Rikks Revues has changed a bit for this season, the third, of Nashville Star. I am going to add my take, and a quote from each of the judges, and if you want to make your voice heard, use Music Chat - The Rikks Revues forum, there will be prize packs given out throughout the season drawn from the comments posted on Music Chat! You can also use the chat room available at this NEW Message Board, or post your comments on many other subjects, well, anything really!

Leann Rimes, as I really thought she would, started off the third season of Nashville Star with a terrific performance. It kind of makes me feel for the Contestants, although some are seasoned performers, the thought "I have to follow THAT ?" must go through some of the contestants minds. 

Now for the real meat of the show, the performances!

Casey Simpson

- Love Somebody Like You (Keith Urban)

In the beginning the sound mixing was appalling, Casey's vocals were drowned out by the music. The problem got corrected farther into the song and Casey did a great job on Love Somebody Like You. Being the first contestant can be really nerve-racking, but Casey Simpson held herself together. The performance of Love Somebody Like You was a good performance, her vocals (after the sound problems) were good for having to be the first performer, and she had a good stage presence, but a bit more work in that area wouldn't hurt. 

What the Judges Thought:

Phil - "You didn't miss a lick, You did great"

Anastasia - "You nailed it the first go around, I'm impressed"

Bret - "I Think we're going to see a lot of you"

Jody Evans 

The singing policeman, Jody Evans, gave a great performance. I am sure there is talk that Jody isn't a country performer, well, I say he is! His vocals were solid enough, but it was his stage presence that really blew me away. Jody Evans knows how to have fun on the stage, his antics and demeanor are bright and refreshing. I say job well done, the music scene could use more like Jody Evans. At heart, a true rockabilly performer, but how about that? Jody Evans on the first night of Nashville Star was like a cross between Marshall Crenshaw and the attitude and energy of BR549, you pick the member!  

What the Judges Thought:

Phil - "looks Just Like My Agent"

Anastasia  - "I Would carry your guitar and shine his boots" 

Bret  - "You know what sucks about this, I think we are going to have 10 really great people, it's gonna make it tough.

Tamika Tyler

Anastasia - "If I Was A Man. I'd Propose to You"

Bret - "Your voice is something  could Listen To All Night"

Check out Rikks Revues Nashville Star Links for past seasons and links on Nashville Star in general!

Josh Owen

- Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way (Waylon Jennings)

Josh Owen has a great stage presence, showed his Texas roots by giving a high energy rockin' performance. The vocals didn't seem to be up to par with the contestants that went before him on the first night of Nashville Star, but a strong performance that I will be glad to hear more of, I think there is definitely something there worth building on.

What the Judges Thought:

Phil - "Ready To See You Rock"

Anastasia - "Connect with the Audience more"

Bret - "Awesome Job Dude"

Christy McDonald

- Long Black Train (Josh Turner)

Christy McDonald, is there such a thing as being too perky ? I thought she knew how to have fun, but what about the song selection ? Long Black Train did not suit Christy McDonald. She has a soulful vocal delivery, but even though she may see herself as country, this was one performance that just really left me a bit flat, Long Black Train doesn't seem suited for the Janis Joplin soul vocals.

What the Judges Thought:

Phil - says jokingly "You have got to loosen up"

Anastasia - "Oh my God You are so adorable"

Bret - " You Make me Want to Party"

Jason Meadows

- Workin' Man (Merle Haggard)

Jason, out of all the contestants, is the only contestant that has a classic country style. The delivery was well executed, and Jason Meadows also shows that he feels very comfortable, almost at home, on stage in front of an audience. If Jason moves on, I think we can expect some great music from him. I think he has a bit more energy inside too that will be awesome to see in the future.

What the Judges Thought:

Phil - "Great Perfomance, you

Anastasia - "Not going to ask you to soften your jeans, just your delivery"

Bret - "You've got a great voice, You've got a great attitude"

Erika Jo

- Hate to Break Down Here (Trace Adkins)

Erika Jo took the Trace Adkins song and made it her own. I was really skeptical when I recognized the tune, but she delivered and gave the track her own signature. I can't see Erika Jo as the champion, yet, of Nashville Star, but hey, this was only week one.... and for the "baby" of the show, 18 Yrs old, she is headed on her way up. I think however that she could be one of the frontrunners, top 5, my view may change when I hear and see what else Erika Jo has to offer in the weeks to come.

What the Judges Thought:

Phil - "When I was your age I couldn't even talk, Great Job"

Anastasia - "Lose yourself in the music next time"

Bret - "You've got that thing inside your soul, I think you're going to be a big star"

Jenny Farrell

- Seven Year Ache (Roseanne Cash)

Well, this was the story of the night... When Jenny started to sing I thought she was doing a great job. Illness striking you makes it very tough when you are on stage, it didn't seem to me like nerves, but we remember what happened to Gregory last year when she began to cry. I don't think anyone should give sympathy votes, but I do think she was ahead of some of the other performers in the beginning of her performance. If history repeats itself, I am afraid we may lose Jenny Farrell, but that's up to the viewers. We'll see next week.

As she was ill and left before finishing her song, the judges didn't comment on her performance.

Jayron Weaver

- I'm Already There (Lonestar)

Pinch me, slap me, just wake me up.... My God this guy has got one heck of a voice. Jayron's delivery was flawless and I didn't want his performance to end. Jayron Weaver will have to work on his stage presence and on-stage persona a bit more, but for the first night, whoah!  

What the Judges Thought:

Phil - "What a great voice man, You really sing great dude"

Anastasia - "Look at the audience next time, you've got to be present to win"

Bret - "You got it there, Just bring it"

Justin David

- Ring of fire (Johnny Cash)

Well, the judges seemed to really like the performance of Justin David (hen again they REALLY liked everyone). I think the choice of song was NOT the best for Justin, but  am sure he will be back next week, I really need to see him pour on the energy a bit more, and give me something to remember, I would really need to see more of him. From his website there are some great samples of his work, and I was just expecting more than I received from Justin David.

What the Judges Thought:

Phil - "It sounded great, I Love it"

Anastasia - "Your performance made my toes curl"

Bret - "I could watch you do that about ten more times, very cool"

The recap........ I have already seen some of the message board chatter all over, at different discussion boards, and well, I disagree with most. I found Nashville Star's third season to be well done. I was a bit suspicious of the 5 Gals / 5 Guys ratio, but MAYBE they thought those WERE all the best they had seen. I am waiting however to see what happens as the contestants start to disappear, what have the producers of Nashville Star got in store for us next, are they going to make the show just another reality show, or are they going to really stick to the main thing here, it's the music that matters.

From week 1 of Nashville Star Season 3 - I really see Tamika Tyler and Jayron Weaver as the frontrunners. Both could be huge stars, Jayron needs a bit more work on his presence, but that voice is still giving me chills.

~Rikk Matheson~

On week 2, 03/08/05, the special guests will be starting to arrive, Montgomery Gentry will be the guests for Nashville Star's second episode of 2005!

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Nashville Star Weekly Updates 2005 Week 1 - 03/02/05    Week 2 - 03/08/05  Week 3 - 03/15/05       Week 4 - 03/22/05    Week 5 03/29/05   Week 6 - 04/05/05      Week 7 - 04/12/05    Week 8 - 04/19/05

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