America Loves That Baby, Melissa Lawson!

We’re down to Shaun Mayer, Melissa Lawson, and Laura and Sophie. Apparently, two of them are safe and one will be going home. Much like last week, I have a bad feeling here . . .

Melissa Lawson is up next . . . Thank goodness America got this one right. She’s singing “My Baby Loves Me”. Wow, this girl is really about three steps above everyone else. She looks amazing . . . she sounds amazing . . . she’s gotten a hold of her nerves . . . nothing to say except that we are looking at the next big thing in country music . . . just phenomenal.

Jewel was a little worried about the song selection, but thinks she just blew it away. Jewel thought she controlled her vocals and did a great job. Jeff Steele thinks she over sang it. He thinks that she needs to tone it down a bit, and hopes that America doesn’t forget to vote for her because they assume that she is safe. John Rich agrees and thinks that her performance was overkill. Melissa Lawson, LOVES IT, tells John Rich that she loves him, but that he was the one who told her to “kill it” and she kinda thinks she did. I HEART her for standing up . . . without sounding bitchy.

Coffey . . .

The next to be saved from the trash pit is . . .

Coffey. What the feck . . . Y’all, I am so not getting the voting on this show . . . UGH! He is crying about his mom. I hate when anyone uses a parent . . . as someone who has lost a parent, it is a devastating situation. However, I’m not sure the intro montage before he sings is the appropriate place to reveal that . . . Just my opinion . . . He has started crying during the song . . . he lost the words . . . and is that Jewel I can hear singing from the judges station? Song was terribly pitchy, but he channeled some emotion in that one. His best performance so far, but still a far cry from others in the competition.

Jeff Steele thinks he was pitchy, but that he tapped into some raw emotion. John Rich still isn’t sold on him, but thinks he did a good job. Jewel got a little choked up, and thought this was a good effort . . .

Ugh . . .

Gabe Garcia Is Definitely Doing Something Right!

The next finalist who avoids obscurity . . . for right now . . . is Gabe Garcia.

I'm soooo glad! The Garcia was so very good last week. Perhaps, the only truly authentically country singer on this show. I don't think he is destined to win, but I do think he is destined to get a recording contract.


He’s performing “Must Be Doing Something Right” He’s singing this for his ex-girlfriend . . . not sure that he was or she’d probably still be his girlfriend . . . anyway . . . here he goes. . . uh oh, the judges may think this is boring, but I think that he is just brills . . . just amazing . . . his vocals are so solid! His stage presence is so much better tonight. Still not where I think he could be, but I do think he is improving each week. I just get the feeling that he is so very genuine. Another thing, he performance illustrates just how shaky Ashlee’s vocals actually were. Very very good.

The judges agree. Jewel thinks his vocals were great, but wants him to continue to up the level of audience seduction. John Rich thinks that Jewel kind of digs him . . . and Garcia does say that Jewel's boyfriend gave him his belt buckle . . . John and Jeff both think that Garcia is authentic and just wonderful . . . they kind of heart him too . . . In fact, I think John Rich probably wants him to go all the way . . . If he doesn't, I'm betting that John Rich records with Garcia.

Huh, it looks like we are only eliminating one act this week. They said we were eliminating two . . . in fact the info button on the cable tells us they are going from six to four this week . . . hmmm feels like something is amiss at the Circle K . . . I wonder if the brass at NBC didn't like who one of the acts were being eliminated and decided to axe the double elimination . . . just a thought.

Nashville Star: We're Going From Six To Four Tonight . . . I Think . . .

It's time for another episode of Nashville Star.

I'm still reeling a bit from last week's episode . . . The Pearl Heart is gone . . . and "others" remain . . . yikes . . .

So, anyway, here comes the BRC and his teleprompter lines delivered with such . . . er . . . um, gusto.

BRC tells us that we are about to hear who is the first to be safe for the night . . . Hmmm . . . they must be doing the eliminations a little differently this evening.

The first to be safe tonight is . . . Ashlee Hewitt.

Not a big surprise here. A pattern seems to have emerged where the person who is in the bottom two is safe the next week . . . and the first person to be safe is the person in the bottom two the next week.

Ashlee is going to sing "Cowboy, take me away" . . . I think this is a Dixie Chicks song . . . I'm not quite sure. Ashlee is excited to be the first to be selected. I wonder if it will make her vulnerable next week. Here she goes . . . Wow, as per usual, her stage presence is just rocking. She just looks so natural on stage. I just wish that her vocals matched her stage presence. Man, her vocals are all over the place. The guitar playing is on target, her stage presence is immaculate . . . her vocals are just not quite there.

The judges like her: Jewel is a fan and likes how she uses her . . . er, um . . . crack . . . her vocal crack, that is. Jeff Steele didn’t like her last week, but thought she was back (minus a few iffy notes) this week . . . John Rich, of course, thought that she brought poppies, and lilies, and daisies to the stage . . . he hearts her hardcore . . . .

Syesha Mercado Interview in OK! Magazine

American Idol 2nd Runner Up, Syesha Mercado is dishing to OK! Magazine. In the interview, La Mercado discusses her "personal style", who she was close to during the show, and how she feels about moving to California.

A fairly good article, and it's good to see Syesha getting some press . . . however, FOR ME, the interview came off sounding like she did on the Idol stage . . . very polished and rehearsed. What do y'all think?

Click the link to catch the whole story!

Sailor Tommy and Pearl Heart Dish On Their Nashville Star Oustings!

Reality Tv World interviewed Sailor Tommy and (sniff sniff) Pearl Heart on their respective eliminations from Monday's Nashville Star telecast. The story is pretty interesting as our little Sailor Tommy has some not so nice words to say pertaining to Judge John Rich. However, he has glowing appreciation for Jewel, and speaks of his desire to continue pursuing his dream of singing.

The Pearl Heart interview features the girls' admiration for Jeffery Steele. They worked well with him and have already contacted him about his offer at the end of the show. For those of you who don't remember (or more likely, didn't watch), Jeffery Steele, along with all of the other judges, were stunned that the girl group was eliminated. Further, Jeffery Steele told the girls to knock on his door because he would love to work with them. Well, the girls report that they have already begun discussions with J. Steele, and that they are already "working on it".

Click the link to read the full story!

David Archuleta in High School Musical 3?

Alright, y'all . .

This story is from about a month ago . . . it was the most recent story I could find. So, it appears that the Insider is reporting that the folks over at Disney have recognized the utter adorablility that exists in our little David. . . . and they're hankering for him to do a cameo in the much anticipated High School Musical 3. We all understand that this cameo could be a difficult endeavor to pull off . . . the Idol Machine does not like to let go of it's talent when it is on tour and, more importantly, under contract. However, rumor has it that all involved think that it will come to fruition.

Makes perfect sense because if there is one thing that Simon Lythgoe and Simon Cowell understand it is the value of a buck. . . . and, this move could be quite lucrative for the Idol Machine, as well as our Lil David. Click the link to read the whole story.

David Cook and Audrina Patridge?

Hola, my little Idol Tasters!

So, Hollywood gossip website "She Knows" is reporting that David Cook and Hills star Audrina Patridge were caught hanging out at a recent Hollywood glam fest. Our Cookie is reportedly dating former Idol Kimberly Caldwell . . . Hmmmm . . . is Cookie going Hollywood?

Anyway, kinda cool to see Cookie going so mainstream! Click the link the read the whole story

Who's Hittin the Road?

Once again, Pearl Heart and Ashlee Hewitt are in the Bottom Two. Here comes the requisite teleprompter read from BRC about the two acts.

And now, the requisite ELEVENTY YEARS OF BLUE CHEESE LACED SILENCE . . .

And, yes, I was unfortunately correct, the girls of Pearl Heart are gone. They are taking it very well . . . and have wonderful words for their friends and family.

What will Mentor Jeff have to say . . . . Wow, I believe he just invited them to record a CD. Based on what he said, and the response from the crowd, I believe that we WILL be seeing the girls of Pearl Heart putting out a CD. Of particular importance, Jeff repeatedly discussed their amazing work ethic.

I'm upset, but happy to think that I will be able to buy a CD from these girls. What is upsetting is that I think this elimination is bad for the show. This season of Nashville Star, the first on NBC, only has four . . . possibly five . . . viable acts. Melissa Lawson, Pearl Heart, Gabe Garcia, Ashlee Hewitt . . . and possibly Shaun Mayer. They are in a different league from the rest. Nashville Star is struggling in the ratings for NBC, and they will be in need of a STRONG final three or four to try and pull in enough ratings to guarantee a renewal.

Well, there goes another week of Nashville Star . . . and we still have the dynamic duo of Coffey & Lauren and Sophie . . . ugh. . .

Two more will be eliminated next week. . . SURELY THE AFOREMENTIONED DUO WILL BE VOTED OFF THE ISLAND! Leaving a somewhat viable final 4.

Here's hoping!

Pearl Heart Really Doesn't Want The Sun to Go Down on Them!

Pearl Heart is the other half of the Bottom Two. I just don't know what to write. I'm so utterly disappointed in the 14 voters who bothered to call in. I mean, I know they went first, but SERIOUSLY. They have gotten better each week . . . and they started in a not so bad position. I will tell you now . . . I will buy their album/cd/etc. I say this now, because I know that they are going home. Ashlee Hewitt is pretty, blonde, did not go first, and talented. That beats the sister act who can rip through some harmonies. . .

They are going to sing "Don't let the sun go down" . . . I think . . . I missed the title. During their mentor session, Jeff suggests that they do some funky things with the guitars and the harmonies. Jeff thinks that this could be their defining performance . . . It could be REALLY GOOD or REALLY SCREWED UP.

Here they go . . . OH MY-LANTA! IN A GOOD FREAKIN WAY! WOW! Their harmonies were completely tight, and their guitar playing was wonderful. As good as I think they have always been, this is the first time where I truly believe they are a VIABLE GROUP. The first time I think they could sell records both on the radio and on stage. Just incredible.

John Rich thought they were wonderful and did not deserve to be in the bottom two. Jewel was much more blatant by saying that she thought Laura and Sophie should be in the bottom two and not Pearl Heart. Further, she mentioned that their guitar playing was wonderful. Jeff is so upset they are in the bottom two, but thinks they totally nailed it.

The Bottom Two: IS AMERICA SERIOUS!???

Seriously . . . Pearl Heart and Ashlee Hewitt are the bottom 2 . . . SERIOUSLY! For the love of Tamyra Grey, Latoya London, Chris Daughtry, and Melinda Doolittle, what in the heck is going on. I’m once again wondering if there are just too few voters, and therefore, the contestants with the big voting bases (e.g. come from towns, counties, and states where they are more likely too vote), are always gonna get through. They don’t ever tell us how many votes were cast. . . . Just a thought . . . Anyhoo, tonight IMO, one of the top 3 acts is getting voted off. . . . AND two of the Top Four acts are in the Bottom Three!

First of the bottom two to perform . . . Ashlee Hewitt . . . John Rich wants her to sing, “Take the Money and Run” Steve Miller Band . . . she’s uncomfortable with the song . . . and states that she is more of a hippee chick . . . Anyone else noticed that John Rich seems to not be listening to his mentees . . . He seems to always think his opinion is better. I understand that he is a big time producer and performer, but there is something to be said for listening to the performer . . . who has performed . . . and may know themselves . . . just a wee bit.

Here she goes. As per usual, her stage presence is stellar. She is sooooooo comfortable on stage and it totally shows. However, her vocals, for me, continue to be a bit iffy . . . at times she seems as if she is going to just crack . . . However, her stage presence out weighs her vocals. . .

One of Jewel’s favorites, took a minute to get started, but a good artist. Jeff didn’t like it. He loves her, but just didn't get it. John liked the bare feet . . . foot fetish anyone J . . . he thinks there was a mathematical error and that she shouldn’t be in the bottom 2. I agree.

The Coffey Is Cold!

Next to be safe . . . well, so far, we've had 2 from John Rich . . . 1 from Jewel . . . and 1 from Jeff (though with the migration of Shaun Mayer, the John and Jeff numbers are now reversed). Who could it be . . . OH MY-LANTA, part 2 . . . SERIOUSLY! Coffey and Laura & Sophie are BOTH SAFE! SERIOUSLY! HE SANG RIHANNA! UGH!

Anyhoo, he is going to sing . . . errrr, ummm, "Proud Mary" . . . oh lord . . . oh, well, here goes nothing. Ok, so, his vocals are better tonight. Not so much Belinda Carlisle inspired vibratto. However, as he is trying REALLY HARD to work the stage, Coffey ends up REALLY UPPING THE BLUE CHEESE FACTOR! Yikes.

As per usual, all three judges think that there's some good stuff in him, but none of them are buying it. Jewel, of course, is proud that "her boy" is being embraced by America.

ugh.

Shaun Mayer Wants to Cut You . . . Deep!

The next to be safe is from John Rich's team . . . it's Shaun Mayer. She looks so genuinely excited to have been chosen. And, to be honest, I am genuinely happy for her. We go to her mentoring session and see that she was in tears after John Rich tore into her last week. They are talking about how they just don't mesh. JR tells her that she should fire him if she doesn't think they can work together . . . she does. She calls Jeff to see if he will take the job.

She has chosen to sing, "The First Cut is the Deepest" . . . I HEART this song. Jeff tells her that she doesn't need to overpower the vocal and needs to just let the song do the work. They seem to mesh MUCH better than she and JR.

Here she goes . . . Oh wow, her vocals, though still a little sharp at times, are definitely more vulnerable, and FINALLY, I can FEEL some genuine emotion in her vocals. Not perfect, but definitely a vast improvement.

Jewel thinks she did a great job, and that her guitar skills were solid. John Rich wants to know what Jeff told her that was different than him, because he didn't think it was any better. Jeff tells her that she did a better job, but that he thinks she has a long way to go.

Laura and Sophie . . . Are Just So Happy to be Here . . .

The next to be safe is . . . OH MY-LANTA! Laura & Sophie . . . SERIOUSLY! I have no issue with these girls on a personal level. I think they are sweet and cute and have some talent . . . however, they are out of their league in this competition. They need to be molded . . . and taken to small venues . . . and NOT BE ON THIS BIG STAGE . . . To be honest, I have forgotten what song they sang. Ok, they're harmonies are the weensiest bit better tongiht. They are still flat for the most part . . . and, they are still quite awkward on stage. Yikes, note to young, innocent looking performers . . . DO NOT TRY TO ACT SEXY ON STAGE . . . it just looks creepy. Jewel does not think they belong here. John Rich thinks they are not right for this competition, and need to go home. I am with him until he begins to lean towards the personal attacks rather than the vocal ones. Jeff still thinks they have some talent, but they need to REALLY WORK!

I still can't believe they are still here. . . .

The Next To Be Safe: Gabe Wants Somebody Like You

Who's next among the contestants to be safe? If we had one from John Rich's group to go first, we should expect a male or one of the groups to go next.

From Jewel's team, Gabe Garcia!

Hooray! He was simply glorious last week! He is the most authentically country, and seems to be getting better each week.

In his mentor session, Jewel wants Gabe to flirt with the audience. She wants him to REALLY CONNECT . . . work the stage . . . basically make the audience think he's a hottie!

Gabe's gonna sing a little Keith Urban ditty, "Somebody Like You". Here he goes . . . as per usual, the vocals are overall on target. . . sometimes it seems like he is straining a bit in his upper register, but overall a VERY GOOD PERFORMANCE! He performed the song, and made a better attempt at connecting with the audience. He still has some authenticity issues, but I think he is definitely getting a contract . . . no matter where he finishes.

Nashville Star: The Final 8 . . . Surely America Will Get This Right . . . Right?

Its Nashville Star, y'all! Here comes La Cyrus to wow us with his monotone stylings . . . The thing is, I really like BRC . . . I just wish he would stop reading off the teleprompter. He's so much better when he adlibs. Remember who you are, BRC. You are the reason your daughter is a billion dollar industry!

Anyhoo, tonight, we will be deleting two more from our midst. Y'all know I have not been shy . . . particularly last week about who I think needs to go . . . Coffey and Laura & Sophie. Seriously, y'all they need to go. However, having not watched Nashville Star before, I gotta assume that we are due for an upset here.

Here we go. They are gonna complete the first elimination by pulling out the top vote getter and the lowest vote getter - circa last week. Tonight, they pull out Melissa Lawson and Sailor Tommy. Surely, we know the result here. I'm a bit disappointed that one of my bottom two is not out there right now. I think we're in for a wild ride folks.

(Insert drumroll here) Melissa Lawson is . . . the top vote getter. Which means, Sailor Tommy's pimpage last week did not have the affect I had anticipated. . . I'm beginning to wonder if we are experiencing low voter turn outs on this show . . . I mean, considering that the show is only pulling in about 5-6 million viewers per week. Maybe with lower vote totals, those who have REALLY STRONG contingents are ending up higher on the totem poll . . . oh well, who knows.

First up, Melissa Lawson is singing Danny’s Song. As per usual, I'm not immediatley familiar from the title, but I'm sure I'll get it when she starts to sing. Her mentor session with John Rich begins with him telling us that La Lawson has lost 70 lbs, and . . . John Rich thinks she’s hot. Here she goes . . . Wow, her understated vocals in the beginning are just amazing. She sounds vulnerable, yet passionate. Excellent! Brills! Lower register to high register. . . simply amazing. I worry that the song was a little understated and that she went first and that the voters know she was the top vote getter. I only say that because over the past few weeks, the person who goes first has had some trouble staying out of the bottom two . . . hope that she is not a victim of this trend. She was just great.

Laura and Sophie – SERIOUSLY – They’re fighting . . . and crying . . . “I go out walking”. Better than last week . . . the vocals were better . . . the look is better . . . but they are still not getting it yet. Agree with John Rich. . . . until he attacked them personally. Jewel agrees.

Daughtry Reveals a Bit About Album #2

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Daughtry is hard at work on their sophomore effort. Chris D. reports that he is working with the same producer from album one, Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, All American Rejects) and to expect a Big Rock Album!
Click the link to read the whole story!

Kristi Lee Cook Signs A Recording Contract!

USA Today (via DJ Slim at Idol Blog Live) is reporting that Kristy Lee Cook has signed with Arista Records Nashville division. Her first single is due August 15th with an album to drop in the fall.

Good for Kristy Lee Cook. She needs to call Martina Mcbride and thank her for the song "Anyway" . . . That performance got her a record deal!

Click the link to read the story.

And click the play button below to view the video that helped this girl achieve a recording contract.

David Cook Is Courted by Hinder . . . And They'll Wait for the Voice of an Angel

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that American Idol 7 winner, David Cook, is going to be really busy for the next few months. He is starting the Idol Tour tonight, and hanging out in the studio trying to finish an album due by November . . . however, the band Hinder is willing to wait. They want to write and record with our Idol, Rocker Boo. They were in the audience at the Idol finale and are willing to wait as long as it takes to work with our Cookie. In other news, another member of Hinder seems to have the hots for former Idol and country queen, Ms. Carrie Underwood. The Idol Machine seems to be kicking out winners who contemporary artists have the hots for . . . Click the link to read the story

Top 9 Rankings: The Good, The Mediocre, and The Vortex of Suck

Alright, here we go. I'm gonna give you my take on the rankings from last night's Nashville Star La Familia Extravaganza. We saw some REALLY REALLY GOOD . . . some fairly middle of the road . . . and some REALLY REALLY BAD!



Here come the rankings:



1. Melissa Lawson - Far and away the best of the night.

(Big Space)

I believe that numbers 2 and 3 are interchangeable . . .

2. Pearl Heart - There harmonies were tight, and man did they sound good acapella

3. Gabe Garcia - Gabe is back! Excellent rendition of Bon Jovi!

(Huge Space)

4. Shaun Mayer - Did Faith Hill proud with her rendition of "Breathe"

5. Ashlee Hewitt - She wins points for multiple instrumentation, but her vocals are still a little weak for me.

6. Tommy Stanley - Man, I'm torn here. The boy was out of pitch a lot, but he's got such a rich tone. I hope he continues to improve. The pimpage will keep him around for next week.

(MASSIVE SPACE)

7. Laura and Sophie - Man, after a stellar week last week, they just weren't up to the task of taking on Katrina and the Waves. They sounded good individually, but the harmonies and the performance were just off . . .

8. Coffey - THREE WEEKS IN A ROW! His vocals were better this week, but he still needs to get his Belinda Carlisleitis under control. Also, perhaps downing several Red Bull's prior to performance time could increase his energy level.

Alyson Stewart was eliminated this week. However, if she had stuck around I would have ranked her 6th. Thought she was at the bottom of the mediocre group, but her performance did not rate nearly as high on the suckage scale as my bottom 2.

Alright, what do y'all think?! Somebody let me know.