Well I can't sleep and needless to say I am deeply saddened and shocked. I just have to get some things off my chest here. Many people have posted their thoughts on why Melanie was voted off, but I have my own. I'm not sure if it was because she was not "country enough", too beautiful, or just not liked by some. She definately doesn't fit the usual picture of female country music artists. I think that Melanie has come across to some as "too confident" or "having this competition in the bag" as quoted from some of the posts. I can honestly say that she worried about getting voting off from show #1 and has no idea how talented she really is. Some even say it was her comment about not coming to Nashville to work in honky tonks. My sister has been working in honky tonks for some time now and was even accused of having some kind of "in" at the beginning of the show because of the particular honky tonk she played in. She never said once she was against honky tonks. As many of you die hard honky tonk fans know, that is an extremely hard life, especially for a female. It is wrought with alcohol, fights, and crude people, and as her only sibling, the main reason I wanted her to do well in this competition was so she could get OUT of that scene and on with her dreams. She has always spoken her mind and been very goal driven. For people to knock her for having a dream, wearing a certain dress, or entering a beauty pageant (which is just one of her accomplishments)is just plain ridiculous. I think country music fans are NOT ready to think out of the box. Just look at Casey, he is awesome and had a heck of a performance tonight, but he took a huge risk just like Melanie did last week. He's gotten a lot of flack so far for the song he chose - even from our wonderful judges. What I think makes a truly good performer is their ability to be diverse, but I guess this audience just isn't into that. I think I knew from the beginning that eventually it would be Melanie's time to go, not because of her lack of talent, but for who she is. She is extremely beautiful, very mature, has a lot of class, and is EXTREMELY gutsy. I think people are threatened by her, including some men. I am well aware that this is all part of the business, but I am highly disappointed that more people were not able to see the incredible talent she has (including her song writing), and the person she is. People that know her love her. Most of you probably don't care what I have to say here but I just feel the need to defend and stand up for an incredibly amazing person, my sister.
I wish all of the contestants the best of luck- I think they should all get a record deal.
Full Version: Melanie's sister here....
I could not agree more with your post. I do not know Melanie personally but I have only heard great things about her from people that do know her.. I was deeply saddened to see her go! I would have NEVER guessed she was going home tonight.. Please send my well wishes to Melanie. There is no doubt she will continue to follow her dreams and she will go far in her career!
I'm so glad you posted here. I'm was deeply saddened and quite shocked to see your sister voted off. I thought she was awesome!!! I thought for sure she would be fighting for the top spot against Chris & Casey.
I too was surprised to read some of the comments, guessing at why she was voted off, like the honky tonk comment, I totally don't understand how people took it the way they did. I thought she was a VERY classy lady and an awesome singer and performer. I so much wanted to hear her original stuff and never dreamed she'd be gone before orginal night. Please tell your sister that I hope the exposure still gets her a music deal and I hope she never gives up trying to get one. If she ever made an independent CD, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I think the possible reason she got voted off was more due to people assuming that enough people are voting and they don't need to vote. Perhaps she needed a more organized fan base prior to the competition.
I have been a huge country fan for many years and I have to say NOBODY has ever covered Martina McBride and I've thought WOW! But Melanie's voice was just that WOW! I feel in love with her from that first performance, she nailed that, and I NEVER say that lightly, it is a rare singer indeed that can pull that off and she did! Please tell her not be discouraged, I voted for her every week and I know that many loved her and thought she was the best female vocalist and I think it was a matter of people not recognizing the importance of voting.
Best wishes and regards to Melanie in the future and I look forward to hearing her on my radio someday!
A loyal fan,
Barbara
I too was surprised to read some of the comments, guessing at why she was voted off, like the honky tonk comment, I totally don't understand how people took it the way they did. I thought she was a VERY classy lady and an awesome singer and performer. I so much wanted to hear her original stuff and never dreamed she'd be gone before orginal night. Please tell your sister that I hope the exposure still gets her a music deal and I hope she never gives up trying to get one. If she ever made an independent CD, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I think the possible reason she got voted off was more due to people assuming that enough people are voting and they don't need to vote. Perhaps she needed a more organized fan base prior to the competition.
I have been a huge country fan for many years and I have to say NOBODY has ever covered Martina McBride and I've thought WOW! But Melanie's voice was just that WOW! I feel in love with her from that first performance, she nailed that, and I NEVER say that lightly, it is a rare singer indeed that can pull that off and she did! Please tell her not be discouraged, I voted for her every week and I know that many loved her and thought she was the best female vocalist and I think it was a matter of people not recognizing the importance of voting.
Best wishes and regards to Melanie in the future and I look forward to hearing her on my radio someday!
A loyal fan,
Barbara
I was a little suprised to see her go, as well. I've heard that she was VERY nice to be around on the show and was very sweet.
I wish her well in her future, no doubt that it will be bright.
I wish her well in her future, no doubt that it will be bright.
You go girl! You should be proud of your sister and what a tribute to her that you'd come out here and say these great things about her. She's not only beautiful but very, very talented. I know that here in Texas many people loved her and thought she was the top girl in the competition. I was very surprised by tonight’s outcome.
Thanks for your comment on Casey. Most comments tonight about his performance have been positive like yours,(except for a non-significant few). You’re correct; he also wanted to show his versatility. I'm hoping the viewing audience heard and saw what the judges so obviously missed, a great performance.
Best Wishes to you and Melanie and I know we haven’t seen the last of her. I’ll be tuned in for sure.
Thanks for your comment on Casey. Most comments tonight about his performance have been positive like yours,(except for a non-significant few). You’re correct; he also wanted to show his versatility. I'm hoping the viewing audience heard and saw what the judges so obviously missed, a great performance.
Best Wishes to you and Melanie and I know we haven’t seen the last of her. I’ll be tuned in for sure.
I agree with all you said Melinda - I hated to see Melanie go tonight. She is all the things you said, & yes, her sister should be proud of her and wonder "why" - I was really surprised at her departure...
I also thank her for great comments about Casey. I can't imagine judges (out of 3) had nothing remotely positive to say.
My best wishes to Melanie as well. It's great to have a sister go to bat for you like that!
I also thank her for great comments about Casey. I can't imagine judges (out of 3) had nothing remotely positive to say.
My best wishes to Melanie as well. It's great to have a sister go to bat for you like that!
I was sorry and surprised to see her go. She was my favorite of the females, even though my top pick is a guy. However I don't think it has anything to do with fans not being able to think out of the box or not wanting diversity. I have to admit I'm kind of offended by that comment. The voters vote for who they want to stay not who they want to eliminate. Plain and simple she just didn't win over enough fans. She took a big gamble last week and unfortunately it didn't work. I'm guessing that is what cost her because the votes were so close. She just didn't have enough people voting for her. There are some surprises every year. With them all being so talented it's more important than ever that they rally their fans to get out and vote. If you read the threads about who people thought would be leaving, you would see that the majority here did not expect it to be Melanie. People are guessing at reasons now, but most didn't predict it.
Melanie was my favorite female- and perhaps my favorite overall. I hope she does well in the future.
OK, I know you are sad right now because Melanie did not move on to the next round, but to say that she didn't make it b/c people are threatened? Come on. Now that comment is what is really close-minded. Sure, Melanie is a good performer, but I have to say, as a fan of other contestants she was up against some great artists. You know, people have speculated that Monique was voted off for her size and now you are saying that Melanie was voted off b/c you think she has it all together. If having it all together gets you nowhere in the business, I have to wonder how Faith Hill, Martina McBride, and many many more have gotten where they are today. I'm sorry, but your comments really hit the wrong cord with me. Yes, Melanie is attractive, yes she can sing, but (no offense to her) she is not out of this world...she stood up well against her counterparts. I wish the best for her and you, too, for that matter. This is a tough situation to be in. However, lets not get ahead of ourselves and say that she was too good. No on in the country music business that was "too good" ever got closed out. Take a look at the broader picture, the BEST are out there at the top.
I was in shock when they said that your sister was going home. She was the best female on the show. I hope that someone will offer her a contract now. She deserves one. I will continue to follow her career. Tell her best of luck from a fellow New Mexican.
I realize that you are disappointed and every week a large group of people are going to be disappointed. But the fact is that all of the contestents are very talanted. As was stressed over and over last night the votes were extremely close. When the votes are that close I think demographics come into it more. How many people live in NM?
What I take exception too is the comments from some from the beginning that people are threatened by beauty. Come on people how else could you explain Faith Hill? Sorry, I don't count Martina in that category.
I wish Melanie all the best, I am sure that she will get a contract. This prediction is based on the combination of her physical appearance and her talent. So I don't for a minute buy the arguement that she was eliminated because she is too good looking.
Melanie showed a lot of class in her exit.
What I take exception too is the comments from some from the beginning that people are threatened by beauty. Come on people how else could you explain Faith Hill? Sorry, I don't count Martina in that category.
I wish Melanie all the best, I am sure that she will get a contract. This prediction is based on the combination of her physical appearance and her talent. So I don't for a minute buy the arguement that she was eliminated because she is too good looking.
Melanie showed a lot of class in her exit.
What a class act Melanie is. I think she has done an awesome job. I know she will go far. I can't wait to buy her CD. You tell her to keep on doing what she is doing and she is sure to make it all the way to the top.
Hopefully you won't be feeling sad for long. Your sister is absolutely beautiful and amazingly talented and I'm sure that all the exposure she has gotten has garnered her a lot of new fans and like Wy points out, getting voted off the show isn't the end of anything, it's just a bump in the road.
I'm sure a lot of opportunity will come from this experience. It's easy to see why you are so proud of her and she should be feeling really proud of herself too; after all, she was competing against an extremely talented group of artists. Personally, I think the contestants on this seasons Nashville Star are ALL winners.
I'm an old "young" lover.
www.chrisyoungcountry.com
I'm sure a lot of opportunity will come from this experience. It's easy to see why you are so proud of her and she should be feeling really proud of herself too; after all, she was competing against an extremely talented group of artists. Personally, I think the contestants on this seasons Nashville Star are ALL winners.
I'm an old "young" lover.
www.chrisyoungcountry.com
I too was shocked when Melanie left last night, she was THE best female voice in the whole competition, IMHO & now she's gone. I wonder what the public is thinking & how they are voting. Are they voting for the person or the talent, makes you think, doesn't it. I thought the same thing when I watched last year too, but we won't go there. lol Melanie will do fine though, because she has a great future ahead of her. She will have a deal very quickly, because she's gotten lots of exposure from the right people & they know what she can do now. Ms Brown likes her & that's her living is to discover & fine tune new talent, so maybe she'll help Melanie along. Who knows what's in store for her, I do suspect that she won't be sitting around waiting for very long. She has a gift & a talent & that will not be overlooked. Take care Melanie!!!
Mel, Mel, Mel, What can I say? You got Burned, Burned, Burned…Totally Ripped OFF.
You ARE the TOP female performer, this season. What happened to the fans???? You went from number two with the most votes to last. It wasn’t the dress or the pick of songs from last week. Well, maybe a combination. Wynonna kept pushing the ballads and the lighter side of the music spectrum. Diversity is good in music, but this show is about selling the voters. If you came from California, you would have better odds of votes.
Like I said you got burned. My picks for finalist were you and Jared. You two are pros, all the way. You got the voice, the moves, the looks, and the confidence, of professionalism. Casey, Chris, and Matt have a good presence and possibly a chance to steal the crown.
Too the creator and producers of this show, you should have male and female categories. Equal categories for separate voting. Voting should be for more than 3 hours. You need a panel of judges (not three) to vote for the performers, and the audience to only make up 50 percent of the decision. Live music is so much different, so much better, than television, and the true talent of the performers cannot be obtained over cable, satellite, or air. Voting by the public is flawed, because of geographic location, spamming of calls, time of show, and duration of voting. A total vote, accumulated from week after week, would be a better system.
If the majority of the votes come from the heartland of country music, than the storms that devastated that area this past week, could be responsible for the change in votes for Melanie, and that variable is devastating, a total flaw to the voting concept and unacceptable. Also God Bless the people who dealt with that horrific weather.
Melanie, I don’t know what to say. Don’t ever give up, because you are the best.
God Bless Ya. bob.
You ARE the TOP female performer, this season. What happened to the fans???? You went from number two with the most votes to last. It wasn’t the dress or the pick of songs from last week. Well, maybe a combination. Wynonna kept pushing the ballads and the lighter side of the music spectrum. Diversity is good in music, but this show is about selling the voters. If you came from California, you would have better odds of votes.
Like I said you got burned. My picks for finalist were you and Jared. You two are pros, all the way. You got the voice, the moves, the looks, and the confidence, of professionalism. Casey, Chris, and Matt have a good presence and possibly a chance to steal the crown.
Too the creator and producers of this show, you should have male and female categories. Equal categories for separate voting. Voting should be for more than 3 hours. You need a panel of judges (not three) to vote for the performers, and the audience to only make up 50 percent of the decision. Live music is so much different, so much better, than television, and the true talent of the performers cannot be obtained over cable, satellite, or air. Voting by the public is flawed, because of geographic location, spamming of calls, time of show, and duration of voting. A total vote, accumulated from week after week, would be a better system.
If the majority of the votes come from the heartland of country music, than the storms that devastated that area this past week, could be responsible for the change in votes for Melanie, and that variable is devastating, a total flaw to the voting concept and unacceptable. Also God Bless the people who dealt with that horrific weather.
Melanie, I don’t know what to say. Don’t ever give up, because you are the best.
God Bless Ya. bob.
Someone was saying that Melonies sister is proud of her but I think Melonie should be proud of her sister.
I hope that you, or Melanie, will stay on the board or at least drop in from time to time. There are many people who read this board who would support Melanie by going to shows and purchasing CDs. Please let us know where she is playing and good things that happen for her.
Now that she has a website it will be a little easier to follow her.
I add myself to the list of those who thought Melanie was sure be touring as part of the final four.
Now that she has a website it will be a little easier to follow her.
I add myself to the list of those who thought Melanie was sure be touring as part of the final four.
I would like it if you stay on the board too! There is a lot of support here and I would love to watch as her career takes off. Good luck to her!
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Now that she has a website it will be a little easier to follow her.
I think this is a key point... she just got a website once she made the show?? That could be a BIG reason why she didn't get enough votes. Some of the other finalists have not only had websites and fanclubs for years, they've released their own albums, toured the U.S., and cultivated a fan base. The music business is NOT about who's most talented, it's about hustle and business smarts, knowing how to market yourself. Nashville is full of beautiful girls who can sing every bit as well as Melanie... the few that make it are the ones that have a real business plan and work that plan.
I think all the comments about her being "too beautiful" are complete B.S. All 3 of the women on the show last night are beautiful. And if she's got a big problem playing in honky-tonks, she needs to find another dream. You build a fan base by playing live shows and connecting with fans, among other things, and those live shows often are in bars. She may not like that environment, but there are millions of hopefuls out there who would happily perform music in bars every night... as someone who supports themself doing exactly that, I took offense to her comment, and I know others did as well.
I realize you are her sister and are trying to support her, but you aren't doing her any favors telling her things like what you have said in this thread. Her getting booted off the show needs to be her wake up call that it's time to get serious about marketing herself, if she wants to succeed.
She needs to take a long hard look at whether she's willing to really do what it takes to realize her dream... it is not a glamorous road, and an aspiring artist has to be willing to get their hands dirty, so to speak, and be happy doing it.... because they may be getting their hands dirty for years before a break comes along.
mc
Hey melaniesclan,
I was disappointed to see Melanie get voted off last night too. She was one of the front runners IMO. Just being a part of this show is great exposure for the contestants and I'm sure it will act as a springboard for her. The best is yet to come for your sister I'm sure.
Bombero
I was disappointed to see Melanie get voted off last night too. She was one of the front runners IMO. Just being a part of this show is great exposure for the contestants and I'm sure it will act as a springboard for her. The best is yet to come for your sister I'm sure.
Bombero
As usual you nailed it, Cliffwalker . Melanie had been my favorite among the females but I wasn't overly impressed with her version of "Crying" and I really resented the "honky tonk" comment. I'm still surprised she was voted off this early but the organized fan base does play a huge role at this juncture.
If Melanie doesn't like working in honky tonks then she can always get a job in an office. I don't see a problem here. A performer needs a large number of fans to perform in an arena. Melanie had an opportunity to win a large number of fans on Nashville Star and she failed to do that. The fans of Nashville Star don't have a problem, our favorites are moving on to the next episode. Melanie needs to make some hard choices about her future and move on from this experience. Blaming the fans of Nashville Star for Melanie's failure is not going to bring her any closer to her dreams of stardom.
I was definitely surprised by Melanie leaving last night! I did expect her to be on until the end! But I do have to agree with Cliff talking about how hard some of these artists have worked at building a fan base and marketing themselves!
This should be great exposure for her and I think her success lies in what she does with this opportunity from here on out!
This should be great exposure for her and I think her success lies in what she does with this opportunity from here on out!
Melanie is very talented or she wouldn't have been on the show. I know it is hard to read what people are saying, but they have the right to voice their opinion. That, also, is part of the business. Not everyone is gonna love you. I am sure that being on Nashville Star will open a lot of doors for Melanie. Please, stick around and keep us posted on what great things happen for Melanie.
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Now that she has a website it will be a little easier to follow her.
I think this is a key point... she just got a website once she made the show?? That could be a BIG reason why she didn't get enough votes. Some of the other finalists have not only had websites and fanclubs for years, they've released their own albums, toured the U.S., and cultivated a fan base. The music business is NOT about who's most talented, it's about hustle and business smarts, knowing how to market yourself. Nashville is full of beautiful girls who can sing every bit as well as Melanie... the few that make it are the ones that have a real business plan and work that plan.
I think all the comments about her being "too beautiful" are complete B.S. All 3 of the women on the show last night are beautiful. And if she's got a big problem playing in honky-tonks, she needs to find another dream. You build a fan base by playing live shows and connecting with fans, among other things, and those live shows often are in bars. She may not like that environment, but there are millions of hopefuls out there who would happily perform music in bars every night... as someone who supports themself doing exactly that, I took offense to her comment, and I know others did as well.
I realize you are her sister and are trying to support her, but you aren't doing her any favors telling her things like what you have said in this thread. Her getting booted off the show needs to be her wake up call that it's time to get serious about marketing herself, if she wants to succeed.
She needs to take a long hard look at whether she's willing to really do what it takes to realize her dream... it is not a glamorous road, and an aspiring artist has to be willing to get their hands dirty, so to speak, and be happy doing it.... because they may be getting their hands dirty for years before a break comes along.
mc
Cliffwalker, I think you have made some valid points here about having a fan base. She is definately willng to work, no one said she wanted an easy way out. And again, as an older protective sister, I am the one who has a problem with her working in honky tonks not her, and she simply stated her goal, which you can't seem to accept. Some people have to start with nothing and the process has been slow for her with minimal support and financial backing. She moved to Nashville alone and with nothing and its been a slow process for her, not to mention the fact that she is in the extreme minority in country music, but not the least bit afraid to have a goal. Give her a break. As for what I said about her being beautiful I can't help but feel angry and am wanting to find an explanation for why she was voted off, so I apologize to whomever I offended.
But looking back at your posts I think 70% of the negative comments made about Melanie on the board have been from you. I have no problem with you voicing your opinion, just feeling the need to defend her because I know her. I'll be the first to admit that she did not have a large fan base yet. I think the bottom line is that you just don't like her and that's fine. She can't win them all.
I have to say that from the very start I wondered if Melanie was really into music or just wanted to use music to be famous. She never struck me as a true musician. She always seemed to be a pretty girl who could sing well.
And now hearing your comments (sister) I see that I was probably right.
The music biz is not easy. It is not fair. It is not glamorous. It is nitty gritty get down in the trenches and do whatever it takes.
That is why there are only a few at the top. Some great singers do not have what it takes buld up the sweat equity it takes to succeed.
To be honest, if Melanie really wants to make it, she should be glad for the exposure and get back to the job of working her butt off for her dream.
She got a whole lot of exposure other singers would have died for.
Be happy for her and my advice to you and her both is to tkae the high road. Whining about how pretty you think she is and how America wasn't ready for someone who looked like her in country music is BS and makes people like her even less.
And now hearing your comments (sister) I see that I was probably right.
The music biz is not easy. It is not fair. It is not glamorous. It is nitty gritty get down in the trenches and do whatever it takes.
That is why there are only a few at the top. Some great singers do not have what it takes buld up the sweat equity it takes to succeed.
To be honest, if Melanie really wants to make it, she should be glad for the exposure and get back to the job of working her butt off for her dream.
She got a whole lot of exposure other singers would have died for.
Be happy for her and my advice to you and her both is to tkae the high road. Whining about how pretty you think she is and how America wasn't ready for someone who looked like her in country music is BS and makes people like her even less.
Mike, I was trying to make that same point in the other thread. It takes years of hard work and exposure to build up a loyal fan base. I also was a bit offended by the honky-tonk comment. I have done it for 18 years, and honestly I love it. When playing the "honky-tonks" you actually get to mingle and meet the people that are there. You get honest feedback on your music and performance. Yes, it can be hard to take at times, but that is all part of it. Only one person can win this competition, if anyone wants a career doing this, they gotta market themselves. Also choose your words wisely, especially if you are on national TV. The goal in this situation is to make new fans not pizz people off.
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Cliffwalker, I think you have made some valid points here about having a fan base. She is definately willng to work, no one said she wanted an easy way out. And again, as an older protective sister, I am the one who has a problem with her working in honky tonks not her, and she simply stated her goal, which you can't seem to accept.
No, stating her goal would be saying "My goal is to get signed by a record label", which is fine. What she did was expose to the viewers the fact that she doesn't particularly enjoy singing in bars and honky-tonks, which in my mind means she isn't cut out for this business, because that is how you build a fanbase (among other methods).
Some people have to start with nothing and the process has been slow for her with minimal support and financial backing. She moved to Nashville alone and with nothing and its been a slow process for her, not to mention the fact that she is in the extreme minority in country music, but not the least bit afraid to have a goal.
I wouldn't say she's in the extreme minority at all... she's young and beautiful, which 99% of the female artists being signed right now are.
Give her a break. As for what I said about her being beautiful I can't help but feel angry and am wanting to find an explanation for why she was voted off, so I apologize to whomever I offended.
You have your explanation, you just choose not to accept it, for whatever reason... you should be thankful that the folks on this board are giving you the straight truth... which is more than most aspiring artists get
But looking back at your posts I think 70% of the negative comments made about Melanie on the board have been from you.
If you read my comments on the other thread about Melanie, you'd see that I said that, IMHO, she had a better voice than the two remaining finalists... unfortunately vocal quality is just one very small part of what it takes to succeed in the music biz. The fact that she didn't even have a website, yet she was singing professionally in honky-tonks, as you and others have claimed, indicates to me she needs to step it up on the marketing side.
I have no problem with you voicing your opinion, just feeling the need to defend her because I know her. I'll be the first to admit that she did not have a large fan base yet. I think the bottom line is that you just don't like her and that's fine. She can't win them all.
I've never met her, so I don't like or dislike her... and it's clear the explanations that several people in this thread, myself included, have provided you as to why she's no longer on the show have gone in one ear and out the other, so I'll stop wasting my time.
Sorry I don't agree to the fact that you don't dislike her. You've taken a great deal of time to expose her weaknesses. I think all agree on the reason she didn't get adequate votes, and it had nothing to do with a lack of talent. Her comment was blown out of proportion, especially by the interviewer as I heard who specifically asked her to stress that point in her interview, which was a segment THEY chose to air. The producers also made it a point to stress her beauty pageantry and continuously chose to present her as such. You think the other contestants haven't said things that would have stirred controversy that were overlooked or chosen not to be aired? I think she was a target and people were just WAITING for her to screw up. Her time is yet to come.
hahaha.... Mike... You're evil.
But I like it.
I don't think you've made 70% of the negative comments about Melanie on this board... I mean, I'm responsible for probably 10%... and I know I'm not the only one with a 10% sliver... And there are several of those 10% sliver people...
So, maybe more like 40%.
But I like it.
I don't think you've made 70% of the negative comments about Melanie on this board... I mean, I'm responsible for probably 10%... and I know I'm not the only one with a 10% sliver... And there are several of those 10% sliver people...
So, maybe more like 40%.
No, stating her goal would be saying "My goal is to get signed by a record label", which is fine. What she did was expose to the viewers the fact that she doesn't particularly enjoy singing in bars and honky-tonks, which in my mind means she isn't cut out for this business, because that is how you build a fanbase (among other methods).
Please, you mean to tell me that most aspiring artists in Nashvile would RATHER be working in a honky tonk than being signed? She said "I didn't come to Nashville to work in honky tonks (she didn't say anything about performing) because that's what she has been doing since she got to Nashville, busting her butt in a honky tonk bartending, and that's what she meant. She didn't expose anything to the viewers, those who were offended assumed. Most of theses assumptions are "in your mind" to use your own words. You are making another assumption about someone you don't know. But you are so SURE that she hates singing in honky tonks and is not cut out for this business. Even some of the other posters have pointed out the fact that she did not say that. I'm obviously never going to change your mind.
I wouldn't say she's in the extreme minority at all... she's young and beautiful, which 99% of the female artists being signed right now are.
Hmmmmm... can't think of any Hispanic females in the music business getting signed right now.
[ b]You have your explanation, you just choose not to accept it, for whatever reason... you should be thankful that the folks on this board are giving you the straight truth... which is more than most aspiring artists get
I think we have established that I agree on the fact of her not having a large enough fan base as the reason she didn't get enough votes. People are going to make assupmtions about that they want to and that's part of being in the public eye. This will be a learning experience for her. I think the show set her up. I am thankful for the honest opinion from these folks, it has given me some comfort actually. Most of the posters on this site were shocked that she was voted off.
If you read my comments on the other thread about Melanie, you'd see that I said that, IMHO, she had a better voice than the two remaining finalists... unfortunately vocal quality is just one very small part of what it takes to succeed in the music biz. The fact that she didn't even have a website, yet she was singing professionally in honky-tonks, as you and others have claimed, indicates to me she needs to step it up on the marketing side.
I agree. It's difficult to afford to pay for a manager to do this for you when you're working full time with a gig on the side, much less do your own marketing. She's doing the best she can and I give her all the credit in the world.
SORRY IF I SOUND ANGRY HERE PEOPLE...... and Im sorry that this has turned out to be such a negative thread. I just wanted to tell the world how wonderful my sister is, regardless of the mistakes she has made on this show. I will still continue to feel that people were looking for a reason to dislike her, for reasons I will not state again, since I offended a few earlier, and reasons that no one will be willing to admit, on this board or ever. If those underlying reasons weren't there, she would still be on the show because her performances were outstanding.
Please, you mean to tell me that most aspiring artists in Nashvile would RATHER be working in a honky tonk than being signed? She said "I didn't come to Nashville to work in honky tonks (she didn't say anything about performing) because that's what she has been doing since she got to Nashville, busting her butt in a honky tonk bartending, and that's what she meant. She didn't expose anything to the viewers, those who were offended assumed. Most of theses assumptions are "in your mind" to use your own words. You are making another assumption about someone you don't know. But you are so SURE that she hates singing in honky tonks and is not cut out for this business. Even some of the other posters have pointed out the fact that she did not say that. I'm obviously never going to change your mind.
I wouldn't say she's in the extreme minority at all... she's young and beautiful, which 99% of the female artists being signed right now are.
Hmmmmm... can't think of any Hispanic females in the music business getting signed right now.
[ b]You have your explanation, you just choose not to accept it, for whatever reason... you should be thankful that the folks on this board are giving you the straight truth... which is more than most aspiring artists get
I think we have established that I agree on the fact of her not having a large enough fan base as the reason she didn't get enough votes. People are going to make assupmtions about that they want to and that's part of being in the public eye. This will be a learning experience for her. I think the show set her up. I am thankful for the honest opinion from these folks, it has given me some comfort actually. Most of the posters on this site were shocked that she was voted off.
If you read my comments on the other thread about Melanie, you'd see that I said that, IMHO, she had a better voice than the two remaining finalists... unfortunately vocal quality is just one very small part of what it takes to succeed in the music biz. The fact that she didn't even have a website, yet she was singing professionally in honky-tonks, as you and others have claimed, indicates to me she needs to step it up on the marketing side.
I agree. It's difficult to afford to pay for a manager to do this for you when you're working full time with a gig on the side, much less do your own marketing. She's doing the best she can and I give her all the credit in the world.
SORRY IF I SOUND ANGRY HERE PEOPLE...... and Im sorry that this has turned out to be such a negative thread. I just wanted to tell the world how wonderful my sister is, regardless of the mistakes she has made on this show. I will still continue to feel that people were looking for a reason to dislike her, for reasons I will not state again, since I offended a few earlier, and reasons that no one will be willing to admit, on this board or ever. If those underlying reasons weren't there, she would still be on the show because her performances were outstanding.
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Mike, you stole WVG's baby. LOL!!!
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Well I can't sleep and needless to say I am deeply saddened and shocked. I just have to get some things off my chest here. Many people have posted their thoughts on why Melanie was voted off, but I have my own. I'm not sure if it was because she was not "country enough", too beautiful, or just not liked by some. She definately doesn't fit the usual picture of female country music artists. I think that Melanie has come across to some as "too confident" or "having this competition in the bag" as quoted from some of the posts. I can honestly say that she worried about getting voting off from show #1 and has no idea how talented she really is. Some even say it was her comment about not coming to Nashville to work in honky tonks. My sister has been working in honky tonks for some time now and was even accused of having some kind of "in" at the beginning of the show because of the particular honky tonk she played in. She never said once she was against honky tonks. As many of you die hard honky tonk fans know, that is an extremely hard life, especially for a female. It is wrought with alcohol, fights, and crude people, and as her only sibling, the main reason I wanted her to do well in this competition was so she could get OUT of that scene and on with her dreams. She has always spoken her mind and been very goal driven. For people to knock her for having a dream, wearing a certain dress, or entering a beauty pageant (which is just one of her accomplishments)is just plain ridiculous. I think country music fans are NOT ready to think out of the box. Just look at Casey, he is awesome and had a heck of a performance tonight, but he took a huge risk just like Melanie did last week. He's gotten a lot of flack so far for the song he chose - even from our wonderful judges. What I think makes a truly good performer is their ability to be diverse, but I guess this audience just isn't into that. I think I knew from the beginning that eventually it would be Melanie's time to go, not because of her lack of talent, but for who she is. She is extremely beautiful, very mature, has a lot of class, and is EXTREMELY gutsy. I think people are threatened by her, including some men. I am well aware that this is all part of the business, but I am highly disappointed that more people were not able to see the incredible talent she has (including her song writing), and the person she is. People that know her love her. Most of you probably don't care what I have to say here but I just feel the need to defend and stand up for an incredibly amazing person, my sister.
I wish all of the contestants the best of luck- I think they should all get a record deal.
First of all, let me just say that I am really sorry for you and your sister that she didn't make it. I know you are all sad and it is probably not easy to deal with right now. I wouldn't worry too much about what the critics say because Melanie DOES have talent. For her to make it that far shows that others agree she has talent and that she stayed longer than some of the other artists, shows that she was liked even more!
Personally, I am surprised she went so soon myself. I think she is better that Nicole and yet, Nicole is still there. We all have our own taste though and I just like Melanie better.
She was not one of my favorites and I won't say she was to make you feel better. She was good, I saw her talent, but when compared to the others, I liked some of them better. It might come down to stupid things like what dress she wore, how much make-up she did or didn't have on, etc. to some, but it has never been about her personality, her looks, or anything else other than her singing talent for me.
She is a beautiful person with an awesome little figure! Her singing is good and her personality seems very nice! I can't imagine anyone saying anything negative about her from what I have seen either. I have heard some private things about Nicole that were quite negative, but nothing about anyone else, so I really don't think most people have been talking badly of Melanie unless they were talking out of their butts! LOL And we can just ignore those people anyway! Right? =-)
I just know that for me, I liked Kristin (and Monique) the best out of the females. I liked Jewels too, but there were a lot of people who didn't like her. And I liked Melanie as well, but not as well as the others. Nicole is my least favorite. Also, except for Kristin, the guys just really sound better this year and none of the females have really been able to outshine them enough.
I know that she is your sister and you love her very much! I think that is wonderful that you do and that you are here to stand up for your sis! To you, she seems like the one that shines the brightest and you can't understand why others don't see that too. She does shine brightly and I am sure her future has many great things in store for her. She will do just fine and so will you and your family! I don't think she will be in the honky tonks forever either! Just be patient and you will see! It will all work out.
She was not disliked by the fans, even if some put her down because they wanted their favorites to shine more. It was just that everyone had other people on the show they liked more, and maybe in a different year, against different people, she would have been the favorite! You just gotta try to look at it positively! Don't take it as nobody liked her or saw her talent though, because that just isn't the case! She made it that far and that says a LOT!!!!!!
I will keep you and your family (and sis) in my prayers that everything may work out well in your lives, and am sending some hugs your way too for the hurt and disappointment you are feeling right now! Try hard not to take it personally and remember that your sister's talent will shine with or without Nashville Star!
Thanks so much - I think you put it in perspective for me. My family and I really do feel like the babies in the previous posts right now. But I think you are right, she does have more ahead of her. Even my sister said it herself, which I thought was in good humor... she said "I don't think I would've voted for me either."
ok ... I loved Melanie since the start ... and I think she would have stayed longer on the show ... if it weren't for her comment about the honky-tonks ... and I am gonna say this ... Melanie said she didn't come to NashVille to work in honky-tonks, but I am pretty sure she meant "bartending" ... it all comes out in a different way, the same way Tamika's comments last year to Erika were edited in a different way ... then all of a sudden, Tamika was sent home ... just like Melanie ...
that she doesn't have a fan-base? well this show brought her new fans, me included ... I think she is talented and vivacious ... and she will make it for sure ... the first time I saw her on NashVille, she reminded me of Selena ... she has the style, and the enregy to make it ...
She was sent home, but this is not the end Melanie ... this is just the beginning ...
that she doesn't have a fan-base? well this show brought her new fans, me included ... I think she is talented and vivacious ... and she will make it for sure ... the first time I saw her on NashVille, she reminded me of Selena ... she has the style, and the enregy to make it ...
She was sent home, but this is not the end Melanie ... this is just the beginning ...
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Thanks so much - I think you put it in perspective for me. My family and I really do feel like the babies in the previous posts right now. But I think you are right, she does have more ahead of her. Even my sister said it herself, which I thought was in good humor... she said "I don't think I would've voted for me either."
Well, I am not going to call you a baby for having feelings and for loving your sister! You're her family and of course you love her and want to be protective! If I were in your shoes, I would be crying like a baby too! Don't even feel bad about that! Heck, when I found out my niece Ashley (Grutter) was not one of the finalists on the show, I bawled like a baby! LOL That is to be expected! And it is hard not to want to give your thoughts and opinions about her to everyone else. I can assure you that Melanie has a HUGE amount of new fans thanks to Nashville Star, and though she wasn't a favorite, she was liked by most.
You dry those tears, keep smiling, and tell Melanie to smile too! She has a lot to be proud of! And so do you and your family!
Thank you for posting here and telling us the side of Melanie we don't know.
I thought Melanie was incredible and was very disappointed to see her get voted off last night.
But I am sure, with her talent, she will go far in the music business.
Please give her my best.
I thought Melanie was incredible and was very disappointed to see her get voted off last night.
But I am sure, with her talent, she will go far in the music business.
Please give her my best.
Ok, so now we are throwing a 'race card' in here? The sister answered Cliffwalker's comment:
I wouldn't say she's in the extreme minority at all... she's young and beautiful, which 99% of the female artists being signed right now are.
with:
Hmmmmm... can't think of any Hispanic females in the music business getting signed right now.
Good heavens, please - I seriously doubt it had anything to do with it. And also, there ARE only a few hundred people on this board...a few million are voting!! Good luck to her - I was surprised also it was her.
I wouldn't say she's in the extreme minority at all... she's young and beautiful, which 99% of the female artists being signed right now are.
with:
Hmmmmm... can't think of any Hispanic females in the music business getting signed right now.
Good heavens, please - I seriously doubt it had anything to do with it. And also, there ARE only a few hundred people on this board...a few million are voting!! Good luck to her - I was surprised also it was her.
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Ok, so now we are throwing a 'race card' in here? The sister answered Cliffwalker's comment:
I wouldn't say she's in the extreme minority at all... she's young and beautiful, which 99% of the female artists being signed right now are.
with:
Hmmmmm... can't think of any Hispanic females in the music business getting signed right now.
Good heavens, please - I seriously doubt it had anything to do with it. And also, there ARE only a few hundred people on this board...a few million are voting!! Good luck to her - I was surprised also it was her.
I guess the truth hurts?
Hmmmm... A race card? Lemme school y'all...
Hispanic is not a race.
Hispanic is an ethnicity. Hispanics are technically white. Unless they are indigenous... then they are Native American. And if we want to get even MORE nit-picky, the term Hispanic is termed by many to be an "insulting" term, as it lumps Mexicans with Dominicans with Argentinians with Brazilians with... you get the picture.
I had it explained to me by a good friend of mine, who is a proud third-generation Mexican American.
She wasn't too happy when I tried to explain to her that the true definition of the word "assimilation" entails accumulating characteristics of other cultures while maintaining the integrity of your own culture. To my friend, to assimilate is to "lose everything of your culture"... I explained to her that THAT is amalgamation.
She wasn't too cool with that technicality.
Hispanic is not a race.
Hispanic is an ethnicity. Hispanics are technically white. Unless they are indigenous... then they are Native American. And if we want to get even MORE nit-picky, the term Hispanic is termed by many to be an "insulting" term, as it lumps Mexicans with Dominicans with Argentinians with Brazilians with... you get the picture.
I had it explained to me by a good friend of mine, who is a proud third-generation Mexican American.
She wasn't too happy when I tried to explain to her that the true definition of the word "assimilation" entails accumulating characteristics of other cultures while maintaining the integrity of your own culture. To my friend, to assimilate is to "lose everything of your culture"... I explained to her that THAT is amalgamation.
She wasn't too cool with that technicality.
I say we hook up ICA with El Vez the Mexican Elvis.
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Cliffwalker, I think you have made some valid points here about having a fan base. She is definately willng to work, no one said she wanted an easy way out. And again, as an older protective sister, I am the one who has a problem with her working in honky tonks not her, and she simply stated her goal, which you can't seem to accept.
No, stating her goal would be saying "My goal is to get signed by a record label", which is fine. What she did was expose to the viewers the fact that she doesn't particularly enjoy singing in bars and honky-tonks, which in my mind means she isn't cut out for this business, because that is how you build a fanbase (among other methods).
Some people have to start with nothing and the process has been slow for her with minimal support and financial backing. She moved to Nashville alone and with nothing and its been a slow process for her, not to mention the fact that she is in the extreme minority in country music, but not the least bit afraid to have a goal.
I wouldn't say she's in the extreme minority at all... she's young and beautiful, which 99% of the female artists being signed right now are.
Give her a break. As for what I said about her being beautiful I can't help but feel angry and am wanting to find an explanation for why she was voted off, so I apologize to whomever I offended.
You have your explanation, you just choose not to accept it, for whatever reason... you should be thankful that the folks on this board are giving you the straight truth... which is more than most aspiring artists get
But looking back at your posts I think 70% of the negative comments made about Melanie on the board have been from you.
If you read my comments on the other thread about Melanie, you'd see that I said that, IMHO, she had a better voice than the two remaining finalists... unfortunately vocal quality is just one very small part of what it takes to succeed in the music biz. The fact that she didn't even have a website, yet she was singing professionally in honky-tonks, as you and others have claimed, indicates to me she needs to step it up on the marketing side.
I have no problem with you voicing your opinion, just feeling the need to defend her because I know her. I'll be the first to admit that she did not have a large fan base yet. I think the bottom line is that you just don't like her and that's fine. She can't win them all.
I've never met her, so I don't like or dislike her... and it's clear the explanations that several people in this thread, myself included, have provided you as to why she's no longer on the show have gone in one ear and out the other, so I'll stop wasting my time.
I think Melanie was voted off because of her fake appearance. From the hooters, to the trashy clothes, to the excessive makeup. Women across America aren't going to vote for someone like that---get serious.
It's also interesting that she wants out of the honky tonks. Her boyfriend sings every Saturday night at Tootsies and she has no problem flashing her assets around down there either. Seems to me the honky tonks agree with her quite well.
Also, her voice is pure pop. The voters were exactly correct.
The simple explanation I have for my feelings about Melanie's persona is this: I felt from her too much wanting the record deal and NOT love of music. I think that came through in her vocals, too.
It was just a feeling and I could be wrong.
Yeah, and, I have to admit--the "honky-tonk" thing rubbed me the wrong way. Those are the ROOTS of what a musician should have in their blood and musicians should return to those roots to honor beginnings...as often as possible.
Clancy
http://www.SummerHartbauer.com
It was just a feeling and I could be wrong.
Yeah, and, I have to admit--the "honky-tonk" thing rubbed me the wrong way. Those are the ROOTS of what a musician should have in their blood and musicians should return to those roots to honor beginnings...as often as possible.
Clancy
http://www.SummerHartbauer.com
I happen to have the priveledge to know Melanie and I will say America lost a great Nashville star by voting her off the show. For anyone to say anything about her comments on honkytonks you should know she has earned the right. She has seen what life as a honkeytonk singer is like first hand and still lives it watching her boyfriend do it 5 days a week.I have no doubt you will all see Mel again and fork over money for her CD's in the future.Just understand this Woman is the real deal and a great person. I'm lucky to have meet and been able to have spent time with her.
I never took Melanie's comment about working in honky tonks as a negative. She was talking about working as a BARTENDER in honky tonks and wanting to sing, who can blame her! I don't think she said she didn't like "singing in honky tonks". She was talking about bartending. I was sad to see her go and still am. I will keep following her career because I think she's got a good one ahead of her. Also, I never thought she was that hot, so I don't have that clouding my opinion of her. I just thought she was a good singer
I'm a little bothered by the assertion that Melanie (or Monique or Shy, for that matter) was "voted off" the show.
None of these talented performers left the show because they were "voted off"; they were eliminated because they weren't "voted onto" the next episode by their supporters. Loyalty to one artist doesn't mean a dislike of another.
None of these talented performers left the show because they were "voted off"; they were eliminated because they weren't "voted onto" the next episode by their supporters. Loyalty to one artist doesn't mean a dislike of another.
I'm pretty sure her quote was something like "I didn't come to Nashville to bartend or sing in honky-tonks... I came here to get a record deal".
If she had said "I didn't come to Nashville to bartend in honky-tonks", I don't think the scores of us on this Board would have held that against her.
I don't have a tape of that show, so I can't say for certain, but the first paragraph above is what I heard. And as someone who makes their living singing in honky-tonks, I took offense to the comment.
mc
If she had said "I didn't come to Nashville to bartend in honky-tonks", I don't think the scores of us on this Board would have held that against her.
I don't have a tape of that show, so I can't say for certain, but the first paragraph above is what I heard. And as someone who makes their living singing in honky-tonks, I took offense to the comment.
mc
Her comment was "I didn't move to Nashville to work in honky-tonks, I didn't move to Nashville to bartend, I came here to get a record deal..."
By separating the bartending comment from the honky-tonk one, many got the impression that her honky-tonk comment referred to performing there.
By separating the bartending comment from the honky-tonk one, many got the impression that her honky-tonk comment referred to performing there.
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Her comment was "I didn't move to Nashville to work in honky-tonks, I didn't move to Nashville to bartend, I came here to get a record deal..."
By separating the bartending comment from the honky-tonk one, many got the impression that her honky-tonk comment referred to performing there.
exactly ... and at the end, it cost her the votes she needed to stay on ...
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