Gone Country: Demo Day and Critiques
I welcome criticism from other artists, as long as I ask for it, and I ask for it a lot. I'll go to other artists and say, "What do you think about that song I wrote? What do you think about an idea to do this, that or the other thing?" Some artists will come up and critique you without you asking them, and that can sometimes rub you the wrong way. But when the artists were working on Gone Country, it was a situation where these guys were fish out of water. They wrote a song and they had a work tape on it -- just them and a guitar or them and a piano. They really had no idea if they were close to hitting the mark or not. So for me to be able to critique those songs, I had to be able to tell them, "That part's good. That part's not. This works. That doesn't." They were wide open to it. I mean, they were soaking up everything I told them. It was a pretty big responsibility for me, though, to tell them the right thing. But it's no different then when I listen to songs that come in for records I'm going to produce or whatever. I'll listen to probably 100 songs a week from different people, and I'll know within the first 60 seconds if it's right or not.
To pair the cast members with some people who really know what they're doing, I called up a laundry list of the best songwriters in town, people I've been able to become friends with over the years. Most of them I've written with on one occasion or another, as well. And I put two writers per artist because I didn't know which artists would be good writers or not. Some of them might be great, and some of them might not be able to write at all. I teamed them up based on what I knew about their personalities and what would be the best combos. I think I matched them up pretty well because everybody wrote a great song. As far as the Nashville equation on how to write a hit song, I think I plugged them right in to that thing. It worked.
Maureen McCormick, of all people, exceeded my expectations. Now, Maureen is probably the weakest singer on the show. She's not really a vocalist or anything, but she wrote this song called "The Price I've Got to Pay for Being Me," that -- I swear to God -- is a hit song. It sounds like something Loretta Lynn would have written early on. It's just so direct -- three-chord country that just rips your heart out. When the cast heard her song, we all looked at her and went, "You've got to be kidding!" When I heard that, I said, "She went just way, way, way up on the totem pole as to who might win this show." I mean, that song is incredible.
Christina says:
I can’t wait to hear everyone’s songs, especially Diana’s. We haven’t heard anything from her or Sisqo yet.
KellieGirl says:
Maureen’s songwriting ability doesn’t surprise me a bit. If she doens’t win the show (which I wouldn’t mind seeing) will the song be recorded by another artist? I mean, a great song is a great song right? As long as the right person does it.Looking forward to tomorrow to hear a few licks from the cast.
diane says:
I cant wait to hear Diana sing……period..I have followed her since AI and it is just time for her to be appreciated…
alexis massey says:
Sisqo i can’t wait for!!!!!! The man is fire!!!!!!!!! It’s time for him to be appreciated!!!!!!!
kattod says:
I love the show! I can’t wait to hear all the songs they wrote!
Leah says:
John you certainly have skimped on the Diana Degarmo information on the show and in this blog. Why don’t we get to hear more about her?!
Displaced Southern Gal says:
With all the heart Mo has, I’m not surprised that her song is awesome, especially since it’s a subject she knows all too well…she’s paid - a lot! for being “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!”
Diane is not crossing over to country, she is returning to country after switching to R & B/pop for Idol, etc. - she’s got a great future in the genre!
Irene says:
I vaguely recall seeing Miss Degarmo singing at Dollywood when she was much younger. She was probably 8 or 9 years old. Glad to see she has decided to “come home” It would be a travesty if she does not win.
Tracy Graisy says:
WOW! I have loved this show! Something pretty darn spectacular has to come from having one of the most multi-talented people in country music take them under his wing and show them the nuts and bolts of country music. I must admit when the show first aired, I was a bit surprised (not so pleasantly) of the celebrities that were chosen. Things quickly changed for me! Dee Snider has been a pleasant surprise. He’s been a real rock and has seemed to be a real supporter for everyone. I would love to see either Maureen or Diana take this because of their strong desire and dedication. Keep up the good work everyone!
Melissa says:
This is, by far, one of the BEST shows on TV. I wish we could give each episode a full hour like some of the other celeb-reality shows. I am a big fan of all music and to see such a diverse group of artists come together is just amazing. And the fact that John Rich is HOT just puts the icing on the cake!!
Kim says:
This message is for John Rich. I love this show, mostly because of your input. I have to say when I first heard “Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy”, I thought it was cute,..but a little cheesey! But after listening to some of the many other songs that you have written, I have to say,…YOU ARE ONE AMAZING SONG WRITER!!! My favorite song performed by you and Big Kenny is “NEVER MIND ME!”
This song amazes me. This is a song that I can listen to 100 times a day and never get tired of. You are a refreshing, awesome talent! Please keep up the good work! I hope to see you in Texas someday. I live in Arlington, Texas. Very near Cowboys Arlington! Maybe I will see you guys perform there soon.
Dawn says:
Hi
I love this show fianlly country is getting the respect it needs You are a class act Mr. Rich!! Thank you
Dawn in Oregon
Nashville Rocks says:
I can’t wait to hear Diana’s song. She has been given the least face time out of all the seven. I hope she wins. I hope we really get to hear her sing this time.
karen says:
I have a great idea… Let Diana sing Maureens song and make them both winners…( Grin)
co_sgtmjr77 says:
I think artists, preformers in general; get stuck in the parts they play and this was a Good Country song! While I agree that her voice is weak, it could be done by G. Wilson and made into a hit: easy. Writting a song comes from the heart not the head, Maureen McCormick: Aka; Marsha Brady out did herself. I only see one problem in that once a hard rocker it’s a long road back to the basics and if your life has not had the “country life” it makes it even harder to understand that way of life. A+ to JR onhis comments to Maureen.
Susan says:
Hey John,
Can you make some room in that coat for me too?
P.S. Love the show!!
Daniel batson says:
Bobby you are so cool.And Mureen you are cool to.And dee you are you crazy not for not liking country music country music is the heart andsoul of america.And Sisqo you should on the america best dancer because got pretty cool moves.and you were right Julio does look like he humping something .And john Rich you are the king wedding songs. please write back i really like yalls show.and i am the coon hunter you will ever see. so see yall later.
Sicerely Daniel Batson
Diane says:
Karen I agree..if Maureens song is so good let Diana sing it..I bet Maureen would be honored..I also agree that she hasn’t gotten much “face” time but that is because the time was spent on the dysfunctionals for entertainment value of the show…Diana is polite…quiet..and there to win and that is what she concentrated on….She got cheated on AI and should have won..I hope she doesn’t get cheated here too..If they are looking for someone with longevity for country music it will be her..if they are looking for short term entertainment value then it will be one of the dysfuctional men..I loved Diana’s first CD..it was very age appropriate..but now I am ready to hear her sing something with more maturity..and grit to it..she has the voice..range..and strength of Martina..with her own style….I look forward to the finals…I just hope I am not disappointed again with
her not winning…What a wonderful young lady..and so diverse..pop…broadway..country….Go Diana
SUSANNE.diana fan 7777 says:
Tonight is the night!! I cannot wait. I hope Diana DeGarmo wins WOOO HOOOOOOO. Go Diana!! (she’s my favorite can you tell haha). Thank you for such a great show. All the cast is great. I love Bobby Brown too and think people are too hard on him. Good luck to all!
Love ya Diana.
SUE
Rose says:
I love the show! And my views on Bobby Brown has changed. He is very caring person and I wish the best for him. However, I would love to see Diane win “that girl can sing” Can’t wait until tonight to see the show.
Toto says:
I love this show. Can’t stand Bobby Brown though. Even before this show, but to each his own. Keep up the good work John! Hope to see another season of this.
Joi says:
Hi John, This has nothing to do w/ this blog. However ,I just wanted to ask a question and to leave a comment.. 1st, Where is Big Kenny in all of this, are you taking a break from each-other? And 2nd being from Newport Rhode Island, thanks for giving your support towards The Station Club Fire concert.. You Rock.. Sincerely Joi
Jenny says:
I think that it’s great and wonderful that Maureen can write a good song. However, and I could be way off here, but in the big picture can she really pull it off? I mean, let’s face it, it’s hard to be an up and coming artist of any genre especially country, where not only can you sing, you have to look the part. I think it’s going to be really hard for her, and to get a connection with a country audience. But that’s just my opinion. For what it’s worth.
Jan says:
Honestly we’ve had so much snow up here keeping us housebound that this show is the highlight of my week. I would have to say that when you see celebrities whether they’re a singer or an actor you just get to see that side of them. I think John Rich has shown us a side of himself you don’t often get to see. I think he has gone into this with a lot of thought, has shown great respect to each member of the cast while keeping this entertaining for all of the viewers. A big part of “reality” shows is of course the dynamic you have going between the members. I don’t think I’ve watched a reality show/contest that has caused me to laugh and cry. Thank goodness for the comic relief provided by Bobby, Dee, Carnie & Marsha Marsha. Thank you John Rich for the ride on a very long long winter up behind the snowy cheddar curtain in Wisconsin.
Lilly says:
Why on earth would Diana want to sing Maureen’s song? How is a 20 year old going to relate to a song that is 100% about 50 year old Maureen?! Let somebody Maureen’s age record it.
Christina says:
If Maureen wrote such a good song but isn’t really a strong singer, maybe someone else could win (like Diana) and John could produce Maureen’s song with another artist that would be appropriate for the song.
Reaccia says:
Hi
Its now nice to know that somebody is trying to make people notice that it is hard to be country. Not everything is the same in everyway. It’s not easy being he way you are and do stuff like us country people do.
Jenny Marie says:
John, GREAT show! Would love to see more of it! Begging for another season, as long as you and Granny Rich are in it! Thank you! God Bless!
Deb from Wisconsin says:
I love the show. Not crazy about Mr. Brown, peeing all
over. YUCK. I don’t always listen to country music, but
I do like a lot of it. I’m excited to hear what these guys
will do for country music. Great idea, to have this type
of show.
You all Rock!
Lorrie says:
I think that Maureen is AWESOME!!!!! I’m hope she wins.
I think that she has the most heart of the cast members.
I’m looking forward to watching the show tonight, I think it’s one of the best shows on television.
I love you Maureen!
Lisa says:
Hey John, I love this show!
I also love Gretchen, and was glad to see her on the show.
If yall do another Gone Country How about seeing Big John……….John Anderson that is.
That would be cool if the cast members went out to his farm, or teamed up with him to write a song……..now we’re talkin!!!!!!!
John is about as country as it gets.
I’m a fan of Maureens and I’m cheering for her!
Stay cool John, and be good! HEE HEE!
Shannon says:
Hello i love the show i like the episode where they went to the hospital and ciqso and bobby went up to the little girls room and prayed and all that was so sweet and because they did this the little girl recoverd and is doing well. I also cant wait until i hear Dee Snider sing i have heard his twisted sister stuff this should prove to be interesting !!
Carol Noss says:
Hi John,
My husband & I caught a show of your in Hershey, PA. You were wonderful. Always love your songs and dedication to what you do and it show through this show. I am hoping that they bring it back another season. Good Luck to you and the cast. And last but not least I have to say that you look WONDERFUL when you stepped of the helicopter that first night. You are the total package. Good Luck from PA.
Diane says:
I thought the finale was next week??
Angi Campbell says:
John, I don’t know really how far into the show you guys are. I try to catch up during the day because I can’t watch it when it airs. If you can turn Dee or Bobbie into a country singer, more power to you dude. I do love the show. I just wish I knew where it was really, I mean, I’m just now seeing the episodes of the hospital visit and the clothes shopping one.
Keep up the good work with this wonderful and fun show. I’m a huge fan of country music and of your songs.
P.S. Do you know when we will hear more from Cowboy Troy???
Dillon from texas says:
im not so crazy bout Dee on the show he already admits he doesnt like country music which would make me kick him off on the spot. And give me a break, ooo i dont like to wear jackets waaa.
BrianLee says:
KIM,
I completely agree with you, in fact, I stated in an earlier post that “never mind me” was a great song and proof of immense talent. Big and Rich’s ability to blend popular genres of music is their great strength and the reason people just love them. About the show: I have waited this long to hear some music, I just hope the songs are not lame.
Kris Brownstown says:
Man I LOVE this show. I LOVE Carney Wilson she is a sweety and so is Maurenn. You girls ROCK I mean COUNTRY. I LOVE this show and can’t wait to see who wins it. I’m thinking Sysco. Kris Brownstown Michigan
JENNIFER MONTGOMERY says:
FIRST OF ALL JR YOU ARE A REAL BUTT.. YOU ARE PUTTING THESES PEOPLE DOWN FOR HOW HARD THEY TRIED AND FOR WHAT THEY FELT IN THEIR HEARTS WHEN THEY SONG THEIR SONGS… YOU REALLY NEED TO LISTEN AT HOW YOU SOUND WITHOUT YOUR PARTNER BIG……… IF IT WAS NOT FOR HIM THEN YOU WOULD NOT EVEN EXSIST TO A LOT OF PEOPLE.. AND BY THE WAY IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU THAT GRETCHEN WILSON WANT EVEN GIVE YOU THE TIME OF DAY………….
JENNIFER MONTGOMERY says:
CARNEY WILSON YOUR SONG WAS WONDERFUL IT MADE MY HEART THUMP EVEN HARDER THAN ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD…….. YOU NEED TO ASK JR HOW IN THE HELL HE MAKES IT WITHOUT BIG WHY IS HE NOT ON THE SHOW…………
Dillon from texas says:
Yea john keep bein tough if they cant handle it maybe they shouldnt be on the show!
Angela says:
I have really enjoyed the show so far. However, I feel the need to weigh in on my reaction to your “character” on the show. I am a fan of your music. Have your last CD. But I am shocked at your attitude on this program. Country artists, just like artists in any genre offer a variety of flavors in songs, style and music. The way you are attempting to position yourself on this show is turning me off. WE in Nashville are all not the same. Not all country music fans live the way you portray us. You offer a cocky stereotype of Nashvillians, songwriters and country music artists that I do not appreciate. If you really listen to many of the recent country stars and their hits you will notice that a great many of them sound a lot like pop. I’ll bet if you search country music history you will find that there are a great number of artists whose bad attitude attributed to their ultimate demise. Fans love authenticity, not attitude. And, I tip my hat to the participants in this show for not letting your comments such as threatening to smack the hell out of someone or kick someone’s ass push them out the door. Great music. Fantastic songs. Very bad attitude.
Leia says:
Sisqó is hot, he can move and I love his voice.
diane says:
Watching the show..my question is is it a songwriting contest or a singing contest..Is the best written song by a poor singer going to win or is the best singer who can sing other songwriters songs..as many country singers do going to win..Diana had no camera time the entire shows and then he nails her…..She should win…put it together girlfriend..not to mention they all have songwriters helping them so they aren’t on their own..and the songwriters should catch a bad song before it ever leaves the room. Maureen should be a songwriter..Diana the singer..let each one do what they are best at..
Leah says:
Man John you really ripped into Diana. Girl can take it but geez that’s unfair considering she hasn’t gotten ANY air time.
Lily says:
Dierks Bentley is awesome and he dresses more like Dee. You either got it or you don’t. Clothes alone don’t make you country.
Lily says:
And I bet Dierks could not line dance.
Kathleen Kennedy says:
Ok…here’s the deal; if there is a ‘next season’ of Gone Country’, each weekly episode needs to be an hour long. 22 mins in the half hour is just ‘not’ enough to dig into the meat of this competition. Really wanna see the details of the song writing and performances; the preparation for performances and the intense emotion tht accompanies. Want to see more of the life they live together in the house and what they really think about each other. Want to see JR interact more with the contestants.
Am not looking for another AI…just want to see more of what this one is all about.
Have thoroughly enjoyed this season. It’s been great. Sad to see it ending already. Good luck all on the what lies ahead in the world of country music.
Sarah says:
Wow John…you really thought Diana’s song was worse than Julio’s? Julio sounded like he was singing a Spanish love ballad. At least Diana’s had a bit of “twang” in it. She’s the best singer on this show, hands down. She’s beautiful and could sell, just like Carrie Underwood. You’d be smart to get this girl rolling in Nashville. I’m not sure why you ripped into her like that. It’s not like she was trying to offend you with her song, but that’s the WAY you acted! Lost alot of respect for you tonight man. Disappointing. Keep your head up Di!
Jody K. says:
That was brutal!! Poor Diana!! The only time she gets any air time is you belittling, berating and humilating her. You can apease yourself by saying this was honesty, toughening her up or passion for your music. But if you hear yourself it was brutality. You came off as a real a-hole. I hope Diana wins and you apologize.
Janet says:
I am an aspiring country songwriter. I love this show because it’s very instructive for songwriters (and artists) who are trying to break into the business. We get a look at what to expect from Nashville. One of premises of the show tonight was that ‘country music should never be taken lightly.’ The show gives us an idea of the huge odds we’re up against. Great program.
kat, from NorthCarolina says:
Thank you for such an interesting show,I love country music and would love if they All could win,I think it takes alot of courage for Anyone to except constructive critizium,and I have to hand it to them they all took it gracefully,I want to incourage them to follow that dream and remember it’s not what cha got but what cha make of it!!Good luck everybody!
Jeanne Dean says:
I think all of them should be given a great big hand. They all gave their best, considering none of them are country people, which would make it harder then being country to start with.I have throughly enjoyed this show from day one!!
amy says:
I think what john said was true because to be country youve got to want it.It aint just a challenge and i’m already country but i give Carnie Wilson a high five because she’s put alot effort in it and put up with alot crap.
Max says:
John Rich is an asshole. I cannot believe you treated a 20 year old woman that way. She’s the true talent of the show and you certainly could have critiqued her negatively without being an abusive bully.
terry ward says:
JR stated that if you acted like an asshole Nashville was unforgiving—-then why the hell is anyone still talking to him. Who died and made him the jesus of country music. In tonite’s episode JR comes across as the angry fanatical dictator of country music. Somebody needs some anger management classes.
Nora says:
John—Just wondering,are you going to rip a new one to the songwriters that ‘helped’ Diana write that song like you did to her? You overacted big time. Please don’t be so mean!
DENISE says:
Hi John:
I just want you know that I think you are an incredible person for what you are doing. I love the show and you are so down to earth and tell it like you see it. I believe you will find the right person because you know what you are doing. You make great music and I truly enjoy it. Thanks
terry ward says:
And another thing–Diana regardless of what JR says or thinks I have your “pop” cd and I can’t wait to buy your 1st country cd. I think you would have more success without him as a producer anyway.
Carole says:
I love this show, best show on CMT!!! I have to agree with many of the other bloggers… Diana’s song was great, many country singers cross over or are very close to pop. I thought that her song was so much better than Julio’s, Bobby’s or Sisco’s. In fact, I think on the whole, the girls song were better than the guys.
Great show, hate to see it end, please do season two!!!
Susie says:
Lets remember here that John is going to produce whoever wins. His reputation is as much on the line as all of the people on the show.
And I want to add that I had an art teacher who was so hard on me that I almost quit his class. I didn’t and thank god because I realized he was only trying to get the best from me and not put me down. I needed to hear his criticism before I could reach down and do what was inside me. I learned a lot from that experience. Sometimes it’s hard to hear what you don’t want to hear but it’s necessary and that’s what John did tonight for everyone. Thanks John for your honestly.
Debby says:
I have to admit that I am really impressed with John Rich. He thought this thing out well, knew each personality that he chose thoroughly. He is articulate, intellegent, and real. Very different than what I had expected! What I have loved about the show the most is getting to know him better, which gives me more of an appreciation for his songwriting and singing!
robert says:
Will someone please remind john rich of what half of his music sounds like and ask him if king goerge would ever be seen in some of the clothing he wears. I believe maybe he should try going country.
Debby says:
I just finished reading what others have posted and I strongly disagree with those who didn’t like what John said to Diane. I have been listening to Country for all of my life and tho Diane is a wonderful singer, her song was one of those sugary pop songs. John is very country: he lives it, breathes it, he is it. Diane’s song will crossover to Country without a problem, but that isn’t what John is looking for. He laid it out the very first night at his house when they met him. He’s looking for authentic country, not a crossover.
robert says:
has john heard the song gone country. I believe the line goes some of that don’t sound much different from dylan. Gee I wonder why that is. Becuase the new country is alot different from what is real country. Starting to not like big and rich and the show is to thank for that.
Max says:
Half of what John Rich records isn’t “true country” so he needs to STFU.
Diana’s song was country/pop, ala Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, etc, and she has an amazing voice. It was a fricking demo, not a completed track. There was no need for John to go off the deep end on a hard working talented and classy young woman.
Dave says:
I really enjoy this show! I admire the effort all of the cast is putting into their respective songs. I think that Mo and Bobby have the best chances of showing the heart and soul of real country music. And i don’t want to take anything away from the others, cause I think all of them are gonna give it their best shot. I have to say that i’m a bit prejudiced for Dee, I am an old headbanger and have been since the early eighties when I was a teenager. I can’t wait to hear all of their songs in their entirety. Thanx & God Bless.
Tony says:
While I do think John’s response to Diana’s song was quite an overreaction, we also have to remember we are only seeing what the show’s editors are allowing us to see. Perhaps he’s not quite as harsh as they made it look in the context of the conversation.
And for anyone saying that they’re “starting to not like Big and Rich” because of this show, that’s just foolish. Their music is their music. Keep that separate from the character John plays on the show.
country_gurl_89 says:
LOVE The show so much !!!
Nashville Rocks says:
I liked today’s show but it was kind of annoying that when Diana does get serious airtime, she gets ripped like that. I think JR expected a lot from Diana, that’s why he was really harsh on her, but it’s the way he said to her rather than what he said, that was rude. Diana can sing and her song was pretty darn good.
Mo wrote a really good song but I’m not sure if she’ll make that song into a hit.
Julio is crazy if he thinks he can win with that song. Didn’t care much for Dee, Bobby or Sisqo.
Carnie’s song was nice.
I think Diana needs to be given some props for the way she handled herself, she didn’t start arguing with him, which shows her manners (country enough for ya?). I hope she wins. I think JR did apologize to her afterwards, because they seemed to be okay at the Wildhorse.
Can’t wait for next week. Diana is gonna win it! Dang, that girl can sing.
mandy says:
i must say….john, i think you are a pig headed jerk that dont know ..you, a damn thing about country music who has only published a few records the past few years yourself..hank williams would stop your ass at any gone country relay….you are so self centered and shovanistic that i dont believe you could call your self a real country singer if you tried. you are rude unintelligant and unbelievable, how many true country singers walk around with the furs as big as yours and call themselves born!! give these people a break!! have you forgotten you werent always in the limelight….p.s. carnie i think you are the sweetest sinser and down right cool cat….you look as if you are so fun to be around
mandy says:
my husband would love to come to your concert just so that he could kick your ass out of nashville…..you dont deserve to be there…..why dont you head to memphis….
Hope Dye says:
First of all, I LOVE the show AND John Rich! Maureen soared to the top with her song! Bobby Brown was good also, although I have a problem with him winning because of his behavior in the past. Country music doesn’t need to deal with that. Carnie had a great voice, but country, I am not sure. Best of luck to all of them. They are all winners because they had the guts to do this chow without really knowing what they were getting into.
1 REBA FAN says:
i love you carnie, you are the one true talent on gone country and i’ll be rottin’ for u till the end. if you don’t win maybe you and your sister can become a country duo i’d definantly buy the album.
MaureenFTW says:
I think John Rich was so hard on Diana because to him (and me) Diana seems like someone who just wants to get her foot in the door to be able to sell albums. All the other house guests are already known in the entertainment industry and have in a sense “peaked” and had their hay day and Diana to John came across as someone who is using country music as a way to get into the music industry by any means necessary. Like he said, he doesn’t want people piggybacking off of country music just to get in the industry and go Pop. Diana to me comes off as an opportunist waiting on her big break to sell some albums, something she was not successful at doing in the past.
travis says:
go carnie, i loved your song so much and do believe that you have what it takes to be the next big thing in country music. keep up the good work and we will be seein’ u on country radio before long.
april says:
i hope that carnie wilson wins b/c her song was by far the best. she has the songwriting chops 2 make it n nashville. maureen was good 2 but i’m prayin’ 4 carnie
COUNTRY_BOY69 says:
I LOVE THAT CARNIE GIRL. IF ONLY SHE WAS SINGLE. BY FAR THE BEST IN THE COMPETITION AND IF JOHN HAS ANY SENSE AT ALL SHE IS WHO HE WILL PICK TO GO INTO THE STUDIO WITH HIM. IF HE DON’T PICK HER HE NEEDS SOME SENSE KNOCKED INTO HIM PRONTO.
Duck Tape says:
I was at the Wildhorse for the finale so I’ve already heard all the songs from start to finish. Personally, I find it hard to believe he likes Maureen’s song so much because I didn’t and I also don’t think it would ever be a radio hit. Maybe it was the very bad vocals of Maureen that put me off so much or maybe it was the lack of anything vocally challenging in the song. It was very mundane to where anyone could have sung the song and even at that Maureen still struggled with the notes. Over all I thought her performance was not good. There is no way John lets Maureen win with her performance. Diana was awesome with her song and her performance. She made the others look like amateurs. After hearing their songs and seeing them all perform John has to pick Diana to win or he is a fool.
danah says:
WOW!! I can’t believe how everyone is ripping into J.R. How can you grow as an artist if you don’t know what you are doing wrong. If John Rich or any other song writer worth his or her salt told me that my song didn’t sound right I would be hurt , but it would also male me work harder to prove myself. I mean it sounds like only a hand full of people watched the same show that I did. He did not say the song was bab, he said it was more pop than country, more Christina than Martina. I happen to agree with him. Everybody hang in there and push harder, Diana, honey if you want this then prove him wrong, go after the prize only hard work, determination, and talent will get you the win. As always: GOOD LUCK TO ALL.
Janet says:
You can look at it this way….John Rich had to pull a ‘Simon’ on Diana tonight. He was just being honest.
You may not like that, but in the end, it actually helps the artist. How many times have you watched Simon on American Idol, and even if you didn’t agree with his methods, you still knew he actually helped the person in the long run?
Lynda Jaye says:
John Rich,
I hope you are reading your blogs comments from your fans, because I truly want to say that you are one awesome person. I look at you on Gone Country and I watch you and Big in videos and I think to myself, you did not walk into country already popular, famous, or on a pedestal. You literally found your niche in Country Music and tho I have heard and read so much about how vain you are and all, I can only say, you are who you are and I truly think you are one man who gives a damn about country if not music!
Thank you for giving the world these weeks of Gone Country and sharing your home with the contestants and being able to show us in the world how they live making me realize that everyone is just human, whether they make it big or not. You have a lot of pressure on your lap and you take it by the grace of God.
Thank you for being you.
Respectfully Lynda Jaye
(conejoslynda@yahoo.com)
Hick-Chick from NY says:
I guess John thinks he is Simon Cowell. I though John was there to critique and offer constructive criticism without scolding and cynicism. Why did John single out Diana when there were others that sounded less country than she did? Intimidation cause Diana to call country music a challenge instead of the fact that country music has called her back. I would be the farm, including my beloved quarter horse, that ever other cast member considered “Going Country” a challenge.
I agree with diane. Is this a singing contest or a song writing contest? It is harder to listen to a well written song sung by a boring singer than to a great singer singing a boring song. I’m sure Diana’s song will sound much more country in the finale as will some others but before we will hear it on the radio; John will make a few more adjustments.
If anyone thinks that Diana is an opportunist and using country music to get back into the industry is delusional. You just have to listen to Diana sing “Crazy” or “A Broken Wing” to know country music is in her heart. All other music is in her head.
For some unknown reason, John and CMT continue to pimp Bobby. The scene at the end with Bobby praying was almost as bad as if the final scene was Bobby and John swapping spit on “Brokeback Mountain”.
Lynda Jaye says:
People can criticize John Rich as they wish, but they won’t walk in boots to know the real John Rich. All the contestants have a chance, but I think Julio is on the bottom of the totem pole. He is a spoiled inconsiderate person. He could take a page out of his father’s book of life before he goes out and stands around while the rest do the work.
For the record, I believe it would be awesome to see Carnie Wilson win this contest. She is not just a Wilson, she is a musician. Her singing ability is shown in her albums she has out already. Good Luck Carnie….
Diane says:
Go Diana….you are talented..If you can take Simon Colwell..you can take John Rich..He aint perfect by any means and I am sure he hasn’t written all the songs he sings..She started out at country..like she says..they booted her..she loves to sing so much she did AI..that was an opportunity..broadway she was awesome….BTW did these people apply to be on this show or did he hand pick them..I thought the latter….I watched the show mainly because of Diana..and she was never showcased until tonight..JR owes her an apology..I think Randy even was embarrased for the way he treated Diana……She has shown her dedication to country music by buying a house in nashville to concentrate on the music..I think she should win…but win or not..we will hear from this girl..If Taylor Swift can make it..Diana DeGarmo can..Haven’t figured out Taylors last video which is….pretty bad..Go Diana
april says:
carnie is gonna win, i totaly have a girl crush on her
travis says:
I could see why u have a girl crush on her!!!!!!!!!!!!!
karen says:
I dont at all ahve a problem with what John had to say about Diana s( song) vocals.. But he didnt have to use the tone he did with her, he scolded her because he didnt like the answer she gave him.. WTH was that?? I didnt see him scold Dee like that when Dee said he didnt like country music.. ( not a diss agaist Dee at all just stating the truth) anyway Diana has always liked country and has always been country… with all the editing and amount of airtime she(Diana) recieved she may have came off to those who do not know her or have followed her career as someone who was cocky and full of herself when in reality shes just a Go Getter and a down to earth person who strives to do the best at any and everything, she puts her heart and soul into everything she does.. Bottem line to me is Ive heard Diana sing country and she is COUntry.. Go look her up and listen to her sing Crazy or Broken Wing.. anyway GOoooooooooo Diana, Still love ya Girl….
LitlTxIndian says:
Not sure I understand all the Negative against JR, maybe I’m watching a different show than y’all or another version!?! I was with the understanding at the very first show that this is how it was suppose to be! JR is the one who will be producing the “Winner” so makes him the boss! Right? And is it not just like for the rest of us in our own work places you/we do as the boss says, and not do it “your way or as you see fit”! This IS their line of work, just under a different title/category (Country, Pop, Metal, RB…), so to say. These people are in the “spotlight” all the time and they expect criticism. Diana says she has been in this line of business since the age of, what?, 5…so like this was the first time for her to hear such negative “inputs”??? And are people forgetting WHO was sitting there beside JR? RO has how many #1’s???? and sold how many albums??? hhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm
I can say that if that song of hers was released as it was played tonight I wouldn’t have bought it nor listen to it more than once. It didn’t have what I look for in a country song/music at all, which is what the purpose of the show is, right?
Diana has a great voice, in fact they all do, that is why they are who they are!
Gottcha back JR 100%
Norma Jean says:
Hi everyone,
I normally wouldn’t comment here, but these uninformed comments by some peple are just killing me! First of all, John is NOT “playing a character” on the show. That IS JR. If you recall at the beginning of the show he said he was going to be hard and cruel and truthful. And that is John all the way. Don’t get me wrong here, I have been a JR fan since he was a teeager, but in my eyes I’ve lost my respect for him for other reasons. Example: the Furs…. I do not spend as much as a penny on Big & Rich any more, because of that, but will support them as far as the muzik, comments, voting, things like that. As far as JR not making it without BK… now I adore BK, but he was not makeing it, totally peaked low, in the business. I personally love his muzik, as most of the fans who have been there from the start of B&R do. But many didn’t “get it.” So truly, John & BK complete each other. Yet they are superb songwiters and artists in their own right. BK is out of commission with an old back injury, and Doctors ordered complete break for a length of time. They finish whatever’s booked and then he will be out of commission for a lot of 2008. And someone said, so… John published a few songs?! Uh, yeah, by the 90’s. Since then he’s become a multi-million $$ empire. Songwriting, Publishing, Producing, developing new artists, Muzik Mafia, Gretchen Wilson, Cowboy Troy and (Thank God) finally James Otto, developing with Warner Bros. - the RAYBAW record label, and a huge number of hits for other artists that launched their careers, have made John the one person in Nashville people want to truly work with and respect. One thing John is not is a FOOL, as one person said.
I think that the fact that the show is only 1/2 hour long, makes the editors leave out very important parts of the shows. You don’t see all of the show. Such as Dee’s comment on “not liking Country Music.” He was on our radio station the day after that first show. He stated that that’s where they cut out the rest of that comment. It was,”…BUT, I’m willing to give it a try and to listen.” After that he said that now he really likes it, just didn’t listen close enough to really know Country Music. Now he gets it!
Anyway, enjoy the show for what it is, a true learning experience for all of them. Whatever happens in the end, I can gaurantee that they will all leave Nashville with a healthy respect for JR and a place in their hearts for him. After all, what you see is a tiny, tiny bit of the harshness of trying to break into the business in Nashville. Times John by about 200 rejections, then multiply it again. On average it takes artists 10-15 years to actually make it. Just ask David Lee Murphy, Tracy Lawrence, Timm McGraw, Alan Jackson and yes, Kenny Chesney. I also urge anyone making uninformed comments, in other words, don’t know the facts about what you’re talking about: to visit the Big & Rich Website, or even better the Muzik Mafia website. Learn about where they came from, who they were and are, what they’ve accomplished and everthing they stand for. Maybe then you’ll understand. While I must stand by my convictions on Animal Cruelty, it doesn’t stop me from verbally supporting good music, great artists and truly wonderful people. And Big Kenny & John are all of that and more.
Anyone want to banter: normafullmer@yahoo.com
Scott says:
i’m a bit confused as to what the definition of a “country song” is now… is it having a country accent or using the word “truck” or “redneck” in it? what’s the formula? does faith hill’s “cry” qualify as a country song? if so then why? it speaks nothing of the country life.. but it’s accepted as so because she’s a country artist. How was diana’s song, the one john really trashed, different in formula to faith’s song? would john tell faith to her face she isn’t country? I think the fact diana didn’t really have a country twang in her voice caused her to be labeled pop.. if she were from tennessee it may have gone differently.
Bobbie Willis says:
Love the show ,Bobby& the gang they’re all great!!!
Cathy says:
Bobby Brown, you made me cry tonight. To see a strong man pray…it just gets to me. God bless you Bobby.
Bobby, I grew up on Country. You have what it takes. It takes heart, you have heart. It takes soul, you have soul. It takes respect for for Country Music, you have that too. (Thanks for that!)
We watched “Bobby Brown” and we grew to care about you. You are a caring, good man.
Take care Bobby!
Cathy
karen says:
Norma Jean… I totally see what your saying and My comment about Dee wasnt to diss him in anyway,I was just saying or atleast trying to say I wish John would of used the same tone with Diana as he used with Dee ( when Dee made his comment about the Not liking Country Music).. JOhn just kinda went a little overboard with Diana IMO. Dont get me wrong what John said to Diana she needed to hear, but I just feel she didnt have to be told in the manner in which he told her thats all… By the way I LOooooooooove Otto
Cathy says:
Ok…….you must get out of Johns a**! If any of you understood what Country Music is all about you would understand that it is important to him to make sure country Music is treated with the respect it deserves!
One thing is for sure if Country Music welcomes you, it is a gift! Not a right! It can and will be taken back if you dont RESPECT it! Hes doing them a favor by pointing that out!
Kd…who?? Dixie whats?? Behave or be GONE!
We love God, Country, Family……and COUNTRY MUSIC!
Jenny says:
Pretty good show….EXCEPT…..shame on John Rich for wearing those fur coats. He doesn’t seem to be the kind of guy that would be that vain. Shame!!! Think of all the little animals that died so big John could look “cool” Ditch the fur John!! People like you keep the fur industry going. Other than that, the show is entertaining.
Also, there should have been an awesome canoe trip. That would have been halarious seeing all those guys going down the Harpeth River.
Mandy says:
MaureenFTW can STFU. You obviously know NOTHING about Diana. She performed at the Grand Ole Opry when she was 12. She grew up idolizing Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Wynonna Judd. As she said at the end of the show, she tried to be a country singer over the years and it never worked out. She now feels country has called her back. She performed country music until she was 14.
So don’t try to paint her as an opportunist, she’s just a great young woman with an amazing voice who is returning to her original genre.
Patrick says:
John, Let me start by saying I love country music, but you have to admit, that there is some very cheesy lyrics in country music, as much as any other style of music.
ex. “last weekend when the Vikings lost….”
” ….why does everybody want to kick my ass….”
“,,,,save a horse ride a cowboy…..”
lots a love, a real! Big and Rich fan
mitch says:
Hay John.who gives a crap about you killing for country music.Half of your songs sound like rock.Like Save a hourse,just to name one.You need to quiet thinking your a country music god.I just marked BIG AND RICH off my list.I”d buy an Dee,Bobby Brown or any other artist albam thats on your so called show befor I ever buy one of your agian.
Nadia says:
hey.. first of all i’m a big country music fan and to me country isn’t country anymore. there are only a few true country stars still around like alan jackson and george strait. and i’m a fan of big an rich but i do have aproblem with john saying that diane’s song was terrible and that sisco needed to work more on his song. when to me most of your new singers are singing closer to the pop scale than the country includung mr. john rich and big kenny. one thing is for sure country fans are hard core when you mess up alot of times thats it their done with ya.
r says:
The one time you actually show Diana in the show ur hurting her. She is an amazig singer iwth vocals better than anyone on that show. She wants this more than anything but you let her down. Thanks john ur a great person.
F YOU!
R says:
Also- You know NOTHING about the wonderful Diana. SO apperently she need to have the work cowboy and rendeck for her song to be country? wow…ur a great guy JOHN!
LISA says:
I LOVE THE SHOW!! IT TAKES ALOT OF TALENT TO BE ABLE TO WRITE A SONG AND FOR ALL YOU WHO ARE HARPING ON JOHN RICH ITS OBVIOUS YOU DONT KNOW ALOT ABOUT COUNTRY MUSIC OR YOU WOULD KNOW HE HAS WRITTEN ALOT OF SONGS NOT ONLY FOR BIG AND RICH BUT OTHER ARTIST THAT ARE GREAT. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A MULTI-TALENTED MAN WHO IS ALSO PUTTING HIS REPUTATION ON THE LINE BY PRODUCING WHOEVER WINS THE SHOW! IF I WERE IN THESE ARTISTS SHOES I WOULD APPRECIATE THE HONESTY REGARDLESS OF HOW BAD, IT ONLY MAKES THEM STRONGER. WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE JR JUST HOW MANY SONGS HAVE YOU WRITTEN(and if you think its easy sit down with paper and pen and see) HOW MANY SONGS HAVE YOU PRODUCED AND RECORDED? YOU GO JR!!!!!! DONT THINK FOR A MINUTE IF THE SHOW WAS JR GOES RAP, ROCK OR POP THAT THESE ARTIST WOULDNT BUST HIS ASS IF HE DIDNT MEET THEIR EXPECTATIONS BUT I THINK HE WOULD EXCEED THEIR EXPECTATIONS IF HE HAD THE LOVE FOR IT THAT HE DOES COUNTRY MUSIC!!!!!!
Nora says:
I agree with you R. And for the ones who say John did this so she could learn and it would make her better,stronger or whatever–THAT’S A CROCK!! He was cruel,just plain old cruel and there’s no excuse for that. His point could have been made without comments of slapping someone or kicking someones butt. He showed no class and on leadership abilities!!
Nora says:
typo–meant no leadership abilities!! (sorry)
Bobbi says:
I have been listening to country music since the day I was born 44 yrs ago….I grew up hearing Patsy Cline, Hank Sr, Gearge Jones, Tammy, Lorreta and all the older country artists…and I find this show very interesting.
For those that are ripping into John Rich, stop and think about what he is saying to these people. So many of the so called “pop stars” think that all they need to do is come to Nashville, put on some boots and add a twang to thier voice and they can sing country….country music is SOOOO much more then that. He is trying to show them that country music….TRUE country music….comes from your heart and soul. Something that Diana’s song didnt have. yes, it was a nice song and was sung well….but it had no country anywhere in that song! It was a nice little song that if released to the radio would get alot of air play on the pop stations….and be buried on country.
John is giving these people a taste of what they are going to be up against…do you all actually think that Bobby Brown, Julio, Dee, Sysco, and Diana could have taken any of those songs into a record executives office and NOT be told the same things? If Diana took that song and sang it as is to a record producer she would hear “You know…its a nice little pop song….but this is country honey. We already have an American Idol…” Dee Snider would be laughed out of the building.
Mo and Carnie’s songs were good….and Mo’s could definately be a country hit….sung by someone else. She had a sweet voice, but there is no way she will EVER be able to handle the stress and such of country music.
To answer the question about where Big Kenny is….JR has said several times that Kenny is recouperating from a neck surgery. And to the people saying that JR is nothing without Kenny….are you all forgetting where he started out? As one of the guys in Lonestar? JR has a deep set of roots in country and deserves to have some respect.
real country palouse33 says:
Animals die every day. If we wear a fur coat it’s OK as long as we keep the animal population in balance!
If a person has a good voice dose not make them a country singer!
If a person has hit records and is chosen for a reality show on CMT to critic various artists out of their realm, we the public as a whole have chosen this. Not saying this is right, but that is the way it is.
I found myself angry @ John sitting up there and judging these people, but have desiced that this is the job that he was given and he is going to do the best job he can. It is sad that what is “country” is decided by one person, based on what he has experienced, sang, wrote, and sold. I believe he can do a very good job deciding what is hot @ this time in country music.
I believe country music is a soul. It echo’s the sounds of humanity. It is life @ its most complex and at its simplest.
Country to me is a way of life that is simple and true, and if you are going to say it, it is going to be done, and if you shake on it, it is set in stone.
Thanks for reading,
Palouse 33
P.S. Keep it true.
clyde mccullough says:
Hi John; Thanks for the best show on friday’s. Diana an Maureen should WIN hands,And Dee should not be on the show , With on of Fits, Thanks again for a GREAT show.
Jessica says:
Does anyone else see this as the next step in the systematic destruction of country music? First we have the integration of pop and rock which I can live with to some extent. Then we have pop diva’s thinking they can cross over, example of Jessica Simpson. Now we have people who have never even listened to country claiming it’s their life long dream.
I’ll admit I am not a Big & Rich fan, though they have done a few worthy songs. Now JR is the one claiming to know how to make these people country as it reflects him. Yet he, to me, doesn’t reflect country. True country legends such as Merle Haggard, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Hank Williams (both Sr. and Jr.)..I could go on. They reflect the different styles of country. The outlaw, The artist, hell even the hippy influence, and all Big and Rich are bringing to the table is the pimp. Isn’t anyone tired of seeing country music become a prostitute?
Country makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you damn happy to be, even just as a listener, part of it. Country is our heart and our conscience, not just as people, but as a nation. Whether anyone realizes it or not what we put out there every genre hears and emulates. And anyone who says the only difference between pop and country is ‘twang’ should be slapped and banned. John was right when he says country doesn’t forgive. When is the last time you heard from the Dixie Chicks? They had to change genres.
John, go back to Lonestar they desperately need you.
Chris From Springfield, MO says:
I am excited to find out who you will pick. Bobby brown has surprised me, but I really enjoyed his voice back in the day. I enjoyed everyone on the show and their past work, you picked a good line up. I really hoping Sisqo would make a better impression, he is hands down the best vocalist on the show. I’ve grown up country and was excited to see the cross over idea. I really think sisqo can take this if he could just step into the county persona. I’ll see you in nashville.
mitch says:
Hay Dee show nashville how to rock.That pissant John Rich sure doesn’t know.Is John Rich a country singer or a pimp in that dumpass fur coat he is waring.Just woundering.Go Dee.Heavy Metal forever!!!!!
Kelly says:
My husband is a songwriter & we’ve enjoyed watching “Gone Country.” I agreed w/ JR’s feedback to the group about making sure they have good hooks in their songs… but I have to say I do not agree w/ the feedback Diana D. received. Viewers couldn’t hear the entire song on last night’s episode, but it sounded like a good start. And I don’t think she deserved the rude response when she said country music is “challenging.” Sounds more like a compliment to me! Furthermore, country music hits, like most genres, IS fluff. Especially “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy!” Not that I’m complaining b/c I like fluff, but let’s call a spade a spade.
alexis massey says:
lol A lot of you are going to be extremely pissed! Diana will not, I’ll repeat, WILL NOT, win!!!!! Yes she is a great singer and to other peoples’ opinions the best on the show. She can’t perform though at least not like sisqo. Plus she is the ovious one to win that’s why she can’t win. You people forget sisqo is the all “around guy”. Noone talks about sisqo he rarely get air time Diana get more time than him. Trust me i bet the highest stakes that sisqo will win guarantee!!!!
Trish Crawford says:
I usually am not a Country Music Fan. I watched Gone Country the other night to see what pop singers would do with the genre. I was blown away. When they were sent to the hospital, I saw some very tender hearted people. What happened brought tears to my eyes. For the first time I saw people who, when performing, present a confident, in control and “got it together” presentation. The wonderful part of the program was seeing these people with doubts, laughter, bonding, and sincere condern for others.
This gave me a totally different perspective about people who are performers. Thank you for creating this program
Regards,
Trish
Shannon says:
I love this show.I realy did like Maureens song.She puts alot of emotion in it and I like that.It was realy good.But this show sometimes makes me laugh seeing these people trying to go country.I will have to give them alot of credit I know lot of city folk and they would do anything to get themselves out of working at a farm.
Bob says:
I have been reading the messages here and have had to agree with some of them and laugh at others. I too have been listening to country music all of my life. Actually I have been living music for most of my life as a weekend musician. Like Bobbi, I feel that the true country legends are people like Hank Sr, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings. I believe John Rich was sincere in his effort to make Diana a better country music personalilty. However, I also agreed that his tone of voice was uncalled for. Telling her that “there was nothing country about that vocal line”, was the pot calling the kettle black. This is coming from a man that put out songs like Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy, country music’s version of hiphop. I think every artist in every genre has produced a recording that was purely for record sales. Examples would be Trace Adkins’ Honky Tonk Badonkadonk or Brooks and Dunn’s Hillbilly Deluxe. These songs were songs put out to ride the coattails of Save A Horse. Neither of them were very good songs from very GOOD artists. But that’s getting into another subject altogether. Back to the real reason I am expressing my opinion, and its only that, I think that most country music fans are fair to performers. If they put a good song with sincerity, it will be accepted. I have not caught all of the shows because I am usually out working Friday nights. What I have seen though leads me to believe that whoever JR picks has a good chance of making it. But lets keep in mind this is CMT and they are in it for the ratings. They need to create controversy to get you to watch the show. OBTW how about showing some videos on CMT. I haven’t seen a video on the station for quite a while.
Lilly says:
JR you just absolutely crushed that little girl (Diana). Yes, country music is serious business and she has to be tough but you really took offense where none was needed. She didn’t say she hated country. And I didn’t hear her say she just wanted a free ride into a country career either. You know all about her country music history as a young girl, you know where her heart was. Part of what you told her was fine and appropriate. The rest of it was just pure meanness and rudeness. I wanted to give her a hug!!
buttons53 says:
Maureen’s song was good, but John did you have to rip Diana apart like that. Even Simon Cowell isn’t that mean.
SUSANNE.dianafan7777 says:
oh the finale is next week (lol). Look, if Diana doesn’t win, I dont know about you, but I won’t watch the show again (I say that about American Idol all the time…haha). Diana is incredibly incredibly talented, and the best in my book! She was known as a powerhouse on AI. I saw her in concert and was in third row and blown away. She has sung at the Grand Ole Opry for goodness sake. I know she will find the right support and skyrocket. She deserves to be there. She is a true talent! If John, you don’t pick her… I have to say I will think you are out of your mind!!
sandy says:
this is such a great show. i just love it. i think bobby
brown had one of the best songs. but i like the whole
cast
diane says:
Of course Maureens song had emotion in it…she cried..that is all she has ndone all season is cried..gosh that got old..she is a has been..I do think she can be a songwriter..but a singer Argh….boring boring boring
Cindy In GA says:
Dianna did get cheated on American Idol. She should have won that and she should win this. In all reality she is the only one that has the ability and image of a country artist. She rocks…When I think of country I think Diana
DonziDoll says:
Thankfully not *all* the comments here are childish and attacking, but I am so very disappointed to read the ones that *are*… I wish everyone posting here could follow the examples of the cast who’ve been playful & friendly, supportive of each other, and helpful to one another overall.
Clearly this episode was not all Candyland Chutes & Ladders (names of little children’s board games) nor the making of a laugh-track for some sitcom… The primary subject matter of this segment of the show was of a very serious nature, hence the very serious comments made by JR and Randy Owen. Granted it might’ve been hard to receive blunt constructive feedback for some; to take it and use it to self-benefit and to become a better CM performer would be a worthwhile achievement.
While our family wishes ALL the contestants the best of luck, we’re hoping our fave, Julio Jose, wins! He has a new CD coming out soon, not sure of the USA release, but his website will be http://www.juliojr.com
P.S. Jj, if by chance you see this, the Donzi BH is doing great! And the invitation to visit & drive for old time’s sake is always open!
SHANE says:
BOTTLE OF JIM AND A SHOT OF JACK, MY BABYS GONE AND SHE AIN’T COMING BACK AND I’M HAAAAAAPY I’VE BEEN WAITIN FOR THIS DAY THAT THAT GOLD DIGIN MOSTER WOULD BE GONE TO STAY……….YEA THAT GOLD DIGIN MOSTER PUTA HURTIN ON ME ,BROKE MY HEART IN A MILLION PICES MADE REAL FOOL OUT OF ME ,BUT I’VE GOT 2 FRIENDS THAT I KNOW THAT WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR ME , THATS JIM AND JACK I’M GONNA TOSS EM BACK I’M SO GLAD THAT GOLD DIGGIN MOSTER LEFT ME!!!! …….WHEN SHE WAS PACKIN OH LORD I CRIED, TO SEE THAT WOMAN LEAVEIN TORE ME UP INSIDE, BUT AS SOON AS THAT SCREEN DOOR SLAMED IT WAS LIKE A LOAD CAME OFF MY MIND,NOW I CAN LIVE MY LIFE FOR ME AND NOT FOR THAT DOLLOR SIGN , NOW THERES NO MORE OF THAT GOLD DIGGIN MONSTER PUTA HURTIN ON ME,BRAKIN MY HEART IN A MILLION PIESES MAKING A REAL FOOL OUT OF ME,BUT I’VE GOT 2 FRIENDS HERE THAT I KNOW WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR ME,THATS JIM AND JACK I’M GONNA TOSS EM BACK I’M GLAD THAT GOLD DIGGIN MONSTER LEFT ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I SAID JIM AND JACK I’M GONNA TOSS EM I’M SO GLAD SHE LEFT MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Dee says:
I think it’s pretty obvious Maureen will win.
Dee Snyder already said we will be “surprised” who wins, and since Maureen is not a great singer and wouldn’t even sing the first night that the rest of them did her victory will be a total surprise.
Longevity in country music is about FAR more than writing one good song. JR should know this.
SHANE says:
I JUST WROTE ONE GREAT SONG WERES MY MILLION DOLLORS???????? DEE OR BOOBY WILL WIN ,THEN THEY CAN RECORD GOLD DIGGIN MONSTER, IT’LL GO TO #1 AND WILL ALL BE HAPPY….COME ON DOWN TO SWEET HOME ALIBAMMMY BABY AND WILL WRITE EM LIKE THAT ALL DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Betty says:
John, my (grown) daughter and I love your show! This is a show we will sit down and watch together. It leaves me wanting more. (Too bad it isn’t an hour.) I hope you produce more series of this show.
God Bless!
Debbie Rivera says:
Which episode was the line dancing featured? I’d like to see an instructional video put out, either on cmt.com or even YouTube. I’ve checked YouTube…but there are so many variations!! The one on this show should be the original, yes? What do you think? Debbie
R says:
JOHN liked Hulio and not Diana??? THATS CRAZY. If you heard his song its not even country!! Diana had a way better song and you put her down like that. IF U SAID THAT U HAD THE BEST PEOPLE to help them with their songs ur wrong. Blame the people you brought to write them a song. You dont even know Diana. She is a very great singer. You didnt even show the whole song! My gosh..Diana got to sing with some amazing people when she was young. You think Maureen will win? I could sing better than that. You just like it since she is soo emothional and you would never break her heart. If you know country music SOO much why did u like Hulio. It was a like a mexican ballad! Wow..ur an amazing guy John.
R says:
by the way..If you listen to Taylor Swift its almost just like Dianas song. I suggest you all go and buy her cd and see how amazing she is.