Jewel: Who did you vote for?Angela: Me.It's a Hacker world, baby! Congratulations, Angela! The season finale came so quickly, but I'm grateful that this show doesn’t mess around and gets right down to it. Well, except for tonight. They still had to fill an hour, and what better way to do that than with one performance after the next? I loved how the final three were dressed to the nines, considering the former contestants were out on stage tonight — they needed to stand apart. Even Jewel looked like she was ready for the red carpet. I did think Zac's gold jacket looked kind of funny, though, but hey, it's Zac…. He's pretty much allowed to wear whatever he wants at this point.When the Alabama siblings each sang for the last time before the winner was announced, you could tell both of them were soaking up the moment. It's like they were really inside their songs for those two minutes. Did anyone else feel slightly uncomfortable seeing Randy Owen clutching Anastasia's ha...
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Chris Young was a warm welcome to this penultimate episode (he's not so terrible to look at, either) — and an appropriate performer before naming the Top 3. It was nice to see the final four go back to their hometowns, so we could see a little piece of their history and families before the finale next week. Who knew Zac wanted to be a preacher? I'm glad he chose music instead. And so were the judges:Blake: "You're a very sexy man."Anastasia: "I am weak in the knees."Randy: "That was really moving."What was that tangent Jewel went off on about "walks in the park and laughing in the dark"? Maybe helping Zac get some votes? He was good, though. Solid song.It was really sad that Josh's mom showed up after 20 years, after a TV show opened her eyes to her own son. I don't really know their story, though, so I won't say any more, but it was definitely a heavy moment. But like he said, "What's important is that it happened." His song was fitting, too. He definitely deserved to be stand...
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This is a singing contest, right? I'm just checking, because did anyone really sing tonight? Cowboy Troy doesn't sing. Even Angela didn't bring the best she could tonight. I mean, Blake wanted to punch himself in the face. What does that say? (Maybe he should anyway, so that's irrelevant, really.) Sadly, I think the most exciting part of the show was the group performance. Everyone's voices came out to play in harmony, and I didn't fast-forward through any of it.But luckily, four people get to stay despite tonight's so-so outcome. Farewell, Whitney. I felt bad for her when she was talking about all the message-board comments that were hard to digest. So, Whitney, if you're reading this, good job tonight. Pretty solid. Great dress. Star smile. I won't say anything about pitch — the judges have said enough. Unfortunately for the lovable, huggable Zac, his song bored me this week. He still had that rugged edge to his voice, but it wasn't all there. And is it me, or does Anastasia...
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What in the world was Jewel wearing? Was that a napkin with a belt around it? OK, now that I've forced myself to get over that all too quickly, Randy opened the show, and I was happy to see him singing lyrics instead of giving his odd two cents for a few minutes. But he returned to his judge's seat soon enough and original-song night began with a twist: All the singers got to perform tonight, and in a fair decision, no one will go home because of technical difficulties in broadcasting the show last week. I'd rather that than an incorrect vote.Another change tonight: They separated the two finalists who received the least number of votes. Joshua, one of the bottom two, came out with a clean-shaven face, hair combed back and a... denim vest? I know, I know, this isn't Project Runway, so I'll lay off. His original song was pretty good, very emotional, and it showcased his voice well. Whitney, the other contestant bringing in a low number of votes, took Jewel's advice and showed up a li...
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I want you to know that I haven't been ignoring the fact that well-established artists have been opening each show for the past few weeks, but I am so eager to see the contestants sing that I just haven't been that into the starting performances. But when The Wreckers opened the show tonight, it was kind of a bore to me, and I have to admit that I might have fast-forwarded a bit through the song, thanks to my DVR.But it's always good to start things off with a laugh, and I might have giggled when Jewel quickly jumped in after Blake said she'd defend Joshua. "I feel that way about all of them," she said. Hmm, playing favorites, are we? I guess that's fair, because I certainly favor The Hackers.Zac, what a sparkly coat! I wasn't sure about the song they chose for him at first, but at least it had a bit of a kick to the ending. Figures that Randy picked it.... I expected more out of Randy this season, but his commentary is just off the mark and I felt that way about this song, too. Bla...
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Blake, put your hat back on. Welcome to Week 3, where the judges are a little rougher around the edges and the favorite is clearly Angela Hacker.She chose another good song for her style. Her voice sounded a little strained this week, almost like it needed a rest, but somehow it still rose to the top. She's basically the only one who got a positive word out of Anastasia, so that says something tonight. But the truth is, I just wanted her to keep singing.As for the others, congrats to Meg Allison for being called back. I'm sure she was happy being the first announced, since she had to wait the entire show to be called to the mic last week. Her song selection bored me tonight — I know she has this tender voice, but she needs to rock out once in a while. Randy talked about her smile and her outfit, so what does that say about her performance? It's "just about as alive as overcooked pasta." Uh, OK, Anastasia. What was weirder? Blake mumbled something about being a proud father and ...
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Now, I have to admit, I was flipping the channels on Tuesday night and stopped on American Idol, and who did I see sitting next to Paula Abdul? Jewel. And I thought, "What is she doing!" Whatever made her join the judging panel during those torturous auditions is beyond me, but her ability to keep a straight face was astounding — especially when one Idol wannabe decided to sing "If I Were King of the Forest" from The Wizard of Oz. I'm not joking, people.... There was purring involved. And that is the exact moment I changed the channel and prayed for Thursday, when actual singers show up.We're already down to eight contestants, and there are no cowardly lions in sight. Did anyone else notice how tiny Jewel looks next to Cowboy Troy? And let's throw out a thank-you to Anastasia for covering up this week. But enough small talk....Did yoga really help Joshua Stevens' breathing? He definitely seemed more relaxed, and I did see actual exhaling after those long notes. He's so boyish ...
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Welcome to Nashville, baby! And what a welcome it was. I loved the opening song, introducing the 10 contestants with an upbeat number that wasn't awkwardly choreographed or too complicated — just a genuinely warm start to this talent competition where the competitors are definitely talented and the music is almost always better than good.And although she said she's not used to reading teleprompters, Jewel was steady on stage (no matter how short her dress and high her heels), but I guess having a comfortable Cowboy on stage next to her helps. Check out what Jewel had to say about hosting Nashville Star and working with Troy.So, 10 great finalists, two friendly hosts and what else? Three judges who know country, live country and actually get along (eh-hem… unlike some other bickering judges we know). Oh, and they actually give some good advice. But, Anastasia, if you're listening…. As much as I value your thoughts on the performances, please conceal your top half a lit...
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