Nashville Star's Fourth Season: The "Big" Opening Night

It is time for yet another season of Nashville Star. This year marks the fourth season of Nashville Star and Wynonna Judd and Cowboy Troy are hosting the program. In previous years Nancy O'Dell hosted seasons one and two while LeAnn Rimes hosted season three. Wynonna Judd is a veteran of the country music genre and is able to give out words of wisdoms to the contestants, while Cowboy Troy has only been in the spotlight for about a year but it there as proof you can accomplish your dreams when you want it bad enough.

Cowboy Troy proclaimed a "new sheriff is in town" before introducing the five time Grammy winner Wynonna Judd, who came out onto the Nashville Star stage to much applause. Wynonna's first words were "What's going on Nashville?" before telling viewers how it is an honor to be co-hosting Nashville Star this season because "It helps performers blossom into true artists." She then introduced this week's guest performers, Big & Rich, by asking "Who's ready for a little bang in your ying-yang?"

Big & Rich came out and performed their popular tune, "Comin' to Your City." Their usual "Muzik Mafia" gang went missing other than Two-Foot Fred (who was standing next to what looked like a mini throne). Of course, Cowboy Troy wasn't up there due to co-hosting duties.

After the credits rolled the bantering back-and-forth began.

Wynonna said to Cowboy Troy: "Standing next to you makes me feel proud of how far country music has come these few years."
Cowboy Troy replied with: "Really, I'm from Texas she's from Kentucky. I wear a hat, Wy doesn't."
Then Wynonna joked that he was missing the point.
Cowboy Troy: "I'm new and she's been around a while."

Wynonna then started acting mildly offended so she quipped: "I've sold millions of records. I've won Grammy awards. I know Oprah... and he sings songs about Chickens and Trains."

After Wynonna said that, Cowboy Troy acted excited about the fact he knows someone who knows Oprah Winfrey.

When the exchange ended, Cowboy Troy went back into co-host mode and mentioned all of this seasons special guests. Guests include Larry the Cable Guy, Gretchen Wilson, Sara Evans, Hank Williams Jr., Kenny Rogers, and WWE wrestler John Sena.

Tryouts for Nashville Star began in October and from day one they were experiencing record crowds. In total, over 20,000 people tried out for the chance to become the newest Nashville Star. Anastasia Brown and Phil Vassar were at the auditions to help pick the people who moved on in the competition.

Behind-the-scenes footage aired featured the obligatory (American Idol-style) clips where people weren't so talented - all in an attempt to make viewers laugh. Some though, were not funny, and instead were pathetic.

Step three of the selection process began in January where the Muzik Mafia got together with the co-hosts to weed through contestants who made it to the regionals.

After learning about the selection process, the moment of excitement arrived - it was time to meet the cast.

Each individual came out singing parts of Toby Keith's song, "How Do You Like Me Now?"

The order was as follows: Matt Mason, Jewels Hanson, Chris Young, Monique LeCompte, Shy Blakeman, Nicole Jamrose, Casey Rivers, Kristen McNamara, Jared Ashley, and Melanie Torres.

At the end of the performance, Cowboy Troy came out to rap about the contestants and this season's program. Viewers were then reminded that in only eight weeks one of the contestants would become the next Nashville Star. The winner will get a contract with the RCA Label Group and appear on the Opry.

The judges were introduced: Singer/Songwriter/Pianist Phil Vassar and music industry veteran Anastasia Brown will be the two main judges every week and a new guest judge will fill the third spot. This week Big & Rich were the guest judges.

Wynonna teased the crowd with "Are you ready to hear some music?" before having to go to commercial. "After the commercial we will hear the performers, on their own, for the first time" she also said.

First performer of the night was Casey Rivers. In his pre-taped video package he talked about being "Texas loud and proud." He knows people must be getting tired of hearing people say that but he will not stop. Growing up he was poor and for fun he would participate in cow patty fights. His family also used to sleep in a trailer so he said "Country music is what fits him."

The song he performed was "Heartland," originally by George Strait. He played the guitar and didn't seem too nervous. His voice wasn't exactly like George but Casey could have performed the song with more of his own style.

Judge's Comments:
Anastasia: "Casey Casey Casey. You are the first to make my toes curl - you rock the house! I think your bluesy greasy voice will set you apart. Keep showing us you want it."
Phil:"Solid voice. Step up your stage presence and you have a shot at winning. "
John Rich: "Solid comes to mind. You're solid all the way through it."
Big Kenny (in a fake southern accent) praised him by saying "Keep on," after talking about the George Strait movie Pure Country."

Wynonna asked Casey what he thought about being first and he said that he's glad he went first because anticipation kills him. "Much loves to the other contestants," he added.

Next performer was Melanie Torres. She was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and has lived there most of her life. Her goal in music is to touch people - she could die a happy girl if she got to perform as a main job.

It is always a gamble singing Martina McBride songs, but Melanie's selection of "When God-Fearin' Women Get the Blues," was not only gutsy but genius. She certainly has the attitude for the song and the strong voice to match. Excellent performance.

Judges Comments:
Anastasia:"Man, I love your voice. Be sure to keep the beauty pageant far away."
John Rich:"You're hot. But you sang your *** off."
Big Kenny:"You look like you're here to TAKE IT."
Phil:"You pulled it off."

When Wynonna asked Melanie what she likes to do, she says that she isn't afraid to get dirty. That comment drew cheers from the crowd but Melanie clarified she meant the outdoors and camping type.

The Nashville Star winner will also receive a new Chevy Silverado half-ton crew and Cowboy Troy says "If nobody wins I keep the ride to myself." Wynonna responded with "That doesn't make any sense!" and the audience laughed.

Nicole Jamrose was the third contestant to perform. She grew up in Indiana and is married with two kids. Before having her kids she pursued her career until her life took a parental turn.

Surprisingly, she sang "Pickin' Wildflowers," by Keith Anderson. She played her guitar and at first I wasn't sure she looked like she would have the attitude to pull it off but it did come out more so in the chorus than the verses. She looked very Sheryl Crow-esque.

Judges Comments:
Phil Vassar:"You're cool. What a great - that's awesome. You're distinctive."
John Rich jokes about the "real subject" of the song. "You definitely have a sexual energy. I'm not sure you understand what the song really is about."
Kenny:"It's yours."
Anastasia:"You have to raise your bar." "Game on."

Per Wynonna's request, Nicole introduced her kids and said she would find a good balance between motherhood and career. Wynonna liked that because she said "Nowadays a woman can do anything."

Chris Young performed next. His pre-recorded video package revealed him to be (in his own words) "The biggest dork in the entire world." As a child he was really short with big glasses and a mullet ("Which was more like a rat tail"). Going into high school is when he said he "got normal" by growing out of not wanting to talk to people. "There's a difference in being real cocky and wanting to win really bad" he says.

Joe Nichols' "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" was his chosen song to perform. The song really suits his voice, but he had the annoying habit of sticking his tongue out as he sang.

Judge's Comments:
John:"You nailed the melody but do you know your tongue was sticking out half the time? Keep your tongue in your mouth, dude. It was a little Brokeback Mountain for me as far as I'm concerned."
Big Kenny joked about what John said with "They say it takes one to know one." He then said about the performance: "I think you're a singing son of a gun. I'd drop the guitar one time and strum some more. You could really rock."
Phil Vassar:"Great singer. Sounded maybe too much like Joe Nichols. Next time let's see what you got."

During Wynonna's post-performance interview they showed a video of Chris' "other talent," which turned out to be break dancing.

The next video package found Jared Ashley talking about how being in the military was the best thing he has ever done. He likes to wake up and do something out of the blue so he cannot wait to see what will happen in the next ten years of his life.

He comes out playing an electric guitar as he sings "Hicktown" by Jason Aldean. He has a nice voice but he seemed a little shy - like he needed to break loose some more and relax.

Judge's Comments:
Anastasia:"Your performance was forgettable and I have a feeling you'll be leaving tonight."
Phil Vassar:"Wow."
John Rich:"I think you're the only honky-tonk singer in the joint. I think you know how to get up on a new stage and knock people on the butt with it."
Phil Vassar joked about having to hear so many John Rich-penned songs that night then said Jared had "Great energy."

During the interview he tells Wynonna the best part of the whole experience was being able to meet her.

Contestant Monique LeCompte said that she thinks she is the "fat girl" on the show. She was raised by her grandparents and always wanted to be on stage, TV, or in theater. In other words - she likes being the center of attention.

After singing Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's"Like We Never Loved At All," I realized she sounded a lot like Faith. Her voice is a good one, with control.

Judge's Comments:
John Rich:"Good choice of a song. You have an outstanding voice, but I'm not sure you are country. You are an outrageously gifted singer but maybe more suited for Broadway or pop. You're killing the notes but I don't think you're country."
Big Kenny sings part of "Ave Maria," then says she can take country music to a different level if she wants.
Anastasia:"Walk away from the Broadway."
Phil:"You'll be here next week. You're good."

Wynonna's advice for Monique: "Never let them tell you who you are. Monique you are so much more than a number on a scale." Then Wy commends Monique for working three jobs and being a hard worker. She ends the interview segment with "I'd tour with you."

Shy Blakeman was next but offered up some information in his video package first. He doesn't think he has the best voice but people go to concerts for a good show so that's what he gives to crowds. He was shot while he and a friend were robbed. In recovery he decided to hit it harder and work toward his goal of being a singer.

The song he performed was "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance." He was barefoot and really showed off some energy as he moved around on stage while he sang. I really liked the performance and did not understand why he would say he might not have the greatest voice - it sounded great to me.

Judge's Comments:
John Rich:"What's up Texas boy? You know how to pull off what you're good at don't you. You know what I say; at least you didn't get shot in the balls."
Big Kenny:"Dude. Straight up do it like you mean it. That's fabulous. I'm gonna see if you can take it to the extreme on this end to the other extreme." He knows Shy will get another chance.
Phil Vassar:"You're a party dude. Good job."
Anastasia:"I agree with these guys."

Shy told Wynonna he doesn't wear shoes on stage because music is spiritual to him and when he steps onto a stage it is Holy ground to him.

According to the next performer, Kristen McNamara, people think she is the "Typical California blonde girl." Once they hang out and have fun they see how normal she is. She loves music and thinks Nashville Star is a great opportunity for herself

The minute she walked out singing "I Wanna Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" I instantly disliked her for sounding so much like LeAnn Rimes. Sure it might be wrong of me to be that way but the yodeling took it over the edge in my eyes.

Judge's Comments:
Phil Vassar:"I love it. You pulled off the yodeling."
Anastasia:"I really like you but this is Nashville. This is your first impression and I don't think you made the right choice."
John Rich:"I'm not gonna get drunk to that song but I think you're crazy and I like that."

Wynonna asked Kristen why she wore a yellow ribbon around her wrist and she replied "It's because I support the troops and America."

Matt Mason was the second-to-last performer of the evening and after he talks about how he had two plans in life: Either be a truck driver like his grandpa or go out and play music.

He came out singing "Touch Me Turn Me on and Burn Me Down." His voice sounded rather familiar but I couldn't place it. He was really fun to watch and he didn't have to act crazy to get you drawn in to his performance. Matt Mason was my favorite performance of the night.

Judge's Comments:
John Rich:"That's cool you have some bluegrass inflections in your voice. You're so quiet you could be overlooked. Sounds good."
Big Kenny:"Fabulous. I enjoyed it - you can really sing. You really look like you've been watching Dwight Yoakam. Add a little Mick Jagger and you'd be perfect."
Anastasia:"Don't wear your heroes on your sleeve. You make me hot hot hot."
Phil:"You're my favorite guy so far."

Wynonna really seemed to like him too. She said the contestants think he is a wild man. He said he is tame but Wy closes the interview with "What a rebel."

Jewels Hanson was the show's last performer. Jewels called herself a "Walking oxymoron." She's a crazy girl but she loves to relax and chill out. She also said her parents taught her not to put up with anybody's "shizznit." She doesn't fit in a box and she's slam dunk ready for a record deal.

She sang Montgomery Gentry's song, "Gone." I was wondering if she had selected a song that was too low for her but she sounded a little better in the chorus. She's got attitude which is nice but a different song would have been better for her. It was a very lackluster performance.

Judge's Comments:
Anastasia:"I'm dizzy and my ears are bleeding."
John Rich:"You got the energy but it looked like Troy Gentry with long hair up there. You were rocking but didn't believe it."
Big Kenny:"You have enough energy but bring it down a little and it's yours."
Phil Vassar: "I wish somebody would suck today. Every one was great."

After Jewels' performance Wynonna said she loves a girl with attitude and then offers one of her Harleys to Jewel so they can ride together.

After a commercial all ten contestants are gathered onto the stage holding hands before the first eliminated performer has to leave. Wy talks about being young when she first signed her record deal and she's amazed to still be here. I love the inspirational message she gives. Follow your dreams and never give up.

Cowboy Troy was the one to break the bad news to the group - Jewel Hanson was going home. She looked shocked.

Wynonna assures her by saying "It ain't over 'til it's over."

John Rich tells her: "The thing you didn't get across. It didn't look real. Nerves or whatever I don't know what it was. It wasn't totally coming across to us tonight. Keep with it and hang in there. We love you."

The audience cheered for Jewels and the remaining finalists gave her a big hug.

To make voting easier for viewers at home, the remaining nine contestants have short clips played along with the URL and phone number to vote for them. Phone lines and Internet voting are open for three hours.

Stay tuned because next week Gretchen Wilson will perform and the guest judge is Larry the Cable Guy.

That's a wrap on the debut episode of Nashville Star's fourth season. I can't wait to see what happens next week.

Watch Nashville Star, Tuesday nights 10PM Eastern on the USA Network. Check your local listings.