Well, the USA Network and Sony should be proud of the crop of artists they have left on the show. I know as a music fan and viewer, the final line-up has brought us to crunch time my friends, before we get into that, let's take a look at episode 5 "It's Willie Time" and see what happened.

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George Canyon - That Girl Inside My Head, Matt Lindahl - Georgia on a fast train, and Brad Cotter - I Meant To, and all but one song from Buddy Jewell's latest CD, Simply click the banner below........

Nashville Star Season 2, What happens now that the show is over and Brad is the winner ?

Lance Miller - There Will Come A Day CD review

Brad Cotter CD review 

George Canyon CD review

Sean Patrick McGraw CD review

John Arthur Martinez - Lone Starry Night review

Nashville Star Online - March 20th Update and Quotes

Nashville Star Online - March 27th Update and Quotes

Nashville Star Online - April 03rd Update and Quotes

Nashville Star Online - April 10th Update and Quotes

Nashville Star Online - April 17th Update and Quotes

Nashville Star Online - April 24th Update and Quotes

Nashville Star Online - Buy Music of Nashville Star contestants

Nashville Star Online - Season 2 Updates

May 1st Nashville Star Update and quotes... The Grand Finale

Well, a funny thing happened on the way to see the taping of Nashville Star, OK so I wasn't on my way to see the show, but I did watch it LIVE on cable, the USA Network, and what did I get out of it, well since the mess up last week they had to let 2 of the contestants go this week instead of one, and they made us wait until the bitter end to find out who it was, so guess what, I'm gonna make you wait until the end of my April 3rd review to find out who got sent home, If you remember what I predicted last week, it won't be much of a surprise to you though.

It's Willie Nelson night on Nashville Star, and the Red Headed Stranger didn't disappoint. The man strolled onto the stage as poised as ever and no matter what, I still say the man doesn't seem, or act his age. As a matter of fact I wouldn't put him in the old folks home just yet! Willie took over the stage and commanded the audience as he always does with a terrific job on Whiskey River. Never have I heard this man disappoint an audience when he takes the stage, and if you are Willie Nelson, you OWN the stage. That didn't stop him from opening the show though, and how many rising country singers are ever going to get the chance to say they had Willie Nelson open a show for them, even before they had their first recording contract.

Well, as wonderful and charismatic as Willie Nelson is, the future of country music took the stage one at a time, and the only way they knew at this point whether they were eliminated or not was when their name got called. So the pressure is mounting backstage, you can see the hope and the fear in all of the contestants eyes, they know as we do that only 6 0f the 8 left will be performing here tonight. So who gets the call to be the ummmmmm, Lucky? one to follow Willie, well Nancy has to take an abbreviated pause for dramatic purposes, and then calls the name of .................... Lance Miller............

Well Lance is a bit nervous, hey man, you follow Willie and you'd be a bit nervous too........ Lance may not have picked the best song for himself on this night, but did a good job of "On The Road Again" just the same. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention all the contestants were going to be singing Willie Nelson songs with him in the audience? Tell me that ain't tough! Last week and this week Lance Miller has gotten more comfortable and is a real pleasure to watch, I can't see Lance not having a life in country music when this show is over regardless, win or lose the competition. Not the best, but good job.

Matt Lindahl - Man talk about giving it to the wardrobe department. I know they got him his black overalls and Manuel jacket, but he still keeps a bigger part of himself and walks out with his red ball cap on. Folks expecting to be laughing at this point were pleasantly surprised, this guy can really sing. I think I've been saying that all along, but yeah, he can, and he did a great version of "Uncloudy Day".

Well, at this point we learn what the "Hot Spot" Challenge is this week. Ah, piece of cake, the contestants ONLY have to sing America The Beautiful in front of 160,000 fans at the Bristol Speedway prior to a Nascar race, yep, that's all. More about that later though.........

Brad Cotter stole the show last week with "I Miss Me", and although he did another great job tonight, it wasn't quite as memorable. Brad put his best foot forward on "The Last Thing I Needed". Another young star on the rise that has a great career ahead of him , win or lose the competition. I am starting to really like this young man, I just hope he doesn't get pushed into a hole of singing all ballads and love songs.

At this point I found myself thinking about last years competition and who was left, and I think this year overall the talent is stronger of the remaining contestants. That is to take nothing away from Buddy Jewell, John Arthur Martinez, Miranda Lambert, or Jamey Garner, but these guys are wonderful this year too, I didn't think I was going to like it as much after just watching the first couple shows.

George Canyon, well it's already been said since the start that I thought George to be the one to beat and he proved that point Saturday Night by not only hitting a home run, but by knocking in a grand slam! When he said he was to be singing "Seven Spanish Angels" that Willie Nelson had the major hit with Ray Charles, I thought this might be the wrong song for him, was I ever wrong! George Canyon made this song his own, and left the other contestants in the dust, not that they weren't great, but what a tremendous rendition of one of my all-time favorite story songs in country music. If something happens and George Canyon fails to deliver after this, he will still have a long and prosperous career in country music. Great Job!!!

After George Canyon's performance, I sat back and found myself thinking I bet even the judges are probably glad they don't have the final say now.

Jennifer Hicks....... The soft spoken lady was the next to grace the stage, and if you're thinking that a lady shouldn't sing "Mama's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys", you've never heard this talented gal sing it. Great job, and has proven that she deserves to be one of the remaining finalists. I will be one of the first in line to buy her new album WHEN it comes out. I think her style suited this song, and the song fit her well.

Now it is time to find out who we are going to say goodbye to. There are three left, in case you lost count. Brent Keith, Marty Slayton and Sheila Marshall. Who was to leave, well the first one asked to leave was Sheila Marshall, I am glad she didn't take it too hard, but she acted like she just won the Grammy award by thanking everyone she could think of. I thought that was a little much. 

.................. And then there were 2......... Brent and Marty stand with their arms around each other waiting for Nancy to make the announcement. After another exaggerated pause, Nancy tells the viewers at home, and in the theater that the last to perform tonight would be.......................

be.........................

be........................

Brent Keith. Well, the guy has got a look, and I believe he has a good voice, but he always hides that voice inside until the bitter end. When Billy said good ending, that was all I thought was good about this flat uninspired performance. "City of New Orleans" deserves more than a slight non-chalante here you are offering, and it showed me a couple things........ First, instead of getting better as the rest of the contestants have over the course of the show, Brent Keith has begun back peddling. A completely uninspired performance, and based on tonight's show, and second, it will not surprise me when Brent Keith has to pack his bags and leave the house next week. You cannot wait until the bitter end of your performance to shine, it just doesn't work.   

You've read my opinions, what are yours? Email me your comments and you will be entered into a draw for FREE Nashville Star music....... Good luck, comment on what you liked, disliked, your favorite, or the entire show!! Email the comments to help@RikksRevues.com .

So, what are readers and viewers like you thinking?   

  Week 5 was another incredible week for NS2. The show opened with Willie
Nelson singing  "Whiskey River". Have I mentioned that his voice just seems
to be getting better the older he gets? The night progressed with the type
of elimination where the contestants are picked one at the time to go out
and sing. The last two were the ones that were eliminated from the
competition. Not my favorite way to eliminate but I was not surprised that
Sheila and Marty were the ones picked to leave. Both gave less than stellar
performances last week and were my picks to leave

Lance Miller came out and sang "On the road again". I really like lance but
this was a weak performance for him. He sounded too much like an imitator of
a country star and not enough like himself. He did finally come around in
the last half of the song and finish as himself but there are no points for
a half performance. In my opinion he was the weakest tonight and could get
voted off any time.

Matt Lindahl was second. "Uncloudy Day" was his choice and he came out
looking more like a serious singer/songwriter than he ever has. I don't think
he will be able to last more than 2 more weeks though and I don't see him
taking the NS2 crown from George. Matt wore black overalls but wore a black
jacket that really did look good with what he had on. He kept the red hat,
but you know what? It didn't take away from his look this time. When he sang
he did the song justice and showed me what I was looking for. That he wasn't
a one trick pony. Way to go Matt!!!!

Brad Cotter "The last thing I needed" Brad is a serious contender at this
time. He has finally settled in and started singing like he wants to win. I
will be surprised if he can win over George Canyon but even if he doesn't, a
label will be picking this guy up. He has the ability and the voice. He was
not my choice from the start of the show but has won me over since then.

George Canyon (Seven Spanish Angels) - Good God!! He completely stole the
show. I don't think I have ever ever heard this song sang better by anyone!!
After he was done I had to take a deep breath because I wasn't sure if I had
remembered to breath. If this were a Nascar race he kicked it to about 250
Mph and pulled 2 laps ahead of everyone. The song was his from start to
finish and he did finish with a very strong flourish making the song his
own. I would buy that song on a single and wear the coating clean off of it
and I don't buy singles....ever. Way to go George!!!!!!

Jennifer Hicks (Mama's don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys)
-Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer. She has improved so much since the show
started. She has confidence and poise now. Something I think she was
lacking. She was confident onstage and her voice was strong. She connected
to the audience and the judges. I will be very very surprised if she doesn't
get picked up by a label when its all over. Way to go Jennifer!!!!

Brent Keith - (City of New Orleans) As far as I'm concerned he did a good job
with this song. Not great. Just good. But Brent isn't good enough to win.
This is not the time to give a "good" performance. He needs to give GREAT
performances and he isn't doing it. He might get the boot next show as well.

Week 5 is over and we head into week 6, my choices for last three standing
haven't changed. George, Brad. Jennifer. My choice to leave next show is
Lance. Sorry Lance, you have some talent but you were weak tonight and have
only had one really strong showing and that was with originals. If Lance
doesn't get the boot my next choice is Brent. Stay tuned next week to see if
my predictions hold true.
~GaCowboy

*******Rikks Notes , I can't see Lance going anywhere yet, but I like tkat not everyone always agrees, besides I wanna hear him do some southern rock, I think that'd wake folks up***************

I said it once on the message boards, you have great taste because you
write exactly what I am thinking when watching the shows.  Can't argue
with your analysis  anywhere.

Ralph

Rikk; I really like your reviews.  They're well written and entertaining.

I was disappointed that Marty was eliminated.  I almost had the feeling that
the judges were very jealous that she has made a living as a back up singer in
Nashville for a lot of years.  It's almost like they didn't want a second
"Buddy Jewel" who had waited long in the Nashville "typing pool" of talent.  And
who the heck does that DJ think he is?  He's no Simon Cowell, that's for sure.
 At least Cowell has the background and success to make the comments he does
-- although I don't always agree with him. I'm just glad the first judge on
Nashville Star doesn't spin CD's in the San Francisco area.  We'd all be turning
off our radio -- the guy is obnoxious and pretentious.  I don't feel he has
the credentials to be a judge on the show.

This should be an interesting week.  Thanks for your review!
~-KT

I'm impressed by the whole lot of them!

I mean look at them:

Lance, doing "On The Road Again", was shockingly lively (for Lance),
brought out the personality and gave his best performance of the
competition. I just wish I could get past the nasal voice.

Matt, singing "Uncloudy Day", made an odd choice (Who would have guessed
that? ), but it worked. It was real country, back to its roots. He has
now answered my questions about the ability to be serious. But I have to
ask -- did jAm leave a jacket behind in the house when after last
season? Unfortunately, my wife doesn't quite get his appeal.

Brad's version of "Last Thing I Needed" made a believer out of me. The
boy might just sneak up and win this whole thing. It was crowd pleasing,
and Willie pleasing. There is a certain power to being at the keyboard
and not playing guitar -- wonder how he would sound on a piano.

George sang "Seven Spanish Angels", and all I can say is "Whoa!" It was
a great choice for him, difficult as it is to sing well. Man, does this
boy ever look the part of a country star. By the way -- does anyone else
think George sounds like "country Elvis"? And you have to admire the
audacity of his response to Nancy -- "Willie, come up and sing with me!"
You da man, George!

Jennifer picked everone's favorite, "Mamas. Don't Let Yur Babies Grow Up
To Be Cowboys". And Willie smiled as big a smile as I saw all night. It
was definitely her strongest night. I've compared her to Pam Tillis in
the past, but I think that vocal quality comes closer to one of the
Carter clan.

Brent hit a home run with "City Of New Orleans". He sang it like he
wrote it -- and I have to say I would buy it. He has finally loosened
up. But since my wife longingly calls the man "Dimples", I have wonder
-- is there such a thing as "too pretty" for a male country singer?

Good choice in who went home this week -- the girls simply were not
strong enough, and Darwin became a factor. The glitch in the feed that
took out a second or two of Brent was ascribed by my darling wife to an
angry marty kicking out the video feed.

At this point, I think only George and Brad are safe for sure, based
upon past dominance. I think any of the other four could head home this
week.

~ TxTeach

*******Rikks Notes, Umm we must have saw a different show at the end, but as I said before, it's a difference in opinions that makes the world go round********

Nashville Star 2, to me, is still not as strong on talent as #1 was.  I love George Canyon and I believe he has it won but he still doesn't bowl me over like Buddy did and does.  George could probably sing anything and I would like it but I wouldn't rush right out and buy it.
 
Brad Cotter needs a different hair stylist but his voice needs no help.  He is very, very good and he gets more self confident with each show.  I like the keyboard but I love a guitar and I'd like to hear him sing as well as he has for the past couple of shows while strumming on one.  A keyboard is hard to carry around for impromptu concerts (which I would love to luck into sometime).
 
Jennifer Hicks can definitely sing but I can't help but wonder if her sweet girl quality is real.  Her wearing apparel is Look At Me! while her persona seems to be Oh my, I'm just little ol' me.  Maybe I'm being unfair and she's dressing that way because that's what she thinks she needs to do.  Look at Amy Chappell of last year.  She was the girl next door and Miranda was the popular, flashy one.  I think Amy was much the better of the two but she couldn't compete with the glitter.
 
Lance is Country.  Keep the hat, Lance.  It suits you.  I want to see the Southern Rock before making a final decision on Lance.

Matt is Matt is Matt!   He's fantastic!  I would pay good money to see him headline a show.  I've preordered his cd and can't wait until I get it.  I can't see him winning this but I think he has a long and prosperous future in the business.  I certainly hope so.
 
Brent is gone.  Just my humble opinion but dimples only carry you so far.
 
Like I said, just my humble opinion.  

Kathy S

 

In my opinion, George Canyon is by far the best on the show! "Seven Spanish Angels" isn't my favorite Willie song, but I thought George did an awesome job Saturday night with it! I kinda like the song now. I definitely think George should win the whole thing!
 
The only other contestant I have a strong opinion on is Brent Keith. He needs to go.
 
Of the remaining four contestants, there are things I like about each one, but there is also something that I don't care for. It's different for each one. I love Matt's powerful voice, but he's too goofy for me. I like Lance's original songs, but he's too "twang" for me. Jennifer sounds a bit nasal and Brad just isn't "manly" enough. (I really don't want this paragraph posted so I won't hurt anyone's feelings.) This is just my opinion.
 
Kim

 

     

There ya go. Be sure to tune in next week at 10PM Eastern to the USA Network to watch the "Southern Rock" episode of Nashville Star. And come back here for more play by play.

Take care & Peace.......... 'Til next week. Check out sopme more Nashville Star links below.........

     

 

              

 

 

 

 

Country Music and Nashville Star Message Board - http://com2.runboard.com/bcountrymusicandnashvillestar

 

 

USA Network's Nashville Star Bulletin Board - Click Here!

 

 

    

 

 

 

The official USA Network Nashville Star website - http://www.usanetwork.com/nashvillestar/

 

 

 

 

Do you have any comments on George Canyon you think others would like to see and read ? If so please feel free to email them to me info@RikksRevues.com

Other Nashville Star 1 & 2 Message Boards, chat rooms and forums.......

	George Canyon Fanlisting site
	Miranda Lambert - Message Board
	Brandon Silveira - Message Board
	John Arthur Martinez - jAm Fans Message Board
	Jamey Garner - Message Board
	Brandi Gibson - MSN Group
	Brad Cotter Chat - Chat Room
	Matt Lindahl - Message Board
	Anessa Andrews Forum - Forum/ Message Board

Hey If you know any other message boards, forums or chat rooms you think I should list, let me know!!

I will post new quotes from readers as they become available.

Nashville Star Updates, Remember season 1 ?

Nashville Star Season 2 Updates

Buy Music of Nashville Star contestants

 

               Nashville Star Links

Webmasters : If you have a website or page dedicated to Nashville Star and you would like to link to Rikks Revues, we can swap links. If you link directly to this page, I will link to yours, and vice versa. Trying to get all the information we can about the show, together we can do it.

	Sir Links Alot Nashville Star links Loads o' Links about Nashville Star
	Nashville.About.Com  Nashville Star news and links. Jan offers up some great information for Nashville Star Fans. A must visit.
	http://www.realitytvlinks.com/nashvillestar.html - Reality TV links to Nashville Star

 

 

 

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