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 by every other Tuesday for the latest installment of Stormy Speaks.

Stormy Dishes All the Fan Fare & Revs up for Nashville Star

What is a self-respecting country music correspondent extraordinaire to do? After a week of the festival-formerly-known-as-Fan-Fair (At least that’s what Stormy’s mother tells her; Stormy isn’t nearly old enough to remember that.), Stormy was ready to collapse in an easy chair with a cold beverage and a good book. But it wasn’t to be. Not with the moment Stormy has been waiting for all year long, the much-anticipated network premiere of Nashville Star, launching its sixth season on Monday, June 9. So much country music news, so little time, so let’s get started.

Let’s recap all the details that Stormy’s peeps shared with her. Granted, a few of the notes are a bit sketchy due to an unexpected dip in the pool with a certain country music hunk who shall remain nameless—and if we ladies are lucky—shirtless as well! You gotta have faith, certainly this Christmas when Faith Hill releases her new CD full of holiday favorites. It was good to see girlfriend back on the CMA Music Fest stage after a 10-year absence.

Who’s your daddy? Keith Urban, of course, who simply amazed Stormy on Friday night; what a delightful treat in the summer heat. Does it seem like Keith’s wife Nicole Kidman has been pregnant for an unbelievably long time now? Stormy saw the glamorous duo over the weekend, seems we all workout at the same gym. Rumors are flying that the little Urbanite just might be born in the Music City. With Nicole surely in what seems to be her sixth trimester by now, she must be grounded, unable to leave Nashville on a jet plane. The birth of this baby will surely be cause for celebration.

Speaking of celebrations, Sara Evans revealed that she’s been in talks with one of the most important people in a woman’s life. No, not her hairdresser, a wedding planner! Looks like Sara and fiancé Jay Barker will take the plunge sometime soon. For this one, Stormy predicts a fabulous destination wedding, perhaps even a tropical backdrop.

Stormy forgot to mention that she had dinner at Nashville hotspot Lime with Jessica Simpson. To be completely 100 percent accurate, Stormy and her Italian friend Paulo dined at Lime on the very same night that pop music’s newest country convert was there. “Come on Over.” Nope, Stormy thinks she’ll stay right here, thank you very much for the invitation though. But feel free to leave that cute-as-a-button Tony Romo behind when you leave Music City.

Speaking of cute, what about little Taylor Swift? She signed autographs like she was Garth Brooks in a skirt. Personally, Stormy is just waiting until Taylor gets jilted by another stupid boy. Stormy doesn’t lack compassion. Instead, she loves the way Taylor musically avenges those who cross her. Taylor is proof positive that the pen is still mightier than the sword—or at least more publicly humiliating.

Stormy could—and would—ramble on and on about the CMA Music Fest, but her editor wields a mighty pen herself. On to the biggest news of the summer, yes, Stormy’s talking about Nashville Star. Oh, my stars! Stormy gathered her peeps, Bettie Lou, Dan, and Paulo for the taping of the big premiere. Since Stormy is short on space but long on words, we’ll keep this brief. First, can Story just tell you that Bettie Lou is in L-U-V! When that Justin took the stage, B.L. left her seat. Her exact words were, “I sure hope he sings better next week because it’s just fun to look at him.” Now, don’t think for a minute that B.L. is shallow because you would be wrong. B.L. is a firm believer that if you happen to sing well and look good at the same time, like Keith Urban, then it’s a two-for-one special. Back to Stormy, who could not believe that she was hearing Third Town singing the ORB’s classic “Elvira.” Stormy doesn’t expect to see Third Town anywhere near Little Big Town on the country music map anytime soon.

Stormy isn’t sure about Coffey. Sheer instinct just makes her want to ask “regular or decaf?” anytime his name is mentioned. Stormy realizes that the judges (and more on them in a moment) loved little Laura and Sophie. However, Stormy found it hard to believe them singing about “standing by their man.” Perhaps that’s what they do at the mall each weekend. What about Dixie Chick wannabes Pearl Heart? Stormy doesn’t see them as this season’s diamond in the rough. Yes, Stormy does have a cold, cold heart. So the final decision comes down to Alyson and Charley. B.L. was astounded when the judges booted her cowboy pal Charley. No, B.L. doesn’t know Charley personally, but she does love the cowboys. “He was just nervous, and that Reba-lookalike was annoying.” Well, Stormy agrees with B.L., which is not unusual. Another week of Alyson’s scary eyes peering at us from the stage, and out entire group may have to move back two or three rows to get some relief.

Now, for what must be Stormy’s most unexpected by most incredible addition to the show: the new judges. Jeffrey Steele, John Rich, and Jewel. Initially, Stormy wasn’t certain if she really loved them that much or was just so relieved that Anastatia “make it your own” Brown was gone. But, Stormy discovered that she really is excited. B.L. is partial to Jeffrey Steele, who she says is just as cute as a button, but Stormy loves the drama between John and Jewel. Women who are known simply by one name, Cher, Dolly, Madonna, Jewel, and Stormy, we’re not shrinking violets by any stretch of the imagination. Before the season ends, there could be a throw down on national television. And if Jeffrey Steele is involved, you can count B.L. in, too!

Stormy just realized that Don didn’t say a word all night long. Stormy is dashing to the phone to see what’s bothering him. Meanwhile, here’s to a BRC-infused Nashville Star season!