Country Music News Source

Spankin’ Sweet Surprises

Idol? What Idol? Nashville Star’s where it’s at, y’all. That much was evident both on- and offstage during tonight’s show. This music competition’s the one to beat, and it just keeps getting better.

I took a seat backstage for the first time, in the greenroom, to watch the magic unfold. The chaos included Two Foot Fred with a beautiful mystery brunette (take that, Chesney!), former N.S. judge Tracy Gershon chatting up friends, and contestant Meg working on a boot malfunction. Turns out that last observation was kind of prophetic. But more on that later.

Chatted with the lovely Michelle and Jessica, aka the Wreckers, fresh off their performance – and Grammy nomination! I was surprised to see a hint of nerves on their faces. Michelle Branch said she wouldn’t dare even try out for Nashville Star, since she’d probably never have made it past the auditions. She even thought Blake was taking notes at the judges’ table during their performance. My guess? He was probably writing down his phone number (KIDDING, MirandaJ).   The ladies talked about their upcoming tour with Keith Urban. It’s just them and him on this tour, they were thrilled to point out… though I was quick to tell them that Nic might just be along for that ride. Turns out Michelle already met Mrs. Urban, at a local yoga class a while back. 

And it wasn’t a stretch to say everyone who sang tonight shone. Starting with Zak Hacker, who hated the song the judges picked for him (Montgomery Gentry’s “Something To Be Proud Of”), but who sang the hell out of it anyway. The judges decided to ignore the sheer force of his performance and instead scold him like a wayward schoolboy for his “attitude.” Zak immediately came back to the greenroom and said, “I disagree with Randy. I wasn’t being negative, I was being honest.” I’m with Zak, for what it’s worth. Green Room Consensus: “You nailed it!” 

Joshua got the most nerve-wracking assignment of the night: Alabama’s “I’m In a Hurry.” He wasn’t, though; he slowed the tempo down and impressed the socks off Randy Owen. He was good, but will he stick around another week? My guess is that this tune was his swan song.

David impressed me again. But here’s the thing: it’s almost like he’s too good. I call it the Chris Young Syndrome: yeah, he’s great. He never makes mistakes (which seems to tick off judge Blake Shelton no end); he’s got years of singing and songwriting under his belt and a legion of fans already. So if he wins the competition, where’s the fun? I still think he’s got a great shot.

Jewel shone with a stripped down acoustic performance. Yodeling never sounded so chic.

Whitney Duncan managed to impress me. Not just with her solid performance, but with the way she carried herself onstage. She appeared genuine and sweet, and also looked and acted the star. She owned her time up there.

Alas, it was Meg who got the proverbial boot. Undeterred, she’s planning to tour and promote her album (which got a healthy plug from Jewel before Meg’s departure).

And Angela, Angela, Angela! Even her pal Bo Bice, there to support the Hackers from the audience, seemed moved. After her gravelly performance of a Barbara Mandrell classic, I truly believed Angela was country when country wasn’t cool. Hell, this girl would make striped legwarmers cool! Like her brother, she hated the song selection, and the judges also took her to task for “attitude,” (Anastasia said she needed a spanking…which put Blake right over the edge). But who cares? This girl is a modern day rebel, eschewing the typical polish and glamour so common in this industry and replacing it with much needed grit and soul. I love this woman. And spank me if I’m wrong, but I think this soul sister is our next Nashville Star. 

Word.