Nashville Star, Episode 9: The Grand Finale

Nashville Star pulled out all the stops for this one! The show opens with Nancy Odell, wearing what I can only describe as a modified karate ghi, welcoming the celebrities as they walk the red carpet in front of the Roy Acuff Theater. First Clint Black appears and then Trace Atkins arrives with Jo Dee Massena. Our finalists arrive and are greeted enthusiastically by the crowd outside the theatre. They all look great - John Arthur Martinez wearing a spectacular red, white, and blue sequined cowboy jacket; Miranda Lambert in a mid-length black, one-shouldered dress; and Buddy Jewell in a tan suede suit.

First, there is a quick rehash of the audition process, including the grizzly bearded guy. We see the original twelve moving into the house and a few clips of their performances. However, as we certainly all know by now, only one can claim the ultimate prize. With that, we see some of the eliminations, including a replay of last week's tearful goodbye from Brandi.

After the commercial, Nancy is onstage welcoming the crowd and introducing the finalists. She reminds us yet again that "we started with 8000 contestants." Will it be Miranda, John or Buddy? Let's get the show going with the "Next Big Thing."

Buddy, John Arthur, and Miranda take the stage and do a few bars. Then Miranda says "Do we have a surprise for you" and the rest of the original twelve take the stage to finish out the performance. The audience goes wild. It is great to see our old friends and they all look like they are having a great time. Jamey does some nice work on the harmonica. When the song ends and the runners-up take their seats in the front row, Nancy again reminds us what is at stake tonight and calls out the names of the top three once again, eliciting more cheers from the crowd.

Nancy introduces the judges and teases us by saying what an incredible night we have in store. Tonight each of the final three will perform with one of the guest stars. First up will be John Arthur and Clint Black singing "Nothing but the Taillights." It is great. Their voices complement each other and it is obvious that John Arthur is reveling in the opportunity to play with Clint.

The song ends and Nancy is in the audience with John Arthur's mother and wife (in that order). Mrs. Martinez senior is so proud that she can barely get the words out. Mrs. M. junior says nothing.

After the commercial, we return to the stage and Nancy introduces the Nashville Star band and has them take a bow. Throughout the show, the band was great, adding a level of professionalism that enhanced the individual performances. Well done.

Next up are Buddy and Trace Atkins singing, "This Ain't no Thinking Thing." Buddy looks almost naked without his guitar and it is obvious that he doesn't do many duets! But tonight's not about the competition anymore, the winner has already been decided. The performance is fun though and they sound good together. I like the tune! The audience roars their approval and the chant "Buddy, Buddy" begins again.

Nancy is in the audience with Buddy's family when the song ends, and talks to "little Buddy," who says it has been a pretty amazing experience to see his dad onstage. Mrs. Jewell says, "God's blessed us tremendously," as Buddy nods in agreement from the stage. I have watched Buddy's wife's reactions throughout the show knowing what a sacrifice she and the kids have made so that he could chase his dream. I imagine there have been some tough times for the Jewells. This night has to be extra-sweet for them. Thank you for giving him to us!

Miranda is next, pretty as a picture, singing "Bye Bye" with Jo Dee Massena. Their voices are well matched but that's about it. When the song is over, Jo Dee scoots off the stage and Nancy introduces Miranda's parents, who have been traveling from Texas every week to "watch their little girl." Mrs. Lambert gives all credit for Miranda's talent and looks to Mr. Lambert.

Nancy tells us that we are in for a big surprise after the break and when we return, she introduces our "special panel of judges" - Miranda, Buddy and John Arthur. They are seated at the judges' table ready to judge a special performance by the judges! Nice twist! Charlie Robison performs "Right Man for the Job," a cut from his upcoming CD (which you can click here to order). Robert and Tracy each have a guitar and are doing backup. When the song ends, Charlie bemoans, "Now this is the tough part," as John Arthur starts jumping up and down, shouting "I love you, I love that song, shame on Nashville for not getting behind you," ala Charlie. Buddy's Robert is awesome - stutters, stammers, and all, and Miranda pulls out the old "you were a little pitchy at the end of some of your notes." Charlie finishes by saying, "judge not lest ye be judged," and Nancy tells us if "you want to vote for Charlie, you can buy his new CD on Tuesday." Charlie's website address is displayed at the bottom of the screen where the phone numbers usually appear. Nice way to plug your album, Charlie!

The show has been a lot of fun up until this point but the time has come to narrow the field to two. Our three finalists take the stage and stand with their arms around each other. Nancy has the envelope - there is a pregnant pause (I have always wanted to write that!) - third place goes to (another pause) Miranda Lambert. Her reaction is a little strange - for an instant, I thought I saw anger there, as though she really was expecting to win. I know there were rumors aplenty over the past week about how votes would be split between Buddy/John Arthur and giving the edge to Miranda. Maybe she bought into all of that. At any rate, she quickly regains her composure, thanking everyone and saying, "I think third out of 8000 ain't bad." No, Miranda, it ain't bad at all and Tracy, speaking for all three judges, tells her "We will be the first ones to buy your record and I guarantee you there will be a record from Miranda Lambert." Miranda exits after one last group hug and then there are two.