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April 10th, Well, it's southern rock night, and I am anxious for a couple reasons, there are a few competitors left that I don't see as being southern rock, I will wait until the performances are over to decide. The second reason is I have always LOVED Lynyrd Skynyrd and can't wait to hear them perform.

So, Skynyrd takes the stage, and takes it OVER with one of their best known tunes Sweet Home Alabama, they rock and kick major butt as usual. Great job!!! Hey, now it is time to get the contestants to do their rendition's of some southern rock classics............

The hot spot challenge this week, uh-oh, the NS hopefuls have to go "on-air" with shock jock Don Imus, now Imus himself is a fan of country, but his cast of characters, well it's like throwing 10 pounds of raw sirloin into a lion's cage. When I first decided that I wanted to get into radio, Imus was my idol, he's gotten a bit older, but he still has the stuff I first saw that made the decision for me to follow the radio calling.

Matt Lindahl proclaims before his performance "I Can't wait to do this" so he comes to do southern rock, wait a minute, with a washboard ? I can remember hearing you've got use what the good lord gave you when I was younger and that's what Matt does, and he couldn't have picked a better song. "They call me the breeze" is tailor made for his personality and you could see even Lynyrd Skynyrd enjoying themselves. If the contest came down to simple stage presence and getting the crowd involved, Matt may have won the show already. He really knows how to have fun, and he proved that again. I've said before I would pay top dollar to see Matt perform, he is a true ENTERTAINER! At the end of his performance he does the heavy metal thing, except he doesn't have a guitar, so he smashes his washboard. What a way to end a great performance, When Matt has fun it seems to spread, and everyone has a good time.

Next up is Brad Cotter, this performance is one that I wasn't sure I'd like...... Brad has an amazing voice, I just haven't heard him in high gear yet. Doin' the .38 special classic "Hold On Loosely". At the beginning of this song I didn't buy it, why, because he broke out of his mold (which was I what I was hoping for, still surprised though), when you are used to an artist as a balladeer it can take a while to see them rock the house. As I said, at first I didn't buy it, but by the end, man I was made a believer. Brad Cotter will be one of the final 3 in my opinion, and he has made me want to hear more each week, that is achievemnet in my books. He kicked it with the best of them and I really liked this performance. His voice is more tailored to the ballad, but he still did a great job on a song that is by no means the easiest to perform.....

Next contestant to be called out was.......... Jennifer Hicks. I still love this lady, I am going to say here and now she is a true profesional. Not only did she not miss a beat when the audience couldn't hear her, they stopped her (The only fair thing to do in the case of audio glitches) and she had to start again. She did a great job . Professional yes, but the glitch still put her at a bit of a disadvantage having to break her rhythm and go at it full again. "The south's Gonna Do It Again" (Not Blue Sky as it said on the voting page) is a great song, and Jennifer did a good job, the only problem is I don't see Jennifer as an outlaw or a rocker and you kinda have to have a bit of that in your soul for this song. Good performance, I'll see how she fares at the end of the show....... I will be surprised if she stays after this week, but I have been known to be wrong before, we'll see...................

At this point it has to be getting rough on the three left standing backstage, only 2 of them will advance. Next up...........

George Canyon............ This guy can do no wrong, wowed me again. George does his rendition of the Marshall Tucker band's "Can't You See" Growing up on the US / Canada border I am willing to bet there are a lot of Canadians that can remember the other version that also came out of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton's Matt Minglewood did a great version of this song that was a big hit for him up north. That may be why George picked this song, in any case George Canyon has not done anything yet to make me think he is not worthy, Tracy may sign him to Sony whether he wins the contest or not. Great job as always by George Canyon. And how about the brief glimpse of the song he did on the Imus in the morning radio show, man I can't wait to hear more of that song "Letting Go".

And then there were 2.......

Nancy calls Lance Miller and Brent Keith front and center as we get to hear who the final performer of the night is, Lance and Brett and I am sure their fans are a bit nervous, heck I would be, and the final performer is ..........

Lance Miller.....

I predicted last week that Brent Keith would be the one to leave (as did others). After hearing the song he did on the Imus in the morning show, I just wish he could have brought that same intensity, passion and energy to the Nashville Star stage, maybe he wouldn't have been going home. It has got to be tough on not just him, but his housemates who have grown to know him, this is as Lance said, A bitter-sweet part of the show. They don't want to see their new found friends take the walk, but this is a contest, someone has to go.... The thing is this, last year we got to see some of the interaction at the "house" on music row, that gave us a bit more of a glimpse of the contestants, this year we don't get to see that. There were some great moments last year that were filmed in the house like the true feelings and emotions when someone has to leave. Well maybe USA and Sony can make a bookmark of that for the next time around.

This is going to be hard to accept (I say to myself) too, Lance Miller is a country traditionalist and it is hard for me to think what he could perform. If Lance Miller had to chose one southern rock song, and it was the theme of the show, so he did have to, he couldn't have chosen a better song to suit his style than the Allman Brothers "Ramblin' Man". Great vocals, but he seemed a bit like a deer in the headlights tonight, by no means his strongest performance, seemed a bit more like he did in the first episodes as far as his stage presence, but he pulled it off, and did a very good job. I bought into the performance and still want to see more of him.

Man, am I glad the fate of these 5 contestants doesn't lay on my head. This is going to be a tough one to call. The 2 best is easier for me to say as George Canyon and Brad Cotter left the rest in their dust. The other three were good as well, but it is going to have to be in my opinion Lance, Matt or Jennifer who have to pack and leave next week. I hope the sound problems don't affect the votes for Jennifer, but if she does get cut it will be partially for that reason. She did great, I would have really liked to have heard her the first time through as I am sure she would have been more comfortable, still a good job, I simply feel it may be her that goes home after next weeks show. Matt is the one horse that a lot of folks didn't expect to make it this far, Matt Lindahl has rendered some folks speechless. His personality and his stage presence are top notch. He may not have the vocal range some of the others do, but he has got flair and charisma, you have to give him that much at least, and as far as being the dark horse in the race he has shown me he deserves the attention given him. Each week he gets better and can still throw the audience and judges for a loop. I like his demeanor and attitude. This show has helped him a lot more than he yet realizes.

Well, I have to admit, in the beginning I was wondering where all the talent was, but with this final 5 line-up, there isn't one contestant who doesn't deserve to be there, at least on some level.

Join the NSII hopefuls next week, will Brad be moving on? did Lance have enough votes to pull him through? Will George Canyon do his duet with fellow Canadian, who resides in Nashville now, Terri Clark. Jennifer's fate lies in the public's hands now, and can Matt, even though he lifted the roof with his performance, survive to perform a duet with either Trace Adkins or Terri Clark ? These and other questions will be answered next week....................

Whoa, I didn't expect this to be as tough as it is turning out to be. I still predict Jennifer will be the one to leave next week, time will tell, I have been known to be wrong a couple times Good luck to all of the remaining contestants the rest of the way as they try to advance to the final 4!!

That's how I saw it this week, how did you see it? email your Nashville Star comments to me at help@rikksrevues.com and get in on your chance to win FREE music by contestants this year and next!!

From your emails, I know you are waiting to see what GaCowboy has to say, so without further ado.......

"I'm a whiskey....rock-a-roller, that's what I am. Climbing whiskey
mountain....."  Oh sorry I get carried away sometimes when I listen to
southern rock. On Nashville Star 2, it was southern rock week and I had been
looking forward to this all week because one of my favorite bands was going
to be singing and did they ever!!! The show opened with Lynyrd Skynyrd taking the stage (literally) and singing Sweet Home Alabama. These guys are consummate performers. I have seen them in concert many many times and this was just another great job by them.

When it came time to sing Matt Lindahl said "I Can't wait to do this" ....
no wait.. that's not good enough. He PROCLAIMED with enthusiasm and drive
that "I Can't wait to do this!!!" Who would have thought he would sing "They
call me the breeze"? I certainly didn't think of that but this song was his
from start to finish. He even brought the washboard back out and you know
what? It didn't take away from his show or performance. A few times they
moved the camera over the Skynyrd sitting there and they were having a
blast!! I don't think I have ever seen Johnny Van Zant smile so big. Fine you
got me!! I'm finally sold!! Super job Matt!!

Brad Cotter came out and sang 38 Specials "Hold On Loosely". He did an
outstanding job on the song!! This guy is the total package and I can
already see the wheels turning in Tracy Gershon's head. Brad has a contract
whether he wins or not. Tracy is sold on him. After he finished the song she
proclaimed "you are ready for a record deal". If he was listening not to
just her saying that to how she said it, he should be walking on cloud
nine!!

Jennifer Hicks took a shot at singing "The south's Gonna Do It Again". I
don't think I would have had her try to sing that one but she did. And she
didn't do a bad job but she wasn't as strong as she needed to be to sing this.
This is a very strong upbeat song and she sang "Be proud you're a rebel
cause the south's gonna do it again" but she should have been singing "BE
PROUD YOU'RE A REBEL CAUSE THE SOUTH'S GONNA DO IT AGAIN!!". Still not a bad job and she had some technical problems (her mic didnt work) and she didn't let it throw her. Nancy came out and restarted her but I think she showed
that she was a professional in how she handled the tech problems. She can
still be in the top 3 but she wont be winning this competition.

George Canyon sang the ever-luvin Doo-Doo outta Marshall Tucker band's
"Can't You See"!!! He was lively. He played to the audience. He had energy
and he sang it well. This guy has not disappointed me yet and so far I don't
think he will. George will end up winning... and you know what.. I can see
the wheels spinning in Tracy's head on him as well. If he doesn't win.. she
will have Sony sign him anyway.. This is a win-win for Sony!!.

Lance Miller was the last one to sing and not surprisingly he sang the
Allman Brothers hit "Ramblin' Man". He did OK but really expected more out
of him. I almost wish he had picked something else. He gave a mediocre
performance and in my eyes he lost points this week as well as last week. He
wont last much longer. I expect him to be the one to get the boot this
coming Saturday.
All in all a great week of NS2!!!
Regards,
GaCowboy

It was a great night last night! My pick to go home next week would be
Lance. He's just not comfortable on stage. He writes good songs, he just
doesn't have that performance piece that I think the next Nashville Star
needs.

Matt always looks like he's having the time of his life when performing. I
don't think he'll ever have to wash cars or pick apples again. He's an
entertainer. He'll have lots of opportunities. Not sure he's the next
Nashville Star though. (although my entire family was screaming with
laughter when he broke the washboard)

Jennifer had a rough night- southern rock is really not her thing, then of
course she had to deal with the sound problem. She got through it and did an
adequate job. I think it's enough to buy her another week.

Brad and George were the best again this week. I think Brad did a more
believable southern rock interpretation, but George would be my pick if I
were forced to choose between them. His voice just seems limitless. I was
also impressed with George's Imus clip.

~ Donna....

Skynyrd -- "Sweet Home, Alabama" -- Not bad for a bunch of old dudes, huh?  Hopefully they'll end with "Freebird".

Finalists -- "What's Your Name?"  -- Great song, but an awkward one to include Jennifer in given its about band members and the groupies..  Brent was weak, George and Brad excellent, Lance off-key, Jennifer was personable, and Matt stole the show as always. Don't do this again, folks -- you are NOT American Idol!  (And Nancy, I have no doubt that Father John would give me 10 Hail Marys for looking at you in that outfit. Yowsuh!")

Matt Lindahl --"They Call Me The Breeze" -- Fantastic choice for Matt, but watching the guy's eyes I had to thing "Where's the Prozac?"  Don't get me wrong -- I liked the energy and the vocals, but he looked positively manic in the paisley shirt with the washboard. As soon as he strapped it on, I turned to my wife and suggested that it would not survive the performance.  And in classic rock style, it didn't.  Good job, Matt!  (By the way, Tracy, thanks for adding another 10 Hail Marys to the penance I got because of Nancy's outfit. Looking good, babe!)

Jennifer Hicks --"The South's Gonna Do It Again" --  An all-time favorite song of mine, harmed by technical difficulties and a voice weaker than the song requires.  This song is meant to be shouted after your liquored up, not sung sweetly.  I liked it, but she needed an arrangement that made the band a little bit less of a factor.  The judges were pleased, but I think it was more for her grace under pressure. I suspect she could be leaving us next week.

Brad Cotter --"Hold On Loosely" -- Where's the keyboard, Brad?  Doesn't matter, because he does guitar quite well, though he might consider splitting the difference and going for one of those keyboards on a guitar frame thingies.  Great vocals and presence, though I can't say I loved this version because Brad's vocals are just too smooth for a song
that edgy.

George Canyon -- "Can't You See" --  Damn!  Is there anything this guy can't sing?  He made the song his own by slowing it down and giving it a more country sound than the rocking edge we all love in the original. And it worked, possibly as his best performance yet.  We all know this is a two man race, and I think George moved a bit ahead this week.

Lance Miller -- "Ramblin' Man" -- Good choice, but was it enough?  It is the first time since "George Jones & Jesus that I've thought he might have a shot.  The only stumble I saw was at the end, as he tripped on his own two feet.  What was Billy seeing that I missed.  I liked it, but I don't know how much this will set him apart given his last performance.

Skynyrd -- "Red White and Blue" -- The Warrens wrote it, no wonder it sucked.  The perfect argument for the old guys not performing any new music, just the classics.  But then again, I was outraged they didn't sing "Freebird".

~ Greg
Seabrook, TX

I though Matt did a great job with "Call Me the Breeze". I still believe he has a fantastic voice, but still a bit too goofy.

I felt really bad for Jennifer with the technical difficulties, but she did pull it off. She is my least favorite and since someone has to go, I hope it will be her.

Brad sang "Hold on Lossely". I didn't think that was truly Southern Rock. I didn't think this was his strongest performance of the contest.

George really wowed me tonight. I thought he might have been at a disadvantage with Southern Rock, but he proved he could handle it without a problem. He has been so consistent throughout the competition. His voice is very powerful, plus he's true country --all the way from Canada! He is by far, my favorite.

Lance did ok, but not his best either. I still like him, but he's #2 or 3 for me.

I really loved the group singing "What's Your Name, Little Girl?" everyone but Brent sounded great--especially George. Even my son was impressed with him on that!

I thought it was right for Brent to be the one to go. I think he knew it was going to be him.

One sour note--the song written by the Warren Bros. that Lynyrd Skynyrd sang at the end. The Bros. don't impress me at all!

Kim

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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

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