Nashville Star held its final performance episode tonight, and after two performances from each of the top three finalists, there is no clear-cut favorite to win it all.
Gabe Garcia,
Melissa Lawson,
Shawn Mayer and
Coffey walked into the night, all hoping to sing two songs on the show. Each of the top four sang one song, but only the top three sang a second one. We got to see video of each of the finalists taking a trip back home and playing a show in front of adoring crowds. In addition,
John Rich wore a flashy as all hell red jacket tonight.
Here is how
Nashville Star went down tonight:
Shawn Mayer is up first tonight, and we see her return trip home. She comes from May City, Iowa, a town of only 45 people, though it looks like more. She led a pack of motorcycles to her concert. Tonight, she kicks off the live show with a song called, I think, “I'm Here for the Party.” I think it's a pretty great song choice, and she sings with a lot of energy, working the stage well. The judges all seem to enjoy the song.
Gabe Garcia went home to Lytle, Texas, and was honored with a big parade upon his arrival. He sang for thousands of people in his hometown. He sings a song I absolutely do not know, but it involves steel drums and a key change, so I'm a fan of it. “It's Five O'Clock Somewhere” is the name of the song, I believe.
Jewel doesn't really judge the songs on this show, instead giving vague career advice. The judges enjoyed the performance.
Coffey went home to Hollywood, and had less fans then the previous two singers. Makes sense. He makes the poor decision to sing “Sweet Home Alabama”. It's a lame version, and you can't tackle one of the all-time greats unless you can absolutely nail it. He did not. The judges all love his charisma, but wonder if he'll be a real “Nashville Star.”
Melissa Lawson went home to Arlington, came back to Nashville and sang some Pat Benetar. Yeah, really - “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” She sings it fine, nothing at all special – really good karaoke, and that's about it. Or, maybe I'm wrong. The judges love the song. I could just be an idiot.
Shawn Mayer was the first performer to make it past elimination. She sang a slow song that I didn't know the name of. She sang just fine. The judges all send their love to her.
Melissa Lawson is given her safe card next, and she also sings a slow song that I don't happen to know. Actually, I think this “Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood song. I actually don't think Melissa's voice is all that good. Maybe I'm wrong. The crowd goes wild as she finishes. The judges love her unequivocally.
Then, the moment of truth. Coffey was eliminated, and rightly so. That means Gabe Garcia finishes the show. Don't know this one either. Pretty by-the-books country tune, and he sings it just fine. Gabe is a solid performer, nothing incredible, yet reliable. The judges all love Gabe, as always.
This was it. The final results will come next week. Stay tuned.
-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of NBC)