After a few performances I realized that Gabe was the only one singing country every time he sang. Even Gabe’s pop songs sounded country, which I think was the point of the pop goes country theme. So since week two, all my votes have gone to Gabe. He sings on pitch more than most and as much as any of the contestants and he sings country. I also prefer Gabe’s quiet, natural charm to the cheese offered by the “better performers”. He’s the real deal and doesn’t need the gyrations, facial contortions, or any other cheese to convice anyone he is a country singer.

In my opinion, Gabe is the only contestant that deserves the Nashville Star title. He has been the most consistantly good country singer on the show. Gabe is what I thought the show was supposed to be about discovering.

The whole feel of the show was lackluster. The judges were okay, but the hosts were really dead. Billy Ray read the teleprompter the whole time and had absolutely no emotion or connection with the contestants.

No one seemed to be connecting. On Idol, they become friends. Ryan and the judges make jokes back and forth. You kind of sense that they’re all together on this, but on this show, it’s like waiting in line at the DMV to take a picture. They come out, sing a song, and get back in line. They don’t show the audience. They don’t ask questions. There is just nothing to cushion the show and make you want to vote.

Gabe is the best singer although I don’t know if he has the personality to headline. Melissa sings well, but I agree, her bulging eyes are distracting. Coffey was okay, but he sang like a worship leader. He kept trying to get the audience to sing along, and well, he was supposed to be entertaining us, not getting us to participate in a sing-a-long. Shawn seems authentic. She isn’t the best singer, but if she or Gabe win, it would just make sense.

If I had not watched the first show this season, or had TiVo I would not have continued to watch. Most nights I was like, “why am I watching this?”

I feel bad for the contestants because they are talented, but they just weren’t showcased with this bunch of producers and editing team.

Time to vote peeps! As if.

Hahaha. I’m picturing mj saying “as if.”

I agree with Gabe being the best. BUt unfortunately, i dont see him making it in the country industry.

Coffee’s departure was long overdue.

Melissa is NOT authentic, IMO. No Carrie Underwood is right. She was pitchy and screechy and shouty on the high notes of JTTW. Oh and John Rich, while people may respond to the emotional content of songs like that, it always helps if the person sings them well. Melissa didn’t so much, imo.

I cringed when Shawn launched into “Here for the Party.” Don’t get me wrong, I loved her performance, but I was like “OMG John’s gonna hate this”, so needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised that he gave her props. I thought she was GREAT. And I thought she also did a great job with “The Dance.” I love that song.

John Rich is coming to this area with McCain this weekend.

#2….Shawn ===good singer and seems nice.

#3…Melissa==Good voice but doesn’t strike me as Real country(country Ain’t what it used to be)…..Congrats on weight loss.

Coffey==Tiger Woods in a Cowboy Hat. Coffey is cute and sweet and fun.

Coffey singing “Sweet Home Alabama” didn’t bother me because of any irony regarding his race. I understand that there’s a lot of controversy surrounding the lyrics and what the intent was, and the songwriters claim it wasn’t pro-George Wallace. I really don’t know. I grew up associating it with sporting events b/c it was played more than freaking “We Will Rock You” in my neck of the woods.

That said, it DID annoy me because as always, he sucked large at singing it. So happy he is gone.

I haven’t been keeping up with this show, but saw some videos here on this site in the beginning and LOVED Gabe then. I stumbled across the show again tonight and still do!

I was mystified at some of the things Jewel said, most notably when she said that Gabe needed to connect more with the audience. !?! I thought he connected better than ALL of them! Put together! There’s something raw and sincere about him. Gabe for the WIN!!

What’s his number again…..?

My money is on Gabe and has been from the start. Gabe FTW!!!