Yes, there is a huge question mark there. I'm starting to wish the show hadn't moved from USA and that isn't a slam on the contestants. I think most of them (with the exception of Coffey and Model dude) are good. I particularly like the Navy man, the sister trio and the teen duo (can't believe they're not twins, btw!). No, my beef is with the show itself.

Nashville Star has always been the less flashy, more talent-oriented alternative to shows like American Idol. Now, NBC is turning it into it's own version of the FOX show. Between showing bad auditions (had they ever shown the audition process, btw? I don't remember ever seeing that before...), pointing out the celebs in the audience and the new and not improved flashy set I don't recognize the show anymore.

My biggest beef is with the song selection. Now, I'm not a purist. I like a little rock and pop in my country just fine. Still, I don't know why they're bothering with a "pop goes country" night next week. Between the first two episodes, they've featured more pop songs than all the other seasons of this show plus Can You Duet combined!

Hopefully, in the next couple weeks Coffey and Mr. Model will get the boot and then we can focus on the really country people. Don't get me wrong, Coffey is talented. He's just bugging me with his pop selections. His style of singing is far more suited to American Idol or America's Got Talent.

Well, that's all for now. Hopefully, the next time I write about NS, there will be something good to report. If not... well, maybe NBC will kill it and it will go back to a smaller network in it's old form. Talk to y'all later.

As promised, today I am finally going to offer you a little sneak peak at the Road Hammers’ new release, Blood, Sweat and Steel. If you’re a country fan, you will definitely want to pick this one up when it gets a physical release at the end of the month. Their music has that modern flair, yet keeps true to a more traditional southern sound. The songs range from uptempo numbers full of attitude to laid-back songs that are good for a hanging out and relaxing. Here are a few of my personal highlights:

"Working Hard at Loving You"- This is one of the uptempo songs and is sung with attitude and confidence. It’s about doing what you can to make the person you love happy. The chorus goes "It’s not a 9-to5 situation when you’re doing what you love to do. Your kiss is my compensation. Working hard at loving you."

"I’ve Got the Scars to Prove It"- This is probably my favorite song. It’s what I’d call the most mature one of the bunch. This is a slow number about being scarred by love. One of my favorite lines is "These marks are here to remind me where I went wrong, what made me strong and how I moved on."

"Overdrive"- Another uptempo one with a lot of harmonica in it. It’s one of those songs whose energy is catching... you will not be able to sit still while this one is on! It’s about only feeling alive when you’re going at a crazy pace.

Overall, a really nice effort and I’m looking forward to seeing where they go from here. Be sure to check your local music store or amazon to get your copy when it’s released at the end of this month.

In other news, Sara Evans tied the knot again. Congrats and much luck to her... with the way celeb marriages have gone lately, she may need it!

Brad Paisley is working hard on that instrumental album. Here’s a neat story courtesy of GAC about a strange coincidence that happened behind the scenes. I hope radio will embrace this CD, but I’m not holding my breath.

Congrats to Carrie Underwood for "Last Name" getting to #1. It was a close race with Brad... can Carrie hang on to the top? We’ll see when the chart is released later in the week.

Finally, if you’re a Jewell fan, tune into GAC tomorrow to catch her new video, "I Do".It’s going to air at 8:45 AM eastern. Stay tuned, because tomorrow I am going to start bringing you regular commentary on the new season of Nashville Star. First, I will fill you in on the premiere, then later on in the day I’ll post my thoughts on the new episode. I’ll start posting on the show every Monday after that.

Well, that’s it for now. Take care and I’ll see y’all later!

Nasville Star is changing more than their network next season. According to the official website, the contest is opening up to a wider variety of acts. They're auditioning soloists, duos and trios in various country styles. They've also lowered the age requirement. Should be interesting to see where this goes.

Nashville Star aired on USA for 5 seasons before this change. No word on when the new season is airing, but when it's released, I'll be sure to share. Also, look for recaps when the series starts airing.

Well, that's it for now. Check back next time for more news and reviews. Take care!