New Nashville Star Ripe With Chemistry

Nashville Star’s promising sixth season got underway last night (6/9) on a new network—NBC—and clearly separated itself from past iterations. Production values are noticeably improved, but in reality, it’s the show’s professional cast that turns straw into gold. The 90-minute weekly episodes are judged by industry icons Jewel, John Rich and Jeffrey Steele. Billy Ray Cyrus hosts the proceedings. Over 45,000, wannabe artists, age 16 and up, including duos and trios auditioned to make the show’s final 12.

The judges wasted no time in staking out their territory and mixing it up. Here’s some sample dialog (approximate quotes) where the judges began talking to the contestant, but soon were slamming each other:
Steele: Well you sang pretty well, but it got a little pitchy at times.
Jewel: Pitchy? What are you talking about? The pitch was perfect.
Steele: I heard problems.
Jewel: Yeah, well let’s play back the tape and see….
Rich: I don’t know Jewel. I’ve just been in the studio with you and you have some pitch issues…
Jewel: Pitch. Well how would you know. You only have a one octave singing range…

The chemistry between these professionals is engaging and fun to watch. Fortunately there are no obvious direct comparisons with that other talent show. A Taylor Swift performance added some sparkle to the two-hour debut and was also well received.

The importance of TV talent shows in shaping our format cannot be underestimated. Artists such as Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Bucky Covington, Josh Gracin, Chris Young, Buddy Jewell, Kellie Pickler, Carmen Rasmussen, Phil Stacey, Julianne Hough and Kristy Lee Cook are examples of talents fighting for radio airwaves after being exposed first in living rooms across America. To keep our readers on the cutting edge, Music Row staffers Ross, Skates and Freeman dug deep into their creative A&R hearts to tip Nashville Star’s top talent picks.

Handicapping the Finalists
I was fully prepared to discredit Laura & Sophie, perhaps because I’m no longer that young and pretty and perhaps because of their slightly corny video package about how “fate” led them to sing together. So when they stepped onstage to the classic strains of “Stand By Your Man,” I was gearing myself up for the kill. But the pair hit that huge chorus in perfect harmony, both gorgeous voices alternating between high and low parts, and I involuntarily swooned. A very promising start for the two youngsters. —JF

Ashlee Hewitt’s got it. Bringing some much needed authenticity to last night’s show the Minnesota native lured in viewers, hard nosed judges and this reporter with her soft pretty voice and a real sense of artistic identity. Choosing to do a country tinged rendition of Colbie Caillat’s pop hit “Bubbly” was savvy, especially for the television audience. Her heartfelt singing and guitar playing made her stand out as an artist/musician, connecting with viewers and showing up the evening’s more over-the-top performers. She may not have exhibited the strongest voice, but that may still develop; last night’s song wasn’t conducive to big vocals. Her look blends Miranda Lambert’s country fashion sensibilities with the modernness of pop star Avril Lavigne—again very savvy. A winner in my book before she finished the first verse. —SGS

Gabe Garcia also showed some star potential with his outstanding performance of “All My Ex’s Live In Texas.” Check it out: Gabe’s got an interesting heritage and background (something no country artist should be without), looks great on television and his choice of song was spot on. I get the sense that this cowboy knows exactly who he is as an artist. That confidence—coupled with his singing talent—is going to take him very far in this competition. —JF

Laura & Sophie rock the competition. Great pitch, dynamic harmonies and these high school students still have plenty of time for that career road to climb high. —DMR

Melissa is all wrong—but her voice is all right. Being age 32, full figured and a working mother with 5 kids, is all most labels would need to hear to say “NO WAY!” Admittedly a contrarian pick, but easily the best vocalist in the bunch. —DMR

Pearl Heart seems to have a lot of underdeveloped potential. This Nashville-based sister trio uses excellent harmonies to accent seemingly average vocal talents. At first I completely dismissed this act, after their mediocre version of “Wide Open Spaces.” But something about twins Amy and Angela, and their little sis Courtney drew me back in. I’m expecting to see big time progress from this group throughout the season.—SGS