Decided to give Nashville Star a whirl this season (though time/day-shifted thanks to TiVo) -- was more aware of it thanks to the switch from USA to the NBC mother network (to mixed results, good vs. past seasons of the show - bad for the peacock network and a network reality competition show in general)... likewise, it never seemed to be on a good time of year (too much other TV competition) and/or its proximity to American Idol, there's only so much star-making, wannabe singing one can take at one time.
Before we get to the title of this post... some general thoughts about the show -- which may anger some country music fans -- so just take a deep breath and bear with me... in the spirit of some of the a tad heavy-handed patriotic fervor that was on display in the premiere, I'm still allowed my opinion.
While I obviously knew this going in, it is still refreshing to see a music genre-specific show. I get a bit weary on Idol, with contestants trying to be (or stay true) to one style while being forced into "theme" or artist nights... so it is nice that this is all-country, all the time... a genre that I have really grown to appreciate. Also, I like the inclusion of duos and groups -- again something that differentiates it from Idol.
That said, not sure about the talent -- thankfully, the show sped through the audition process in about 34 minutes and got right down to the 12 finalists -- while there are certainly talented singers, it was hard to find one in the bunch that matched, or even approached, the original artists they were covering -- again, no surprise (Idol is no different) -- but we'll see how it all shakes out.
As far as Miley's dad as the host... well, I was pretty sure Billy Ray Cyrus could not have done worse hair-wise than his early mullet days, but I gotta think there's something more he can do the spiky yet flat mop that's on his head these days... but again, he's likable and genial enough of a host.
Judge-wise, have to admit was not familiar with writer/producer Jeffrey Steele, but definitely see the value of an opinion coming from that side of the business. Was a bit caught off-guard, by Jewel's country bumpkin transformation. While I heard rumblings that she had gone country of late, the way the Alaska folk singer was throwing 'round "y'alls" and the whole Southern drawl was still a bit surprising.
And that leaves us with John Rich -- which I fear is where I now tread into dangerous territory -- while I thoroughly enjoy his biggest hit (with "Big and") "Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy"... having seen him on his own reality-driven show "Gone Country" on CMT and his 'tude on this premiere -- well, not mincing words here -- he's pretty much an arrogant prick. I am sure this is admirable quality to some, but it's just waaaay too much swagger for my taste.
Contestant-wise, didn't think the ones that sang non-country songs had all that much success: Coffey's "Drift Away," Justin's "Drops of Jupiter," and particularly Ashlee's "Bubbly" (though the NBC show site seems convinced she sang a Taylor Swift song -- and don't even get me started on Swift, I am more and more baffled by her success the more I see/hear her).
The younger contestants (including the above mentioned Justin and Ashlee) seem far too green... and while they had wonderful harmonizing, I questioned the song choice of "Stand By Your Man" for Laurie and Sophie, a couple of high-schoolers. Likewise, there was fine harmonizing with sister act Pearl Heart, but again it smacked more as high school talent show material.
Overall, my early favorites were "old country"/throwback Gabe and "every woman" (i.e. plus-sized) Melissa.
One contestant that will very likely get a good ride out of this show is Justin Gaston... though, if his first round performance is any indication, it will have little (if anything!) to do with singing ability... or personality or... well, I'll just stop there... since what am I talking about is this:
But now we get to this slightly awkward part of the post... and which I mentioned in a Twitter yesterday...
Justin is <ahem!> 19 years old... technically legal, but still walking the "Holy Jailbait Batman!" tightrope and making me feel as if I am in full-on "dirty old approaching middle-aged man" mode... but apparently is old enough to model for the likes of 2xist and International Jock.
Again, I am not sure how long he is going to last on Nashville Star -- if country fans/viewers of the show are, as John Rich would say, as hard to impress, discriminating, only looking for the best possible singing talent -- Justin won't make it too far. Then again, gals and gay men of nearly every age will likely dissolve into a puddle much like Jewel did (ala Paula Abdul) every time he is on the screen. So while I don't think this will be his desired break into the music business, I have a hunch that even a couple of weeks on national/network television will serve him well.
