Nashville Star - Week 3

Nashville Star week 3 6-23-08


Nashville star went pop this week and the show opened with the Ensemble singing Madonna’s Like a Prayer. Melissa Lawson (from Arlington, TX) gave us the opening notes and was the only one who really shined. Alyson Gilbert was a very close second along with Tommy Stanley, who still is wearing a ridiculous vest and tie. My other Texas favorite, Gabe Garcia, looked decidedly uncomfortable, and that extended into his vocals. He was up first Monday night.

About halfway through the show, the pop group Dannity Kane performed their recent single, Damaged. Seems as though NBC is trying to pander to a wider audience. That goes hand in hand with the Pop goes Country. Folks I've talked to didn't care for it. I think they just took some really distinctive songs, and tried (within about a week) to make compelling, interesting, and lovely country songs. Can't be done without some time and inspiration. The lightbulb has to want to change, and I don't think Umbrella wants to be a country song.

The stylists have gotten ahold of the contestants. They're looking better. Gabe's duds have a more star-ish (read: expensive) appeal. And Shawn is looking less like Ally Sheedy in The Breakfast Club; they are softening her hard edges.




Gabe Garcia – Livin La Vida Loca (Ricky Martin) The judges liked it, though Jeffrey and Jewel thought he was a little stiff, even still. But I think, he, like George Strait, entertains best behind the microphone.

Pearl Heart – Love Shack (The B-52’s)The harmonies were terrific, much like the blend the Dixie Chicks have. I still think they move like a bunch of PTA mom’s putting on a talent show. But their arrangement was remarkable. All the judges liked it.

Alyson Gilbert – I Think We’re Alone Now (by Tiffany) She had some pitch problems John Rich didn’t like it; he wanted her to do an up-tempo, rock version. I wish she’d done the slow version she wanted to do, because she has such a pretty voice. However, she was stunningly beautiful and I wish my legs looked as good has hers.

Ashlee Hewitt – You Drive Me Crazy (by Britney Spears) She’s the one to take it all the way. The song was so country, it was virtually unrecognizable. She’s got the whole package; looks, sound, stage presence. She’s charming and already had some fashion sense, and she just keeps improving. I think that’s an unbeatable formula.

Coffey – Umbrella (by Rihanna) I don’t care for the way Coffey keeps trotting out his daughter for the “Aww-factor.” The audience went crazy but I think he’s a little cheesy. The judges weren’t super supportive, and the talking at the end of every phrase was too much for Jewel.

Laura and Sophie – PYT (by Michael Jackson) Well the frilly dresses didn’t make their performance seem less like a slumber party (a criticism from the judges last week). Musically it was wonderful. But artistically and stylistically, kind of lame.

Shawn Mayer – Bye, Bye, Bye (by Insync) The judges have very harsh in their criticism of Shawn. She started off with a very hard edge and a very black look.

Melissa Lawson – True Colors (by Cyndi Lauper) Dude, she is Awesome! And she’s lost 67 pounds! It’s amazing that she’s under such stressful conditions and away from her support system, and she’s losing weight while competing. It’s not just a little inspiring

Justin Gaston – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (by Cyndi Lauper) He’s cute, but no singer. This was his best performance.

Tommy Stanley – She’s a Maniac not very country, but very creditable. He moved less like a member of the Lollipop Guild tonight. He really worked the stage well, even though it was too rock.