To all DSR fans, friends, supporters, and sceptics,

First of all let me introduce myself. I am David's mother-in-law, Elizabeth's mother. I must say that I have enjoyed reading this board and especially David's forum this season and want to thank everyone that has been so kind and supporting to David and his family! It is sometimes hard to read negative things about David but when the negativism turns to Elizabeth and their baby, it is hard to stay quiet. Now that the voting is over and no comment I make can be construed as an attempt to gain votes, I'd like to say a few things......

First, and foremost, DSR, Libby, and Bailey feel truely blessed and are grateful for everyone's support during this exciting but trying time. It hasn't been easy for David to leave his newborn baby and wife for months. And it hasn't been easy for Libby to have the whole responsibility for keeping their home together while working full-time, taking care of their baby girl, and traveling to support her husband every week! But, they both know that in order for David's dream - their dream - to come true sacrifices must be made. Their strong covenant marriage, their families, and God's help have made this easier for both of them. They are an amazing couple and will be stronger for this experience!

Now.......I must answer a few comments!

Libby DOES NOT make David's final decisions about his songs. Here are the facts.....
David and Libby have been together for the last five years. She has been at most of his gigs during that time. She knows what songs he does exceptionally well and what songs go over the best with the crowds. Yes, they talked about possible song choices back in December and David values her opinion. However, he absolutely makes his own final decisions after discussions with his wife - and even occassionally a few opinions from the rest of the family (whether he wants them or not, LOL)! The song he sang last week - "The One" was a surprise for Libby for Valentine's Day. He knew how much the song meant to her as it was 'their' song but she wasn't even aware until right before the show that he was doing it. He told her it was a surprise! And the song he sang last night - "Live Like You Were Dying" - was a change that took place last weekend AFTER the producer that was at his home filming the interviews received a call from the 'powers that be' at the network and label. It was "suggested" (and I use that term lightly) that he change his song he had originally chosen by Travis Tritt. He loves Travis Tritt and was looking forward to singing "Anymore" but alas he was encouraged to sing either "Live Like You Were Dying" or "Red Dirt Road". After much discussion with the producer he selected LLYWD as he felt it provided the best chance to show his range. The video clip was pretty much edited and what Libby actually said - and you didn't get to hear because of their editing - was that if David liked the song and was comfortable with it then that's the one he should go with. He had done that song before for her Dad who was undergoing cancer treatment so it had an emotional meaning for both of them (did you see her tears last night?). I don't know why they wanted DSR to change his song but someone at the network and label made the decision, not Libby. It worked out well as he did a tremendous job on it! I know all this because I was there when this happened! I know that it was hard for him to hear those things being said to Libby last night. He loves her dearly and of course was hurt because it was unfairly directed at her. He handled himself well. But she is fine and is a very strong person in her own right. And, just between us.....she had a little talk with Blake last night after the show and set him straight ! And, for those who know her, you can image that conversation!!!! LOL!!!!!

And as most didn't know, David was battling a bad cold and lost his voice earlier in the week. He went to the doctor and got meds and shots and was ordered to rest his voice. He didn't even get to practice or record his song for ITunes until Tuesday. He didn't want to make this public so anyone could make excuses for his voice not being up to par. He sucked it up and did a phenominal job. Maybe he did lose some of his voice on the last note but under the circumstances, I think it is forgiveable. But DSR, being who he is, would never make excuses!

Of course we want David to win! But, no matter what happens, he and his family are so appreciative for this opportunity and PROUD of him. I know the national exposure that he has gotten will serve him well. He is a real star because of the wonderful man, husband, and father that he is. NO ONE can take that away from him.

To all the wonderful people that I have met through this board, it has been a great time. I don't always agree with everything but still respect your opinions. Thank you for the support, suggestions, contructive critisms, and well wishes! And thanks to those fans of the other talented contestants who are no longer on the show for throwing your support behind David. You could have just stopped supporting the show and voting but you saw a great talent and a great young man and voted for him! Thank YOU! You have no idea how much it means to me, DSR, Libby, and the rest of the family!

We will know next week which of these wonderfully talented young people will wear the Nashville Star crown! Whoever it is will have my full support! We are crazy about Angela and Zac and look forward to David's continued friendship and connection with them. We also can't wait to see them on tour together. It will be amazing. So everyone, there is plenty of room in country music to love and support many stars and I know, while remaining staunch DSR fans for life, you will also be proud and supportive of the others. That's just the kind of fans DSR has!!!!

God bless you all,
A PROUD Mother-in Law

Thank you for taking your time, to explain things. I hope that David starts feeling better. I think Mr. Blake Shelton should apologize publically for his comments. I myself, would probably have stormed out of that building in a rage, if he were talking to me that way. Your daughter did not deserve to be spoken to like that. He (Shelton) has lost me as fan. You have a wonderful son-in-law, and it's ashame that more men in this world are not like him. I look very forward to hearing him sing live. I now have his website saved, and will be checking it often, hoping to hear him perform back home. You have a very beautiful daughter and grandbaby! Best of luck to DSR and your your family!

I am so glad you wrote in and cleared a few facts. Not that I think it was "owed " to anyone, but as a mother it has to feel horrible to watch as your child gets dumped on by "the public" for false statements put out there in TV land just so the producers, writers, ect. can make the big dollars at their expense. I am one of the many that is livid at Blake Shelton for the unnecessary comments that he shot at Libby and DSR . I heard David on a local radio station here in Baton Rouge today and he was SO gracious about the entire situation and explained that everyone, including Blake Shelton was just hamming it up for the T.V.camera's. I'm sure I will get over my anger, but I feel as though Blake could of said so many constuctive things about DSR's performance, but he chose instead to pick on David and Libby's commitment of love and marriage instead. Maybe if Blake understood that what David and Libby have is a true partnership in every sense of the word, he wouldn't be divorced today. . I only hope he realizes, that the entire viewing audience of N.S. thinks he came off looking like a jerk. Anyway, back to your son-in-law. I know he will go far and to me he is the "Nashville Star".I will forever be a fan, and can't wait to see him on the "big stage" . Tell him to always have fun, and to always remember his roots. I hope they have a blast on their upcoming cruise.

Good job Mrs. Annie! We are posting, praying and voting for you guys!

Ann,
Thanks for sharing everything. All I can say is I have totally enjoyed meeting you and your family at the shows. It has been a pleasure, and I looked forward each week to our pre- and post-show chats! Thanks to all of you for opening your lives up to us all.

For those of you that have the opportunity to see David perform at a concert(or any other contestant), don't be so focused on meeting 'the star', that you miss out on the pleasure of talking to all the wonderful family standing around.

Someday we'll have lunch!

George

I got the impresson from some of the video blogs that DSR and the Hackers were like buddies on a road trip..
And in the Opryland Lounge tape Zac seems to be up front that DSR was up there and Joshua seemed to be up there when Whitney was up..

So I just had the opinion that the Hackers and DSR were working for a connection to last longer than this show..
I had a topic about Zac and DSR being room mates and if it wouldn't be great if they wrote a song together..
Thanks for your information on what happened..
I had read somewhere that the they had signed a contract staying the producers could show them however they wanted to..

Take care God Bless


Coming soon to a town near you Nashville Star Tour
See DSR, Angela Hacker, Zac Hacker, and Joshua Stevens Live....

I want to thank you as well Ann for sharing all of this. I think Brannie55 is a class act, just like DSR is. I wish him well next week as I do Angela and Zac!

Like everyone keeps saying "this is a reality show" and the contestants don't always get to do what they want. We, the fans/viewers have no idea what producers require from the contestants or the changes that take place "behind the scenes".

I have to say that tears came to my eyes when I found out the reasons behind the song selections. What a powerful meaning for the both of them and I really wish they would have mentioned that as well. I have always had the highest respect for David for his love of family and the happiness he has with them. I have been voting for him and no matter what, I wish David much success, luck, and happiness in his life.

Thanks for coming on the board. I know that myself and others sure do appreciate you taking the time to post.

Brannie55,
Thank you for giving a little background as to what happened Thursday night. I recorded the show & have watched the performances over & over again, but cannot bring myself to watch Blake's remarks again because I got so *&%^! p.o.'d over it. I really felt like he was disrespecting David & felt sorry for Elizabeth being put in that position, I wouldn't have had a clue as to how to respond, if I had been there. I respect both of them so much for maintaining their cool, although I thought I could see in David's face just how it was affecting him. I'm glad to hear your daughter set Blake straight after the show, would love to have overheard that conversation!

I was really looking forward to hearing a Travis Tritt song from him, wonder why the producers strongly suggested he change it? I had a feeling all along that the scenario regarding his wife's choosing the song was pretty much edited & staged by the producers, thank you for verifying that. I also appreciate you telling us why LLYWD means so much to David & Elizabeth, I thought he did a fine job on that song, & the next time I watch the DVD, it will mean so much more to me.

Thanks again for your post. Wishing you & your family all the best.

Brannie, I am glad you finally got to say what you wanted to. David seems to be a wonderful man and a devoted husband and father. He is the role model type of guy, and I know you are so proud of him. As I've told you before, David deserved to be in the finale, and I am so happy that it turned out this way. I'm sorry Libby was cast in a negative light on the show, but I hope she knows that the vast majority of us know all about the editing they use and didn't take it the way they tried to show it.

Next week will be a great show! I hope to meet you guys in Birmingham in July.

Brannie,
Thanks for posting such an informative post. We at home never really know what goes on behind the scenes, or why song choices are made or changed. It seems that some folks are just jealous of what David and Libby have. I can not even imagine how nerve racking it must be for any contestant that has gotten as far as David has, to be trying to choose the perfect song each week. One song...not even an entire song, can be one's ticket home, or be that special moment of magic that awes viewers so much they run to their phones to vote. One single song choice can make or break a contestants chance at getting on a major record label. That is a career decision that anyone would be talking to their spouse about!

Thanks for the post & sharing everything. I would of loved to hear David sing Anymore but he did great with Timmy's song. Kind of makes me mad that NS is so controlling with the song selections. We had to hear 2 of Tim McGraw songs & we hear enough of that on the radio. I could see that was an emotional night for everyone. Best of luck to David & his family!