Stormy Speaks

Stormy Weather is opry.com's exclusive columnist. A veteran, though self-described "young and trendy music industry insider," Stormy takes readers along as she moves gracefully within Nashville’s elite inner circles and shares her own first-hand observations, take-no-prisoners opinions and juicy commentary on the movers and shakers inside Music City's illustrious entertainment industry. Read it from Stormy like you won't read it anywhere else.

Be sure to stop back each week for the latest Nashville Star update in Stormy Speaks.

Tommy, Pearl Heart Get the Nashville Star Boot--And That's Not a Good Thing 

They're dropping like flies!  As Nashville Star fans continued to cull the herd, Tommy and Pearl Heart hit the trail.  At least Stormy got half of her wish.  Before diving into this week's review, Stormy must admit that she had a Manola Blahnik moment.  Yes, she couldn't find the perfect shoe, so she was a half-hour late for the show.  It might sound irrational, but it isn't.  However, Stormy is gifting you with the incredible insights of her best girlfriend, Bettie Lou, who didn't miss a minute of the show. 

Gabe rocked the house with "Somebody Like You," a timely tribute to newborn Sunday's daddy, Keith Urban.  Bettie Lou reports that Jewel challenged Gabe to flirt with the audience, and BL was really impressed. According to Bettie Lou, that boy's got some moves!  Stormy can't wait to see them.  Stormy is most definitely saving space on her dance card for "Giddy Up" Gabe!

Stormy hates that she missed the pre-taped drama between Shawn and John Rich who was given the ole pink slip in the mentoring department. Stormy didn't realize that contestants could fire a mentor.  This might call for a careful review of the NS contestant handbook.  "The First Cut Is the Deepest," indeed, now that these two have clashed.  A Band-Aid and some antibacterial cream should clear this little spat right up, or at least mask any symptoms until Shawn rides off into the NS sunset. As for last night's performance, Bettie Lou confirms a few pitch problems.  

Now, faithful readers will remember that Stormy predicted that the audience would rally in support of poor Coffey after the tongue-lashing he took from the judges last week.  Well, that's exactly what has happened.  Now, if Stormy is ever competing in a COUNTRY talent competition, she can only hope that she would use COUNTRY songs to win over the fans.  "Proud Mary," now really, Coffey?   Stormy is going to need something much stronger then coffee to endure your pop torture. Jewel thinks you need to bring some more personality to your songs. Well, Stormy and Bettie Lou are campaigning for more COUNTRY in your songs. 

BL was stunned to learn that Laura and Sophie (or as BL affectionately refers to this duo, Sophie and Moppie), were the second-highest vote getters!  Stormy thinks Bettie Lou sums Laura and Sophie's musical journey up best when she told Stormy, "Bettie Lou is ready to use her own vacation money to send these two home!"  If you only knew how much Bettie Lou likes to visit Montana in the summer and admire the cowboys, you'd know what a strong statement BL is making.  Stormy doesn't care if they go "Walkin' After Midnight" or first thing next week, as long as they go! 

Stormy was totally shocked when Bettie Lou informed her that it was Melissa and Tommy in the holding chute.  Oh, the drama.  It was a little too late for Tommy and his rendition of "Should've Been a Cowboy," but our girl Melissa totally owned "Danny's Song."  How dare Jewel try to plant a seed of doubt in the minds of the voting viewers by asking if her family was prepared for a potential country music career? 
 
And it all came down to Ashlee and Pearl Heart?  Oh, those silly producers, teasing us like this.  As Bettie Lou pointed out, "Take the Money and Run" was a stronger performance from Ashlee, of course that's relevant.  Jeffrey convinced PH to do "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)," which prompted all three judges to say that Sophie and Moppie should have been in the bottom two, not PH.  Again, the train had already left the station with PH on it.  But their destiny was not revealed before a very dramatic pause.  How Billy Ray Cyrus endures the pressure, we may never know. 

And speaking of BRC, who's running his Teleprompter?  Stormy feels so bad for him.  He tries his best to set up a dramatic introduction of the next performer selected to advance, but the performers always finds out a good 15 seconds before he gets to announce their name.  Whoever's doing that should be ashamed.  It's Billy Ray's moment to shine, and someone is robbing him blind.  Somebody quit stealing BRC's thunder.  As an audience, we deserve more spontaneous moments. 

Stormy promises to be on time next week.  She absolutely must because they're sending TWO more performers home next week! Can't wait . . . the suspense is almost unbearable.