He says that the song is about who he is.
Coffey performs "Southern Man."
My thoughts: He seemed a lot more relaxed tonight singing his own song. Not too bad, but I'm not too big on rap style lyrics.
NOTE: My VCR did not tape this first performance, so I'm going by memory for everything up to the second finalist's name being called.
Jeffrey: I've been waiting for this week. I remember you doing this song earlier in the season, and hearing it with the band. It was great. I wanted to drill you, but you did a good job.
John: Let's talk about the nuts and bolts. If you win Nashville Star, you're going to have to get your song played on 200 country radio stations. I don't think that song would be a hit on country radio.
Jewel: Hey, Coffey, the thing that I like about that song is that that's you. Good job.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 4.5
Emotion: 4
Song Choice: 4.5
Originality: 5
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4
Confidence: 4
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 4
Total Points: 44
Next to perform is Melissa Lawson.
In her pre-recorded video, Melissa talks to John about her original song. She says she's worried, because she's only been writing for a few months. John asks her to sing it for him, and when she does, he says that she's a natural born songwriter.
Melissa performs Ready to Stand.
My thoughts: Melissa has her guitar back this week. I think this is a catchy song. I really liked it. And her voice, as usual was fantastic.
Jewel: Melissa, one of the great things about writing songs, is that you get to write for your own voice. I thought you did a good job taking advantage of that.
Jeffrey: I am so mad. I'm mad at everybody on that stage. I came here as a songwriter ready to critique the heck out of everybody tonight. And what I'm seeing is, and what I think that America is seeing, is that we got some incredible talent on this show.
John: I second that, and I am becoming more and more impressed every week. You have got to stay focused. Every performance has to be as good as that one. You have mega competition here. Stay focused, stay on your game. But, that was great, I gotta tell ya.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 5
Emotion: 5
Song Choice: 5
Originality: 5
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4.5
Confidence: 4
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 4
Total Points: 46
Now, for the first time, all three judges will take the stage and perform a medley of their hits. I don't know Jewel's songs, but Jeffrey sang "What Hurts the Most" and "Cowboy in Me," and John sang "Hicktown" and "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)."
Next to perform is Gabe Garcia.
In his pre-recorded video, Gabe talks to Jewel on the stage of the Opry. Jewel thinks it's great for Gabe to stand on the stage where so many great artists have stood. He talks about the song he wrote with some of his buddies, and sings some of it. Jewel likes it.
Gabe performs "Lost Weekend."
My thoughts: Wow, that is a fantastic song. I can definitely hear that on country radio. He seems really comfortable, and sounds great, as usual. The melody reminds me a bit of Craig Morgan's "Red Neck Yacht Club." Maybe that's why I like it so much? :D
Jeffrey: I don't know what's going on tonight. Your ruining all my notes. I had all these notes ready to criticize everybody. That's great work. Great lyric. I liked it.
John: I liked it too, Gabe. I'm gonna caution you this. It is a really good song. It sounds like it could be a big ole hit. You're not up against anyone on this show, you're up against the finest in country music. I gotta tell you that your connection with the audience is a problem with me. You gotta work on your connection with the audience.
Jewel: The job is to have a radio hit that sounds unique and like you and isn't too generic. Make sure you keep walking that line as you continue writing songs.
Overall Look: 5
Quality of Performance: 5
Emotion: 4.5
Song Choice: 5
Originality: 5
Personality: 4.5
Stage Presence: 4.5
Confidence: 4
It Factor: 4
Risk Taker: 4
Total Points: 45.5