APR. 6, 2006

WOULD YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO ENTER A COMPETITION LIKE NASHVILLE STAR? WHAT WOULD YOUR STRATEGY BE?

What a great question! Isn't it funny that this is what Troy and I were joking about in the promos for the show we shot back in January?

We didn't have opportunities like Nashville Star when I was getting started. I actually did a show on the NBC affiliate in Nashville called "The Ralph Emery Show" for a couple of years as "The Soap Sisters" with my mother. It wasn't a competition of any sort, but it was rare in those days to have such a great television opportunity.

I remember the first time I did "Good Morning America" and "The Today Show" in the mid 1980's. I thought I was really something!

But, the reality is, Nashville Star affords a really amazing opportunity for someone to get a leg up in the music business. You really have a chance to get to know the fans, and they have a chance to invest in you!

There are so many choices of music today and so many talented artists. I'm proud to be affiliated with a show that turns the dream of "making it" into a reality.

I wouldn't have had the courage to enter a competition like Nashville Star. I would enter talent shows in school, and I was voted "Most Talented" one year. But the reality is, I always struggled with stage fright so it took a lot for Mom to push me into even wanting to get up on stage.

Now, you can't get me off of the stage, but I still get nervous to this day.

I've never had a strategy with my music. It's too important for me personally to keep the art sacred. I've always just done things in my career that speak to my heart -- not because I thought it would give me a leg up in the business.

I know I would never "win" a talent competition because winning to me has nothing to do with outside worldly accomplishments, awards and recognition. Rather, winning to me means being personally fulfilled. Knowing that you have kept your art sacred, and your talent real and honest, is the sign of a real winner to me.

I'm proud of these contestants. No one will ever understand what kind of pressure they are under, not only to make it this far but to be competing with each other is so stressful.

Last night, Nicole was so nervous. And she nailed the Bonnie song. Nailed it. But, she was so shaken up by being in the final two and having to say goodbye to her friend, it was all she could do to step up to the microphone. But she did it. And she soared.

And I can say that honestly about the other remaining contestants, too. This is a pressure cooker, designed to be good TV. But it is also about heart and soul and pure, raw talent. They should all get a record deal because of how hard they've worked just to get to this point.

Last night, I was so visibly shaken by the news that Melanie was eliminated that I mistakenly said goodnight. I recovered quickly, because I try so hard to be professional ... but I was a mess.

I love all of these contestants and it's hard to see them go. Melanie was certainly no exception. She tried just about as hard as anyone I've ever known to push herself to succeed. She was going to sing "All Jacked Up," and she ROCKED during rehearsals on Monday and Tuesday.

I miss her already and yet I know God has bigger plans for her. Maybe it was supposed to happen? I don't know. It stings to know she won't be there next week, but it's merely a sign of how tough it is at this level.

Someone having an off-week just isn't a reality anymore, not that I think anyone has been slacking to this point. But, with each person being removed, it means that the pressure is turned up about 11 notches.

I want to say a special prayer to each of my 10 friends and finalists. You are loved. And you are in my heart always.

How cute was my mother last night? I know that everyone doesn't agree with her, and everyone knows historically that I do not always agree with everything she says. But she had REAL, legitimate feedback on the substance of these vocalists. Style and substance are a reality of our business today. But substance will always win out over style. And that was her message last night.

I appreciate her candor and her bravery. I just believe that she gets cuter every single day. She gave every contestant a book before the show and was around a long time last night for feedback.

I saw Shy and Monique. They both came to my dressing room last night and seemed happy. I missed seeing Jewels. I hope Melanie continues to come and lean on me when she needs me. These are lifelong friends to me. We've gone pretty deep.

I'm off for two days of vacation in the mountains. I come back on Saturday to sing for the first time ever with Faith Hill (who I love!) for my favorite charity in Nashville, The Oasis Center.

You can check out their valiant efforts at www.oasiscenter.org if you feel so inclined. Maybe you can find a way to volunteer with them or send them some love.

Take care of yourself and love yourself. It's not always a beautiful day, but when we stand together, it's our finest hour.

Love,
Wy

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APR. 6, 2006

WOULD YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO ENTER A COMPETITION LIKE NASHVILLE STAR? WHAT WOULD YOUR STRATEGY BE?

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