May 4, 2006

WHAT STORY FROM THIS SEASON WILL YOU BE TELLING PEOPLE 10 YEARS FROM NOW?

Oh boy, where do I start?

The story I want to tell is how moved I was by this entire experience. I had an amazing time with these contestants, I loved the energy, I loved the band and the crew.

I loved doing press for the show, because I BELIEVED in this project and the fact that these are the next generation of artists who deserve a chance to have their music heard.

And they've all been reverent to our legends, both in their respective song choices (Cash, Haggard, Jones, etc...) and how they treat our music industry peers (Kenny Rogers, Patti Labelle, etc...)

But THE FUNNIEST story is about my dear friend, Troy. Last Thursday, I was doing a speaking engagement for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) in downtown Nashville. It was a very reverent moment with beautiful speeches from foster kids and judges from our community, and there were lots of kids and kids choirs around. I love that!

So, this cute little 4-year-old boy comes up to me and says, "Miss Wynonna! Did you really get mad at Troy for having a party in your office?"

I couldn't have been happier, I probably laughed for days and told everyone who would listen. And I shared that story with Troy this week.

What we began in December by signing on to do this show, filming those hilarious promos in January and keeping with the fun throughout the entire season, really worked. We had a story to tell. And the kids loved us and that raw energy. It was a beautiful experience, friends.

The story I will tell in 10 years is how blessed I was to do this show with Cowboy Troy. I love this man and am thrilled to have had the opportunity to have worked with him and to have had the chance to get to know his lovely wife.

Last night, for the last episode, it's hard to accurately portray how I felt. I basically felt like a kid whose Mom is rubbing sunscreen all over their body and all they want to do is swim. I just wanted to play. And I just wanted that moment, those last 90 minutes, to last forever.

One of the most exciting moments of my life (could you tell?!) was announcing the new winner of Nashville Star. I wasn't pulling for one person over the other, but I wanted to be in that exhilarating moment with whomever it was that America chose to crown victorious.

Chris Young was walking on air. He was actually resonating. God Bless him for working as hard as he did to make it. It's a tough road for everyone, country music stars too! My hope is that he will be supported by our industry because we need to build these bright franchises for the future!

I got a lump in my throat when it was Nicole Jamrose's turn to leave, I just love her so much. And Casey Rivers ... he came up to me at the after party and I just saw love and peace in his eyes.

Those two are going to be fine. They're going places, and they are making the future of this business so bright, I've got to wear shades (those of you who know me know how much I love sunglasses).

Today, the day after the last show, I'm basking in the glow of a job well done. The bar was raised this season. We, as a team and as a community, took this show and this entire experience to the next level. I hope you felt the authentic love from us. We were nervous, we were excited, we were exasperated at times ... we showed you what we felt every week.

It wasn't always perfect, but by God, it was REAL.

I love you all. Thanks for taking this journey with me. I'm headed into the studio this summer to make two albums. I know that cup runneth over.

I have 10 amazing, talented new friends and a lot of praise to God for the blessings that continue to fufill my life in this 23rd year of making music professionally.

Enjoy your life, live your life, do what you love, love each other and support the arts.

And thanks for receiving me with such open arms, friends.

Love and peace,
Wynonna

Past Entries:

• (4/27) Have you learned anything or discovered something about yourself throughout the course of the show that you'll apply to your own music career?
• (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?