Up next on the show’s agenda, meeting the contestants. Perhaps because the show runs decidedly shorter than A.I. does, they need to get down to business fast. That means there wasn’t much time to waste on putting those lacking in musical abilities on the show and I’m glad of that. Instead, they showed a good mix of duos that came down to Nashville together and singles hoping to make a spark, including how some of the pairings came to be.
To let us know that it wasn’t all fun and games for the judges, Ms. Naomi stepped out from behind the table after stopping one mediocre pair. “This is boring. I can’t stand it. Stop. Please. There’s gotta be better talent out there than that.” With both Scott and Big Kenny in agreement, she stood up and said, “I’ll be right back. I’m on a mission.” Off she went out into the street, talking to this one and that until she found a duo that was more to her fancy.
Those two, The Broussards, made it through Opening Auditions and into Callback Day going into the second hour of the show. From the thousands who started the try-outs, there are now 39 performers — 16 twosomes and seven singles. And still more work to be done as at the end of the night, there would only be 20 people who would make the trip to “The Big Stage” a.k.a. Nashville’s Wild Horse Saloon.
Each of the 16 worked two-on-one with musical director Steve Mandile on making their next song be the best possible. The remaining seven solos were put in a room to duke it out in forming new partnerships with one person remaining who would perform solo. As they then worked with Steve, the original couples performed in front of the judges. This time, even though the judges could comment, no one would get a final thumbs up or down until Ms. Naomi, Big Kenny, and Scott conferred behind closed doors.
Five original duos made it:
- Chelsee & Rob
- Harmony Creek
- O’Shea
- Steel Magnolia
- The Stellas
While I thought they were all pretty good, I was most impressed with O’Shea and The Stellas.
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!!