Nashville Star - down to 6

I've been watching this show since the beginning of this season. I've missed the beginning a few times but for the most part I've been tuned in. I have not voted yet. I blogged about the season premier in response to an article I found online that claimed Nashville Star was going to give American Idol a run for it's money! This certainly is not true. Nashville Star doesn't have NEAR the viewership as Idol, and it also doesn't have NEAR the talent, charm, excitement or anything else. Let's face it, American Idol is in a league all it's own. Copycat shows pale in comparison (as well as pretty much every other competition show out there).  But, all that aside, Nashville Star has it's own, amateurish charm and some pretty good up and coming talent. After suffering through that first episode with an Idol state of mind I've since lowered my expectations A LOT and can now enjoy the show!

Tommy Stanley was eliminated before I even tuned in. Since this was a double elimination week I had to wait until the end of the show to find out the other unlucky contestant. Melissa Lawson had also already been put through to next week before I tuned in. I assume this means she received the highest amount of votes.

So, here's my take on the rest...

Laura & Sophie - these two 'children' have begun some serious in-fighting that doesn't set well with people. I actually predicted this in my initial blog about this show. There are some very successful two-somes in country music but I figured that one of these girls would emerge from this duo as the stronger singer and this is obviously the brace-faced Laura. Unfortunately, she has also gotten a little big-headed as well and publicly belitted poor Sophie. This has put a strain on their lifelong friendship and singership. It's a shame that competing on this show could actually break up their act. I think they would do better if John Rich were their mentor since he is the somewhat 'lesser' member of a successful duo himself. I don't mean lesser as less talent, but when I think of Big & Rich the Big guy with his big hats and wild antics on stage come to mind moreseso that John Rich's mild-mannered behaviors. It's just the nature of the business and the dynamics of a duo. I don't think these girls will survive another week. And I personally will be glad to see them go. Seeing Laura so obviously upstage Sophie is just uncomfortable to watch.

Coffey - I'm not particularly moved by his performances and he seems just a tad cocky. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for diversity in country music BUT being a minority in a predominantly white, American music genre DOES NOT give a person the right to use their minority as a means to get more votes. I don't see Coffey advancing much further.

Gabe Garcia - Speaking of minorities...this man can sing some country music! His performances are awesome, his attitude is humble and real...I definitely see Gabe in the top 3!

Melissa Lawson - she's a bit predictable and although she can sing, I don't find myself enjoying her performances because, well, her appearance is a distraction. I'm not being rude, just honest. Let's face it, there are not a lot of heavy-set women making it in country music. Whenever I see and hear her Winona Judd always comes to mind. She could take it all, but I hope not because I just cannot see her selling a ton of records. She's got the voice but she lacks in having the whole package.

Shawn Mayer - she's obviously not related to John but she's still got some impressive pipes. She's got a hard-knock story and her passion really comes through in her performances. She's definitely got the work ethic needed to pursue a singing career. I can definitely see Shawn making it to the Top 3.

Ashley Hewitt - her's is another story that just tugs at your heart. Being raised on a farm with umpteen brothers and sisters. This girl is the epitomy of a country music singer. Although she's channeling Taylor Swift just a bit, her performance this week, with the guitar and bare feet really showcased her raw talent.  I was really surprised to see her in the bottom two this week. I'm so glad she got another chance and I hope to see her in the Top 3.

Pearl Heart - I hated them the first time I saw them. Their 'Dixie Chickiness' made me wanna hurl! Three sisters, two of which are twins..I mean COME ON! I said it in my initial post and I'll say it again, country music NEVER, EVER needs another Dixie Chicks. Although Pearl Heart did pretty good this week, their previous performance was lackluster, stiff and discombobulated and not enough to keep them in the competition. So we said good-bye to Pearl Heart. And just in case there is anybody out there that DOESN'T know this....true country music fans STILL do not like the Dixie Chicks and we never will!

So...we're down to 6!