This is my favorite arrangement of two beautiful songs. It’s by Israel Kamakawiwo Ole. This just seems appropriate for today, January 1, 2009. This is an arrangement that had to grow on me. Since it is so different from what I was accustomed to, I wasn’t sure I liked it at first. However, after awhile, it became my favorite version -even when it doesn’t make much sense since he mixes up the words. It has a happy, carefree lilt to it. What do you think?

Here is a song-by-song description of tonight’s Nashville Star show. It’s down to the final three: Melissa Lawson, Gabe Garcia and Shawn Mayer. Check back for updates as the show gets under way at 9:00 Central time. Tonight is the finale - and they will drag it out unmercifully. The decision has already been made as to who the winner is - so all the singing is just to fill the time.

OK - finally they’re getting it underway with Billy Ray Cyrus singing “Achey Breaky Heart!” Ahhh - it brings back such memories! The three finalists are accompanying Billy Ray. Folks, this is the best part of the Nashville Star so far this season. LOL! It looks like the other contestants are off to the side of the stage.

The emcee chick is wearing a hideous dress. I don’t even know her name - totally unremarkable - except for wearing a butt ugly dress tonight.

Of course the winner has already been decided, but they’ll each sing their “encore song” first.

Gabe Garcia is up first. If this guy wins, it’ll be a travesty. I can’t even understand the words well enough to figure out what the song is. Something about reality. Everybody is cheering wildly. Jewel is getting all gushy over him. The other two judges don’t comment.

Melissa Lawson is next singing “My Wish For You.” It actually is about my least favorite of the songs she has sung this season. John Rich does his usual vapid comments.

Shawn Mayer is the last to sing, and she’s singing something I can’t understand - something about a shotgun. Not impressive. Jeffrey calls her the dark horse in the competition.

Isn’t it an amazing coincidence that each of the three judges has one contestant left in the competition. Amazing how that worked out.

John, Jeff and Jewel bring in THEIR mentor, Blair Varner. Apparently he’s a bigwig somewhere in country music. Then George Jones came in - as another of the judges’ mentors. Now EVERYONE knows George Jones. His contribution to the conversation is to say, “Well heck, I think you’re doing a great job!” And that was that.

Up next - the first elimination of the night. Of course they have the heartbeat drum keep going for a L-O-N-G time. First eliminated is SHAWN MAYER. That’s as it should be. They had the traditional video montage looking back at Shawn’s Nashville Star run. She’s a sweet girl with a good voice, but she was definitely not star material.

Shawn Mayer - buh bye!

Now Melissa Lawson and Gabe Garcia are singing a duet - “I’ve Had the Time of My Life.” They actually sounds pretty good together, but they look very uncomfortable singing together.

Now they’re doing a brief interview/look-back-at-Nashville-Star segment on both Melissa. She cries when she talks about how much she wants to win - for her family, of course. Time filler. Now she’s singing “Gotta Be Something More.” She is rocking out. What vocals! She is definitely, without a doubt the best singer and performer on the show. Am I the only one that thinks she looks like Wynonna? Now Jewel is giving her a critique. And Jeff. Then John. Just idle chit-chat - nothing significant said - “you’ve got a wonderful talent, I like your tone . . . blah blah blah.”

Gabe’s turn for the interview/look-back-at-Nashville-Star segment. He says his goal is to become “a legend in country music.” Sigh! A legend? Come on, Gabe! You’re a good singer, but a legend? Gag! He’s singing “Gone Country.” The judges are clapping and acting like he’s wonderful - except for Jewel. I’m sorry, but I just don’t see this guy being a huge success - much less a “legend in country music.” Standing O from Jeff and John. Jeff - “You’re already country. You’re one of the greatest voices I’ve heard on this show.” John - “You’ve done your heritage proud. What a testament to great country music.” Jewel - “I feel there’s a really great future for you here.”

Whoever wins will have their new single out tomorrow morning. So now they’re showing them both getting their singles ready to go. Wow! Melissa is 32 years old - and has FIVE chidlren. She just jinxed herself. She said, “I not only want to win this competition, I’m GOING to win this competition.”

Judges give “final thoughts” before winner is announced - blah, blah, blah…. Then the blonde “hostess” or whatever she is called is asking Gabe and Melissa what winning would mean to them. . .

Billy Ray “This is it . . .” And the winner is:

Nashville Star Winner - Melissa Lawson

She sings her new single “What if it All Goes Right” and it is really good. Her little boys are picking up confetti off the floor and throwing it up as she sings. Hey - this song is GOOD - it might just might do really well.

And to Gabe - we must now say, “Buh-Bye.”

Gabe Garcia - Buh - bye!

Here’s the rundown of tonight’s Nashville Star show. Check back here to see details of each performance and who is kicked off at the end of the show. Live blogged - this post will be updated every three to five minutes.

The show is down to Coffey, Gabe Garcia, Melissa Lawson and Shawn Mayer. The three judges are Jeffrey Steele, Jewel and John Rich.

Okay. The show is starting now. All four stars will sing. Then after that they will start the elimination process.

Shawn Mayer is up first. They show her hometown visit to May City, Iowa first. In reality, the hometown visits are just filler. With just four contestants left, they have to have something to take up time so they can fill up an hour show. Shawn is singing “I”m Here for the Party.” John Rich liked it. Jewel said something that made no sense. Jeffrey talked about Shawn’s wisdom tooth and how she was singing through the pain. I wasn’t impressed. Shawn has a nice voice, but not star quality at all.

Gabe Garcia is up next. He’s off to his hometown of Lytle, Texas. A parade, key to the city, etc. Now he’s singing “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Yes, Gabe is a good singer. He just is absolutely nothing unusual. Jeffrey likes him - talks about him working through a cold. John Rich does his usual pompous routine and talks about the void in country music when it comes to hispanic singers. Jewel is glad that Gabe is from a small town like she is. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Coffey is next. He’s my least favorite of the four finalists. He’s nasaly and wavery sounding. His hometown visit is to Los Angeles, CA. It shows him getting a star at his community church. Patricia Heaton and Sinbad are there later when he gives a concert. Now he’s singing “Sweet Home Alabama.” Sigh! What’s this guy doing in the final four? He just average. Let’s see what the judges say. Jeffrey says “this was pretty good.” “You’re a great showman. Your charisma has carried you this far.” John Rich agrees that he’s an incredible star and has charisma, but he doubts he’s a Nashville Star. Jewel though he was great - and agreed about Coffey’s charisma. I just wonder if Jeffrey, John and Jewel are seeing the same performance I’m seeing.

Melissa Lawson is up next. She visits her hometown of Arlington, Texas. Her husband and five boys rush to greet her. She goes to her old school, Arlington High School, where she said people used to pick on her. Now she is singing “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” I love Melissa, and I believe she is hands down the best singer and highest potential on this year’s Nashville Star. She sometimes overdoes the cutesy facial expressions, though, while she sings. She knocks this song out of the park, though. Jewel thought it was a good job. Jeffrey said he feels that “everybody is sneaking up” on her. He’s tired of hearing the big notes from her. John (in his sanctimonious voice) asks her, “Why do you want to be the next Nashville Star?” She said because she wants it and it’ll change the lives of her family - and that’s her responsibility as a mother. Interesting answer.

Now the elimination process. Whoever isn’t chosen is the one who will go home.

First one to advance to the finale is Shawn Mayer. Her second song is “The Dance,” - and old Garth Brooks’ song. So - so. I don’t want to be too harsh, but she is mediocre at best. John Rich congratulates her on making the final three. Then he brags on her progress through the program. Jewel says she thinks Shawn would be a good Nashville Star because she has vision. Jeffrey is concerned about everybody’s health tonight. He talks about how she’s limping tonight.

The second person to move on the finale is Melissa Lawson. That means one of the two guys (Coffey or Gabe Garcia) will be elminated tonight. Melissa is singing Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take The Wheel.” As she sings, RT comments, “SURELY she will win the whole show.” Really, there is no comparison in Melissa’s singing and the other three contestants. They’re good singers. She’s outstanding. John Rich is giving her a standing ovation. Jewel says, “That was a beautiful song.” Jeffrey said the verse was too low for her - and the rest was beautiful. John Rich, “I don’t care what anybody says . . . those kind of performances connect with the audience.”

Okay - who will go home tonight? Coffey or Gabe Garcia? Of course they are dragging it out. Gabe is the best singer of the two. And . . . Coffey goes home! The man needs some sweat protectors under his arms. He keeps raising his arms to wave - and his purple shirt has big old sweat rings under the arms.

Gabe Garcia moves on to the finale. He is singing “Living in Fast Forward.” He did a good job of getting the audience involved. Still so-so, though. Jeffrey says, “Anyone who thinks we don’t have great talent, can kiss my country ass.” Uh - no thanks. John Rich talks about how “important to country music” Gabe is. Jewel tells he’s singing great, and that he isn’t a very vain singer. She loves it. Really?

That’s it for tonight’s show. I think Gabe may win simply because everybody is gung-ho for an hispanic winner. However, Melissa Lawson is the best singer with the most potential to make it big.

“Nashville Star” is really lame this year. There isn’t anyone with real star potential except for possibly Melissa.

Here’s tonight’s show wrap-up.

First to be called is Coffey. How this guy got so far along in this competition is only explained by the general weak nature of talent in this year’s contestants. He’s simply awful. There’s no chance he will ever be a successful country singer, and yet each week enough people vote for him. It’s amazing really. He’s singing an original song. Totally forgetable and unremarkable.

This year’s show is like a group of friends singing around a karaoke machine. Who selected these contestants?

Oh Lord, now John Rich is talking. He’s absolutely obnoxious. Coffeey just called him “the Donald Trump of country music.” Have mercy! At least on “American Idol” Simon is halfway likeable. John Rich is just nauseating. Neither RT nor I knew John Rich when this year’s “Nashville Star” started, and we’ve both just been appalled at his self-righteous and pompous attitude and remarks. I sure hope they get someone else for next year’s show. I could bear his smugness if he had something positive to contribute to the show, but sadly, it’s just all about him and trying to impress everyone with how important he is and how much he knows…which is laughable considering it took this show for most people to even know who he is.

OK, I am not finished with my obligatory ranting about John Rich’s pomposity. Who’s next?

Yea! The only person with the potential to actually be successful in country music - Melissa Lawson is next with her original song, “Ready to Stand.” It’s pretty good. At least it’s memorable. I don’t even remember what Coffey’s song was about after a few minutes.

John Rich just told Melissa Lawson that she has “mega-competition” here. That’s ridiculous! There is absolutely no one else in this competition that comes anywhere near Melissa in talent and potential. Mega-competition. ROFL!

Now the judges - Jewel, John and Jeffrey Steele - are singing medleys of the songs they’ve written. What’s with this? Both Jewel and Jeffrey were both pitchy sounding - just a little off. Okay - he may be obnoxious, but John Rich did the best of the three judges with singing his own songs.

Gabe Garcia is next. He’s probably second to Melissa for talent. I don’t think he will ever be successful in country music because there’s nothing memorable about his voice, but he’s got a nice country voice. He just said, “Hopefully I’ll be a country legend one day.” OMG! Talk about deluded! He’s singing a song he wrote called “Lost Weekend.” Now that’s a catchy little song. Okay - this is my favorite song of the three sung thus far in the show - at least it has a chance of being a successful country song. Very nice song - and Gabe did a good job singing it. I think the final two standing in a couple weeks will be Melissa and Gabe. Melissa should win - but Gave will make a solid second.

So it’s down to Shawn Mayer and Ashlee Hewitt. Who will go home? They both will sing first.

So Ashlee Hewitt will perform her song, “Mike’s Hard Lemonade.” She’s so cute! Her song is cute, too. Reminds me of Taylor Swift’s singing. I dont think Ashlee has a strong enough voice to carry it off, though. I liked her song, though, and she likely will have some success in either sining and/or song-writing. Not major success - but some success.

Shawn Mayer is next with her original song, “I’m Not Looking Back.” She’s on the third line right now, and I only understood one or two words. Talk about lack of enunciation! I think I heard the phrase “one way track,” and “as much as it kills me,” and of course “I’m not looking back.” That’s it. Otherwise, I have no idea what she was singing. Jeffrrey talked about how she has a career in this town - how Faith Hill or Martina McBride could record that song. Maybe somebody who could actually sing the song so somebody could understand it.

So who’s going home? Shawn or Ashlee? I personally think Shawn should go home. But the person going home is . . . ASHLEE HEWITT!

Ashlee is better than Coffey or Shawn. It’s too bad she’s going home tonight. However, I don’t think she could have won. So I guess it doesn’t matter.

For your 4th of July enjoyment, here is the Marine Corps Band playing “The Star Spangled Banner.”

When Tim McGraw saw a fan abuse a woman on the front row of his concert Tuesday night, he yelled for security, but when they weren’t fast enough, he took matters into his own hands. A video of the incident is below.

Don’t you love the way he took hold of the guy and wouldn’t let go?

It’s Nashville Star night again. First of all, Billy Ray Cyrus isn’t a very “natural” emcee for the show. However, he is better this week than the first two weeks. So maybe he’ll continue to relax and be more at ease in the coming weeks of the show. I think it’s just so obvious that he’s reading a teleprompter.

Tonight’s show has the theme of “Pop Goes Country” - taking pop songs and giving them a country feel. The first singer, Gabe Garcia was horrible singing “La Vida Loca” - but the judges acted like he was good. Totally unremarkable peerformance.

Pearl Heart performed “Love Shack.” I have to admit a preference for this group since the youngest sister attends a local school. I enjoyed their performance. The judges had positive things to say. I still can’t stand John Rich, though. He comes across as such an egotistic person.

Allison Gilbert put everyone to sleep with “I Think We’re Alone Now.” What an awful arrangement. The judges agreed with me.

Ashlee Hewitt was next singing “You Drive Me Crazy” - a Brittney Spears’ song. I thought she was pretty good. Not “Nashville Star” good - but good. The judges liked her, too.

Coffey was next with “Umbrella.” He got a wavery voice - rather nasal sounding. He’s singing to his daughter, Savannah. He seems very likeable, but I thought the song was lame. Some talking - some beat boxing. Ho Hum… I don’t think the performance was star quality at all. The judges reactions were mixed.

Laura and Sophie were next. I like them because they’re young and one of them has the same name as one of my granddaughters. They’re singing “PYT” by Michael Jackson (Pretty Young Thing). They sure have harmony down pat. I liked their performance. The judges liked them, too.

Shawn Mayer was next singing “Bye-Bye-Bye” by NSYNC. I really liked it - but then I really like that song, too. She did a good job, though. She looked gorgeous tonight, too. The judges’ reactions were mixed.

Melissa Lawson is next - singing “True Colors” by Cindy Lauper. She reminds me of Wynonna - her nose and cheekbones, I guess. I have to admit that Melissa is my favorite of all the performers. She’s got the most talent and potential of any of this year’s contestants. I think she did a good job on tonight’s performance. The judges agree with me.

So it’s between Tommy and Justin Gaston - the bottom two. Who will go home tonight?

Justin Gaston is singing “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” Silly song choice, in my opinion. Why on earth would he select such a stupid song? Now that I’ve written that, I have to say that he did a pretty good job of country-fying the song. It’s was catchy. Still not star material, though. The judges liked his performance tonight, too.

Tommy Stanley is last singing “Maniac.” Hmmm - can he make “Maniac” sound country? I WANT to be for this guy since he’s a Navy person - serving on U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. He reminds me of Elliot Yasmin (or whatever his name is) that was on American Idol a couple years ago. Tommy put his whole heart in tonight’s performance, but it just didn’t do it for me. The judges agreed with me.

Who went home? Bye-bye, Justin!

Amy Winehouse has developed emphysema and will die unless she stops smoking drugs, according to her father. Photo and Video below. Emphysema is an incurable disease that leaves its victims struggling for breath.

Amy Winehouse has been in the news a lot lately.

Singer Amy Winehouse, defiant in her drug use, to the point of writing a song vowing not to go to rehab, has the lungs of a 70-year-old from smoking crack cocaine and cigarettes. She’s 24 and suffering from emphysema, a usually irreversible lung disease found in aged smokers, according to doctors. Her father, Mitch, told the Sunday Mirror that watching his daughter deteriorate reminded him of his own 78-year-old mother struggling for breath before she died of lung cancer.

After weeks of a very public slide into drug abuse, Winehouse fainted and was rushed to the hosptial, where she underwent a thorough examination. Doctors told the star that she will need oxygen mask to survive, unless she stops smoking drugs and crack immediately. “To think this could be my beautiful 24-year-old daughter’s life is preposterous. But if drugs mean more to her than breathing properly, then so be it. But the doctors have told her if she goes back to smoking drugs it won’t just ruin her voice, it will kill her. It’s been a tough week,” he father told the tab.

Talk about an understatement! More than “tough” I would imagine. The only positive thing to this story is that MAYBE Amy’s experiences will be a graphic example to other young people of the dangers of drugs.

Here’s Louis Armstrong singing “What a Wonderful World” - THE most beautiful song ever. The first version is of Louis Armstrong himself. The second version is with visuals to match the words. The second version has the “oh yeah” ending that I love, although I love watching Louis himself sing the song on the first video. Enjoy!

Here is a video of “Tim Russert’s Rainbow” - the version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” that was played at Tim Russert’s funeral - along with footage of some of the guests at the funeral - John McCain and Barack Obama side-by-side. Then there is a still photo of the rainbow. Enjoy: