APR. 14, 2006

THE JUDGES SEEMED SURPRISED THAT AMERICA SENT KRISTEN HOME AND HAD A LOT OF TOUGH THINGS TO SAY AS A RESULT. AS AN ARTIST, HOW DO YOU HANDLE BEING JUDGED BY BOTH THE PUBLIC AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS?

I was so surprised that Kristen was voted off, but each week it just gets harder and harder to watch them leave. They are all so good and my affinity for Kristen is really very strong.

When I was at a press conference earlier in the week, one of the journalists who is a friend of mine, couldn't understand why the girls kept getting voted off. I know it's part of the process, but it's painful.

I hope that everyone in the world will watch her original song on the Nashville Star website, it blows my mind.

To thine own self be true. That's what I say.

I went to media training school when I was a kid starting with The Judds because I was so shy. I lived for the live performances and Mom loved the interviews. I watched her thrive in that environment, but my manager and all of our handlers (the suits) were very hard on me at the time.

I just wanted to be in the band. And people were judging me even then -- I suppose it's just part of the gig.

It is tough to find balance in this world. I write a lot about this topic in my book. So many people tried to tell me who I was and I struggled.

But guess what? I survived in a big way by merely being authentic. I can't make anyone like me or necessarily believe what I believe. But I am truthful.

I've given up on trying to be what everyone else tells me is the right thing to be. I have to really feel something in my gut to withstand the criticism that comes with the job.

If I know that I can sing and deliver, I don't worry too much about how I look. And now, I just want to be healthy so I am more comfortable in my own skin than I've ever been before.

The ability to feel confident with your gifts and in your abilities has helped me manage the expectations of others. And if you want a thousand opinions go ask a thousand people. In the quiet hours of the day though, it's what your heart tells you that you need to listen to.

The world yells and God whispers.

I really came alive when I figured out who I was, not what the world told me who I was. I'm a Judd, not a judge -- I always say that. I'm in a field where sometimes style does win out over substance so I take my lumps when they come. I don't like photo shoots and wardrobe fittings, but this year I have become more and more comfortable with myself. I've come home to myself, that's for certain!

I cannot believe how fast this time has come and gone. We only have three episodes left and some pretty big surprises are headed your way in these final three weeks. Everyone on this show has worked so hard and in the spirit of great teamwork, I lovingly give a big shout out to my brothers and sisters (there are hundreds of people!) who work behind the scenes on this show.

And I couldn't have done this show without Troy, he's my rock. And I will always remember my dance card being full as long as he was around!

It's Easter week and I'm ever mindful of the significance of the spirit of rebirth and what the season of renewal means to me. This show has rejuvenated my spirit and in the belief that we all matter as long as we are authentic in our voices and using our own gifts.

Never give up on the belief that you can change the world.

Love and peace,
Wynonna

Past Entries:

• (4/6) Would you have the courage to enter a competition like Nashville Star? What would your strategy be?
• (3/30) You've hosted three shows now, what has surprised you most about your role as host? What do you like and dislike?
• (3/23) When you watch the finalists, are there moments that you're reminded of your own early beginnings?
• (3/15) What did you think of the first show and how hard is it to see someone get eliminated?
• (3/9) Now that You've Met the Contestants, What's Your Outlook for the New Season?
• (2/17) Why are You Excited About the New Season?