Oklahoman on “Nashville Star”
Tommy Stanley of Cushing could be the next “Nashville Star.”
He is one of the 12 finalists vying for the crown when the country music talent competition begins its sixth season — and first on free broadcast TV — at 8 p.m. Monday (June 9) on NBC.
Stanley, 23, was working as an engineer on the USS Kittty Hawk and stationed in Japan when he filmed his video audition for “Nashville Star.” He got a call from the show’s casting producers inviting him to the Norfolk military audition, so he flew from Japan to Virginia with the hope of taking a leave from duty to pursue his musical dreams.
He hasn’t seen his folks in a while, but he is hoping to perform for them when the show goes live.
Monday’s two-hour premiere episode begins with the audition process, showcasing highlights from the nationwide casting calls that attracted more than 45,000 hopefuls. The top 12 finalists will also be introduced, as they performanced June 2 in front of a packed audience at Acuff Theater in Nashville. Taylor Swift, the 2008 Academy of Country Music’s best new female vocalist, joined them on stage.
Subsequent episodes will air live, and viewers will decide who will return to the stage the following week and who will pack up their guitars and head home. At stake is a major recording contract with Warner Bros. Nashville and a gig at the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.
Billy Ray Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”) is this season’s host. Three-time Grammy nominee Jewel, who hosted “Nashville Star” last season when it aired on USA Network, returns as a judge and mentor. Others offering critiques and advice to the contestants are John Rich, multi-award-winning singer, songwriter and producer and one half of the country duo Big & Rich; and hit-making producer Jeffrey Steele.
The judges will eliminate two finalists before Monday’s premiere ends. Let’s hope Stanley (pictured above in NBC Photo) makes the cut so he can serenade his parents on the first live show June 16.
–Penny TV
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Comments
Tommy’s alright, I’m all about Jewel! I could watch her wear a burlap sack! I’ll def be watching! Got my Monday’s all planned out, Gladiators at 8, NS at 9! Now that’s a Monday!
I DONT KNOW WHY EVERYONE THINKS HE IS FROM OKLAHOMA. THIS GUY IS MY COUSIN, I GREW UP W/ HIM AND WE ARE ALL FROM TEXAS. HE LIVED IN JASPER AND KIRBYVILLE. ANYWAYS TOMMY ROCKS AND IM PUSHING FOR YOU BUD.
[...] TV editor Penny Soldan has more about Stanley’s Navy background on her blog. Click here to read her [...]
OMG I love Tommy!! He’s so cute!! I can’t wait to watch him on Nashville Star!! It’s going to be such an awesome season!! Everyone should watch mondays at 9!! oh yeah, its on nbc not usa….wierd….oh well…I love Tommy!!