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!
And it sucks!
My moms parents have always been old, to me. I mean I have never known my grandmother to have anything but gray hair. I have always known them both the bitch and moan about aches and pains when it rained, snowed or was beautiful outside.
While in Houston for the last 6 days I noticed that they are really getting "up there" in age. I am not sure if it was when The Kidlet was hiding from Pawpaw and she was not being so quiet running around yet he could not hear her or if it was at my birthday dinner when Mawmaw announced that they recently visited a retirement home and we considering moving (if the price was right).
It is absolutely bloody freezing here today. And windy as well. I've just hung the washing and my fingers are cold and numb. And there's not a child around for me to find and put my hands under their shirt. Because thats always fun. And now I have to go for a walk down the street as I don't have a car. I'm wishing now I'd saved some of the tomato and lentil soup I made the other day to have when I get home. It was so good though I ate it to the point of exploding.
I was home alone so I ate soup and watched Gladiators. Anyway, one of the reasons I'm walking in the freezing wind to the shops is to buy Betty a water bottle. Daz saw something on television last week and they suggested buying old dogs water bottles to put in their beds at night to help keep warm. And I thought that was a good idea and can't believe I didn't think of that myself. Why do we never think of those simple fantastic ideas?
Betty says - hi, I'm cold, why the hell don't you idiots get me a hot water bottle!!
Scotch was sorting the vinyl this weekend and came across a killer compilation that I bought a while back. We put it on, and this sweet gem got lodged in my head, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I dare you to listen to this and not be feelin' a whole lot better than before!
I'm pretty sure it's a Toots and the Maytals song, though, and the mp3 is just mislabeled. It could have been covered by Byron Lee, as he is awesome, although most of The Dragonaires stuff is sort of new wave synth ska. Thinking about Byron Lee, though, reminded me of this song:
Share a song that makes you laugh.
Hmm, that would be Put Your Arms Around me by Jens Lekman. Not hysterical laughter mind you, just a smile.
i was slicing up an avocado
when you came up behind me
with your quiet brand new sneakers
your reflection i did not see
it was the hottest day in august
and we were heading for the sea
for a second my mind started drifting
you put your arms around me
you put your arms around me
you put your arms around
blood sprayed on the kitchen sink
whats this? i had time to think
i see the tip of my index finger
my mind is slowly creating a link
from your mouth speaks your lovely voice
the best comments ive ever heard
oh honey you've cut off your finger
i bet thats gotta hurt
you put your arms me
you put your arms me
you put your arms around
i must've passed out on the porch
id never seen so many bright stars
when i wake up im in the waiting room
of the local e.r.
my hand is wrapped in toilet paper
and my shirts all blood red
i see you standing there like an angel
and i say baby i must be dead
you put your arms around me
you put your arms around me
you put your arms around me
One month from today, I'll be in the most beautiful location of the most beautiful place, eye to eye with the most beautiful girl. We'll vow (in two languages even) to stand by each others' sides for the rest of our lives, which is pretty fucking awesome. Some people are freaked out by such a commitment, but I've never been more sure of anything in my life. As cliche as it sounds, Miss Scotch is truly my best friend and my favorite person to be with. I miss her when we're apart, and every time I see her or hear her voice I'm like a puppy dog whose owner just came home from work. Marrying her is like signing up for free massages, on rollercoasters, with chocolate fondue between each ride, for the rest of my life. I'm ON FUCKING BOARD.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Setting: The reception area of Dora's midtown office.
Dora types away busily as she answers calls. She hears the familiar *ding* of the elevator and looks up as a pleasant looking, middle-aged woman approaches her desk. Dora stops to greet her...
Dora: Hi! Can I help you?
Gladys: Sure. I called a little while ago, I'm Gladys*, here to see Rob Guilford*
Dora: Right. *dials* Rob, Gladys is here for you, should I send her on up to 9? *waits for affirmative* Ok, you can go on up. Just take the elevator to the 9th floor and he'll meet you at the doors.
Gladys: *shuffles through her purse and then smiles at Dora* OK, thank you.
She turns and walks to the elevator to wait. Dora goes back to typing and answering phones...there is a lull in the ringing which Dora is grateful for until she hears an unmistakable low-pitched fart noise coming from the lobby. The sound reverberated loudly and robustly, practically echoing off the marble floors and was punctuated by a smaller fart noise, more of the trying-to-clamp-it-off variety. Dora didn't so much as flinch as she A. mentally patted herself on the back for becoming so good at ignoring farts and B. prayed to sweet Jeebus that no one around the corner heard it and assumed it was her. Dora continued typing, her eyes stayed glued to the monitor. The elevator *dinged* once more and Gladys disappeared, likely mortified.
*names have been changed to protect the innocent
I'm pretty busy at the moment with commissions and sewing up rabbits ready for my shop re-opening, but I like to take time to do little things like this to stop mye going complete insane. The idea is pretty much stolen from Photojojo (oh, how I love thee), but I used doubled side sticky tape not glue because I'm cool like that. Expect more bathing beautings to come.
