APR. 27, 2006

HAVE YOU LEARNED ANYTHING OR DISCOVERED SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THOUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE SHOW THAT YOU'LL APPLY TO YOUR OWN MUSIC CAREER?

I've learned a lot from this experience. When you are open to receiving information, I've found that it comes in abundance.

I have learned something from all 10 contestants, namely how to be more aware of what's new, how to stay connected with the younger audience, and I was reminded what the ever-evolving audience of country music likes and dislikes.

I'm solid when it comes to the music I love. I have to be connected there. But, I realized that it's also fun to take chances! It was always fun to watch the contestants try new things, so I am now full of adrenaline to go back out on the limb, baby. That's where the fruit is!

Tonight was another very special night for me. Having my sweet sister come and surprise me with a "business" highlight was very surreal. I tend not to focus on the statistics. It is my job to make certain the art is right.

But, it sure was heartfelt to have Ashley with me. We haven't been on TV together in over six years. It was important for me to share this quick moment in the spotlight with my new friends -- the contestants. I so enjoy being their sister-mommy-friend, and I hope I get to be at their monumental career recognitions in 20 years when they rip the roof off the country music industry and take it to the next level. They are each so talented and special to me.

It's no secret that I love Mr. Matt Mason. I love his voice, I love his cool vibe. He is a major talent, and I know he already has managers and producers wanting to work with him.

As I said on the show, I would manage him, but in saying that I would like to say that I also hope he knows how GOOD he really is. He doesn't need anyone telling him what to fix. He's just got "it." Anyone would be lucky to work with him.

I don't have favorites out of the any of the 10, I love them all equally like I do my kids. TRULY. Anytime someone leaves, the void is reminiscent of a family member missing at the family reunion (even though we'll all be together one more time next week.)

And so I say to my friend, Matt: you are a huge star, you are uniquely gifted and have depths of talents that are still yet to be found. You will be my favorite outlaw!

I interviewed with The Today Show right after the show. It aired this morning. We talked about how this next generation of music stars is making people more excited than ever to buy music again. At least for me, I will support all of these 10 finalists. I've never met a harder-working, more talented bunch of characters.

Hank Jr. commissioned a gold pendant to be created for me. It had a logo of my cross and heart (which is representative of how I sign all of my pictures) on one side, and it had my Wy music note logo on the other side.

I almost started crying.

He and I have been friends for years but have really bonded over the last couple of years. He is a legend in our industry, and I love his spirit. He wrote me the sweetest note after he saw me at the CMT Awards two weeks ago. I love his naughty, rebel side, but I also love the sweetness in him too. Thank you, Bocephus!

Nicole Jamrose also wrote THE sweetest note to me last night, thanking me for the advice, love and SOUP that I have given all of the contestants throughout the season. She is and will always be my sisterfriend. I'm glad to stand by her side every night.

And Chris and Casey have equally charmed me. The three of them have worked so hard and have absolutely found their unique voices. They are all winners to me, they all have something to offer the world of country music and I will enjoy sharing the stage with them in the future.

I'm the lucky one to get to watch them grow and blossom every week. They are serious about this path, they are busting their butts and they are truly worthy of this moment. I celebrate each of their loving hearts as we cross the finish line next week.

It's been nice having a "real job." And when I think about it, I will miss this weekly moment of fellowship with my 10 friends each Tuesday night.

It ended before I even knew it! We had fun, we cried some, we made some mistakes ... but we did this out of love, at least I did. Love for the game!

When you are able to do what you love to make a living, God shines through your spirit. I'm pretty sure that's how we all feel about our eight-week experience on Star.

And to the Nashville Star Band and my friend, Phil Vassar, and all of my sisterfriends and brothers who are helping us behind the cameras and in LA and New York, I salute you. You make us look better and sound better and work better. This entire team is the best. God Bless You, each and every one.

And thank YOU America, for investing with us more than ever this year. I hope you felt the love.

See you for the ending next week. With every ending, there is a new beginning. I am excited and sad, but I am thrilled that for one lucky, hard-working soul, for whom there will be an RCA recording contract, joining Buddy, Brad and Erika Jo as the country's favorite.

It's a privilege to be a part of this.

Love and peace,
Wynonna

Past Entries:

• (4/20) You will often say to the contestants, "What is going through your mind right now?" What goes through your mind after the show?
• (4/14) As an artist, how do you handle being judged by both the public and industry professionals?
• (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?