Cody McCarver (sp?) ‘opened up’ for the Nashville Star finalists. He was fun and entertaining, even though I really didn’t know who he was. He said he’s got a single on radio called “Red Flag”, so I’m guessing I really don’t know him only because I haven’t been listening to the radio much since Zac. *clears throat* *ahem* For the unaware, that’s dating back to January-ish. Ever since I’ve been able to get my hands on at least even a LITTLE Zac music, that’s all I’ve really listened to. I pop in the CD... and have recently decided that having a RADIO in my car is pretty pointless. Hehe... Aaaaaaaaaanyway, as I mentioned, Cody was entertaining... and played for about an hour. Then it was time to break down the stage from him and his band’s equipment and start setting up for the Nashville Star finalists.
As usual, the show started out with all 4 singing “Fourth of July”, then all leaving the stage... only for Joshua to return after they show highlights of his season’s performances and judges critique. His first song was “I’m In A Hurry”, which I guess could have been a tongue-in-cheek kind of way to set the tone for his set. Not that he necessarily WANTED to be in a hurry, but since each contestant only gets to play 5 songs, then it’s on to the next finalist, it’s over much too quickly. They’re just getting warmed up and it’s time to wrap it up. Anyway, he followed that up with a song from his album that he’s selling on the tour, “Can’t Buy A Beer”, then another... “Hate’s A Pretty Strong Word”. His next song was one I’d never heard him play/sing before, so I have NO IDEA what the title is... but I’m guessing it’s something to do with “Two Wrongs Sometimes Make A Right”. His final song is the one he told us will be released as a single, “Rock ‘n’ Roll ‘n’ Pensacola”. It’s a great song with a great beat... and Josh really seems to be making strides and great improvements vocally. Either that, or he’s growing on me. Hehe... Either way, his set was really, really good... and over too quickly.
Then came David... he always lights up the stage with his Garth Brooks style “run around the stage like a madman to entertain the crowd” mentality and stage presence. Hehe... He definitely enjoys the stage... and singing/performing for all the adoring fans. His set started out with the ever-popular and fan-favorite “Wave on Wave”. He really does that song amazingly! To keep the audience pumped and the speed of the show in high gear, he chose to do the song “I Love You Period” from his album that’s available on the tour and on his website. He chose to delve into a new song next, called “When The Rain Comes Down”, which slowed things down, even if just a little. Of all of his songs on his album, “Please” is my favorite, so I was rather ‘pleased’ (hehe) when he played that song next. This song shows us a soft, sensitive side of him... and it reminds me of the sound/feel of “Unchained Melody”. It’s such a great song and he does a great job singing it, as well! He concluded his set with the lively number “That’s Where I Wanna Be”. If I remember correctly, this was the song David chose to perform on the show for Originals Night. As with Joshua’s set, David’s was over too quickly, but if anything could perk my spirits up, it’s Zac. Fortunately for me, he was next. 
Hehe...
Zac came out rockin’ a Jimi Hendrix blues number that he probably mastered even better than Mr Hendrix himself! (Did I just utter slander and blasphemy? Am I partial? Perhaps... to both questions... but it WAS simply amazing and gave my friend chill bumps just hearing him play and sing it!!!) That set the tone... it was a bluesy night, and man, do I love the blues!! Zac’s style is far from traditional country... and to me, that’s what sets him apart... above and beyond. He doesn’t have to try to figure out his style or what suits him best or what he DOES best... he already owns it. And last night, somehow he amazed me more. I’ve never heard him sound better than he did last night. After he did the Jimi Hendrix song, Red House, he played his own song, “Never Been Loved” from his album that’s available at shows on the tour (and hopefully online sometime soon). That is my favorite song of his, at least for right now... and he STILL found a way to wow me with it during last night’s performance. The emotion and feeling in his voice... in his ‘presence’ on stage... was just outstanding! (Again, not that I’m partial or anything, but Zac OWNED that stage last night!!!) To get back into the groovy, blues vibe, he jumped right into “Get Your Love On” and followed that up with “If It Wasn’t For The Whiskey”. Zac’s last song was the crowd favorite, “Memphis Women and Chicken”, then he was gone.
That left Angela to come up and close out the show for the night. She started right in with “When Will I Be Loved” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me”. Her own songs from her album followed, including “Love Me Wild” which Zac joined her on... “Used” which will be available on her album due out in the fall, and “Emotionless” which is on the current album. She really seemed to be free and loose on stage, having a ball entertaining the crowd. You can see she definitely enjoys performing for a living... and seems to be getting more and more comfortable with just being herself on stage. There are no more judges to criticize her every move... only the fans who love and support her.
The last song of the night was the duet between Angela and Zac that’s closed out every show so far, including the season finale on the contest itself, “Hard To Handle”. It almost seemed unfair that they’d choose such a rowdy number to conclude with... get everyone up and into the show, only to let us down so suddenly when we realize that there are no more contestants and no more time. The show is sadly over... until next time.
It was an amazing show last night... all the contestants really seemed to “bring it” like never before! Granted, I’ve only been to one other show with all 4 of the contestants, but this one far outshined that one... and that one was pretty freakin’ awesome, too! I guess my point is... if ya haven’t gotten the chance to see the show YET... do it!!! Hitch a ride, steal money, do whatever it takes to get there... just get there!! Hehe... ok, maybe not quite that drastic. Just find a way. You won’t regret it!
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