Nashville Star, Episode 7: Four on the Floor

The pressure is building in some pretty obvious ways. While some are beginning to crack from that pressure, others are seeing themselves more clearly than they ever have. And, in the process, this has become a two-man race!

Last week, our finalists were invited to sing the national anthem at a NASCAR race, the preparations of which led to a blowout between Buddy Jewell and Brandi Gibson. Or, maybe between Brandi and her Brandi-ness. We also said goodbye to beautiful Amy Chappelle, whose original song failed to inspire enough votes for her to continue.

Nancy Odell, in a skirt so short that a mere sneeze will reveal her religion, welcomes us to the show. She introduces the judges and the five remaining contestants. They started with 8,000 hopefuls. Amazing.

The five survivors perform "Another Day In Paradise" (Phil Vassar's, not Phil Collins'!), each of the contestants sing a verse of their own, and they are all so polished. It is amazing how much they have grown. Then, Phil Vassar himself comes out sings with the five. Nice number. Again, the finalists look so polished, it was hard to tell which one of them was the established star!

So, how did the national anthem go? Well, it went fine, Brandi did most of the harmonizing chores, and admirably, which seemed to satisfy her distaste for the understated rendition they were commissioned to do. Brandon was surprised by the number of people at the race track and that people were calling them by their names. John Arthur was surprised by the power of the moment. Miranda was thrilled that they got to go to the winner circle with Jeff Gordon (he won the race), Brandon couldn't believe there were people calling their names while they were standing next to Jeff Gordon, easily the most famous racer in the world today.

Nancy announces that the contestants will be called out one by one to perform a Number One song, and an original song. The performer who is not called has been dismissed. Brandi Gibson looks absolutely pale. She is horrified. She must have seen the last show (and understood that she definitely did not show herself in the most flattering light).

And, it's time to announce the first performer. Nancy says it is:

John Arthur Martinez, "But For The Grace of God" and "House of Stone"

Charlie - "didn't make 'Grace of God' your own... I loved your original song"

Robert - "I'm proud of you... made 'Grace of God' fresh... original was great"

Tracy- "I know you'll have that house of stone one day... you've advanced in a quiet slow classy way... I'd like to see you rock out!"

Sting7- I'm tired of saying John Arthur is honest and earnest, but those are the words that just fly up with him. After "Grace of God" it's like the words hit him and he got a bit choked up. How can you not love this guy? I love the tone of his singing voice, it's warm and open and picture perfect for country. John Arthur is the only person who could beat Buddy Jewell without it being an upset.

So, Phil Vassar, what do you think? Phil says it's fun watching the judges go at it, but more importantly, "it's fun to see how (the finalists) have developed. They are honest and true to themselves, and that's what makes an artist an artist!"

Backstage, Nancy announces the next performer is Brandi Gibson. While Brandi leaps a good three feet in the air, I believe a disappointed glance is shared between Buddy, Miranda, and Brandon.

Brandi Gibson, "How You Like Me Now" and "Take Her Picture"

Charlie - "your stage presence when you do your original is you... doing the cover, you still need to find yourself up there"

Robert - "clever choice of cover song... so easily male-identified, you made it yours... your original is why you are in this competition"

Tracy - "I'm offering constructive criticism (in other words, don't start snapping at me like you have been lately)... a little pitchy at the end of your phrases"

Sting7- She is pitchy at the end of some of her phrases. Remember, she doesn't have to practice every day. Apparently, she needs to more than she thinks. That said, Brandi performed like the Brandi of old. She personifies to hard-luck woman you want to cheer for, and wouldn't bet against. Her original song, done in the traditional country style, showed a true writing talent (she said her boyfriend had a picture of his ex-wife on the wall for the first six months they dated and she wrote a song about that). Brandi just about made up for her bratty week.