On Nashville Star, Billy Ray Cyrus Kicks Off Primetime

The NBC Show Made Its Debut with Some Decent Performances and Some Not so Great Moments

Nashville Star kicked off for the first time in primetime on NBC. The talent was not as good as some of the previous seasons when Star was on USA Network but overall it wasn't a bad night. There were some good moments and not so good moments in the opener. Let's just say there was a lot to be critical of when it came to the performances from Nashville Star wannabes.

Billy Ray Cyrus did a decent job in his first time as the host of the show. Cyrus even sang to troops his old hit "Some Gave All" during one portion of the show. Taylor Swift was also on hand with a live performance.

Perhaps the moment of the night happened when judges John Rich and Jewel argued about pitch problems. After one performance the issue came up. Rich told Jewel that he had just recorded an album with her and that his fellow judge had pitch problems, too. Jewel, with a very confused look on her face, told Rich that he couldn't hit half the notes that she could. The two seemed happy later when they danced together during another performance.

As for the talent. Gabe Garcia was perhaps the best performer of the night. His rendition of "All My Ex''s" from George Strait seemed to thrill the judges. John Rich even claimed his effort was "pure great country music". I would say he's the odds on favorite to win the competition after just one night. His unique voice does ring the "country" bell, alright. I can't imagine we'd ever even have to hear his range to enjoy the straight forward country approach.

Melissa Lawson, who closed the show was also a big hit with the fans and judges. She sang "Something to Talk About" and rocked the house. Perhaps she seemed the least intimidated to be singing in front of a big crowd. The judges seemed more impressed with her eye contact and intensity as opposed to her pipes. Although they liked that about her, too.

Laura and Sophie, an 18 and 16 year old, were also two of the favorites. One would sing high and the other low. John Rich said "You rocked."
Coffey, the only contestant with just one name, was also the only African American entry on the show. His performance was also revered by the judges and the audience seemed to really connect with him.