On Nashville Star, Billy Ray Cyrus Kicks Off Primetime

Nashville Star kicked off for the first time in primetime on NBC. The talent was not as good as some of the previous seasons when Star was on USA Network but overall it wasn't a bad night. There were some good moments and not so good moments in the opener. Let's just say there was a lot to be critical of when it came to the performances from Nashville Star wannabes.

Billy Ray Cyrus did a decent job in his first time as the host of the show. Cyrus even sang to troops his old hit "Some Gave All" during one portion of the show. Taylor Swift was also on hand with a live performance.

Perhaps the moment of the night happened when judges John Rich and Jewel argued about pitch problems. After one performance the issue came up. Rich told Jewel that he had just recorded an album with her and that his fellow judge had pitch problems, too. Jewel, with a very confused look on her face, told Rich that he couldn't hit half the notes that she could. The two seemed happy later when they danced together during another performance.

As for the talent. Gabe Garcia was perhaps the best performer of the night. His rendition of "All My Ex''s" from George Strait seemed to thrill the judges. John Rich even claimed his effort was "pure great country music". I would say he's the odds on favorite to win the competition after just one night. His unique voice does ring the "country" bell, alright. I can't imagine we'd ever even have to hear his range to enjoy the straight forward country approach.

Melissa Lawson, who closed the show was also a big hit with the fans and judges. She sang "Something to Talk About" and rocked the house. Perhaps she seemed the least intimidated to be singing in front of a big crowd. The judges seemed more impressed with her eye contact and intensity as opposed to her pipes. Although they liked that about her, too.

Laura and Sophie, an 18 and 16 year old, were also two of the favorites. One would sing high and the other low. John Rich said "You rocked."
Coffey, the only contestant with just one name, was also the only African American entry on the show. His performance was also revered by the judges and the audience seemed to really connect with him.

Pearl Heart, a trio of sisters including a set of twins, sang "Wide Open Spaces" from the Dixie Chicks. Their effort was solid for the first show.
Shawn Mayer, who the judges claimed has a terrific voice, seemed to struggle a little with Faith Hill's "Piece of my Heart". But the judges seemed to be overall pleased with her performance and claimed that she was only singing the wrong song. Another female, Ashlee Hewitt sang a country version of a pop song to mixed reviews. She's got the twang for country though.

The trio of guys known as Third Town sang the Oak Ridge Boys' classic "Elvira" to mixed reviews. It was a little different and perhaps their modern twist made it a little confusing how to grade it. Tommy Stanley, a current marine, belted out "Walking in Memphis". Jewel was impressed but the other judges seemed to believe he was over singing it because he may be nervous. Justin Gaston, who was admired for his looks, sang "Drops of Jupiter" to mixed reviews from the judges. Although they were all in agreement that he looked good doing it.

Struggling on the night and finishing in the bottom 2 were Alyson Gilbert and Charley Jenkins.
Jenkins sang "I like it, I love it" and strutted in front of the judges. But his voice seemed to quiver and he wasn't hitting the notes.
Gilbert sand "Suds in the Bucket" and the judges seemed to think the way she opened her eyes very wide was a little too much to swallow.
In the end, Jewel had the deciding vote and she eliminated Jenkins.

So with that in mind, here are my odds for the remaining contestants to win "Nashville Star".
Gabe Garcia is a 2-1 favorite. I am putting Shawn Mayer at 4-1 because the judges seemed to have a deep belief in her voice. They've seen stuff we haven't as viewers and they continued to hype her up after he performance. Laura and Sophie are 5 to 1. Melissa Lawson is also 5-1 after the opening round.
Ashlee Hewitt is a solid 6-1. Third Town I believe can and will do better and are also 6-1. Those odds are bound to change in the next week or two.
Coffey is 8-1 but I think his singing style may be a little too soulful for country. Although he can really really sing.
Pearl Heart and Tommy Stanley are both decent but 8-1 picks. Justin Gaston is going to have prove he can sing or he'll be off soon. He's 10-1.
Alyson Gilbert has a lot of making up to do if she's going to hang around. I'll say 15-1 after her first performance.

Overall, the show was perhaps a little more country than it may need to be. There didn't seem to be an obvious attempt to cross into the mainstream with the exception of some of the song choices. Cyrus is very likable as host and the judges seem to be giving honest, and vastly different opinions.
I could live without Jewel singing the lines she thought were wrong. That may work in person but doesn't really transcend on national television. Although it's apparent she can sing despite what John Rich seems to think. Rich is the "Simon" of the show and will probably be the bearer of bad news on most nights.
There wasn't a whole lot to write home about in terms of great performances on the first night. There were some who have potential, but certainly no standout stars besides Gabe Garcia. I am sure as the show evolves we will see a little more as to why the judges initially selected the talent that remains.
And if we don't, I guess our opinions of them will be shattered forever and maybe they should just stick to performing.