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By Bret Federigan
MSN TV
Yet another young competitor was sent from the stage last night on the seventh episode of "Nashville Star," as viewers of the country-singing competition show voted to send 20-year-old Ashlee Hewitt home. The Minnesota native's elimination was a mild surprise, given the positive feedback she had continued to receive from the judges. However, in the more recent weeks, Hewitt had battled the perception that she was just a pop singer masquerading in country clothing. Last night, before a live audience in the Acuff Theatre, host Billy Ray Cyrus announced that the ranch-raised soldier's daughter had been given her marching orders. Last week, the teenage duo Laura & Sophie were eliminated by audience vote.
More: "Nashville Star" hub
Performance Recap
The competition finally began to heat
up on "Original Song Night," as the five remaining contestants had the
opportunity to display their songwriting chops and to perform songs that
uniquely suited their own voices. The quality of the singing on this week's
episode was markedly higher than it has been all season long. Here's a look at
what the final five sang and what the judges had to say:
Coffey: Weathering weekly criticism from the judges that he's just not up to country snuff, this 28-year-old Californian just keeps trucking along. Again this week, the single father demonstrated that he's the most pop-oriented of the remaining contestants. His original song, "Southern Man," was reminiscent of "One Week" by Barenaked Ladies -- a catchy tune paired with lighthearted and sometimes silly lyrics. There's no doubt, however, that Coffey's been among the live audience's favorites all season long, and last night's strong placement at the start of the show demonstrates that he has a loyal, and sizable, following among viewers at home. Judge Jeffrey Steele said of the original song, "It's kind of novelty, but you pulled it off." John Rich acknowledged Coffey's clear crossover appeal, "I think that that song turns on the crowd, but I don't think that's a hit on country radio." And Jewel continued to struggle to offer up substantive feedback: "That song is you. You stood for what you are." I wrongly predicted that he'd be the artist sent home this week. I'm changing my tune; I think he'll definitely make the final three, since it's clear that he's the most fan-friendly of the singers left.
Melissa: The mother of five can punch her ticket for the final three, as she delivered a confident and Nashville-ready "Ready to Stand" that conjured up the likes of Martina McBride. As the oldest remaining contestant, she wields a voice marked with maturity and sensitivity. Her song -- a seeming personal anthem -- revealed her ability to turn a catchy hook. Jewel found the song appropriate, remarking, "You did a good job taking advantage of your voice." Jeffrey, the award-winning songwriter, was clearly impressed, raving, "I'm so mad [because] I came here as a songwriter ready to critique the heck out of everyone.
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