Big Kenny (part of Big & Rich as well as a talented singer/songwriter in his own right) is also a panelist. On his CMT blog, he talks about how it came to be and that he actually turned down the offer three times. Here’s his reasoning: “So if I was going to be a part of something, it had to be completely truthful and of the highest caliber that we could make it. And I have to make sure that I can have an honest conversation with people.” Now that he’s on the show, he says, “I’m humbled by that process that I could be a part of something that is turning out like this. Because that’s what my heart wanted, was to be part of something.” Watching him on tonight’s premiere has me thinking he’s definitely made the right decision. What I saw was that he is being real and true while still having a blast. Can’t wait to see what else he’ll bring to the table.
Judge number three, and certainly not last by way of placement on my list, is Ms. Naomi Judd, returning from her stint last season. An accomplished singer/songwriter and author, Ms. Naomi also knows a thing or two about being part of a duo as she first reached acclaim singing with her daughter Wynonna as The Judds. She too felt similar to her fellow panelists when first asked to be on the show. She talks about that on the blog on CMT. “At first when they asked me to do this show last year, I said 'No way, Jose! My name is Judd, not Judge!’ And then I thought about it, and A) I like to believe I’ve got some experience and credibility, and B) I feel so strongly about the truth. I obviously love country music, and I’m concerned about the way country music’s going. I call it a pale counterfeit.” As for returning again? “I feel like this year is bigger, better, more!” I loved her last season because she was, in turn, kind and warm yet brutally honest when it was called for. I have no doubt that she will do the same this time around.
Article comments
1 - Tashina
I think Jamie & Keeira should have been kept together...they were awesome for just meeting that day in the singles room!
2 - tink
Right, Tashina. Especially because they were together for such a short period of time!
It'll be interesting to see how the judges pair them. I seem to remember that last year Caitlyn & Will both had several partners after being split from the ones they came with.
I'd like to hear what you think about how they're paired up this coming Saturday.
3 - joseph
And Jamie and Keeira were both beautiful....looked good together and could have gone far; fun personalities!
4 - can you duet fan
I agree & also think leith & matt should have stayed as a couple too!
5 - tink
Hi Joseph and CYD fan!
I think you both have good points, although I must say that I think Keeira and Matt have a certain spark when performing together.
So...then, what do you think about the new duos we have left?
6 - Diana
I am actually a first time viewer as of tonight (7/7/09) and I am actually appalled that the judges even question the talent of the last couple that performed. They greatly out performed the other singers, hands down. They have talent, good harmonies and are both down-to-earth personalities. The only reason I can imagine for their negativity to this couple is the fact that they are racist... and this makes me extremely disgusted. I understand it is country... but being from an interracial couple, this makes me ill.
7 - tink
Hi Diana and thank you for writing in.
I agree with you that they are both talented. However, the contest is to find the best duo, not solo act. And as Matt himself said, they are both lead singers. Considering that fact, they were both fighting to be leads which can only result in their harmonies not blending well. I stand by my comment that they need to get into a groove as a singing partnership.
I've looked back over my notes and re-read my review. I don't understand why you are saying the judges were being negative. I even watched the show again, but didn't see one negative response to Matt & Keeira's performance. I thought the judges were quite encouraging and had they not liked them to some extent, the pair surely would have been let go that night.
I am left confused by your comment and it's inflamatory accusation of racism, made without knowing the parties involved or having proof of fact. If there was a problem regarding racism, wouldn't they just kept Matt or Keeira, or both of them, off of the show? You see, since you didn't mention any names, I'm not sure as to which of the two you felt was being abused. And I would hate to assume incorrectly as to whom it is you are talking about.
8 - joseph
I still think that the connection between Jamie and Keeira was much better than Matt & Keeira and Keeira even eluded in one of her comments that everything had to be Matt's way...no connection felt there. Jamie & Keeira were awesome for just meeting and would have gotten great if kept together, in my opinion. I think one certain judge was hard on girl duos...
9 - tink
Well, don't be shy now Joseph. C'mon. Which judge did you think was being harsh and what happened that led you to think that way?
I'm trying to think back to the beginning and nothing is coming to mind. Let us know!!