Minnesotan’s ‘Nashville Star’ Swan Song is a Naughty One
By Paul Walsh, Star Tribune, Minneapolis
Jul. 22–The dream has ended for the second of two northwest Minnesotans competing in country music’s version of "American Idol."
Ashlee Hewitt, who grew up on a farm near Lancaster, Minn., was ousted Monday night from NBC-TV’s "Nashville Star" talent show in voting by viewers leading up to the live telecast, leaving four contestants out of the 12 who started.
But before learning her fate at the show’s conclusion, the 20-year-old Hewitt sang "Mike’s Hard Lemonade," her own composition about a girl who dabbled on the naughty side of life:
"She’s got a hicky on her neck from the night before,
They went a little too far,
In the back of the 4 by 4,
Uh uh oh."
Standing beside "Nashville Star" host Billy Ray Cyrus after elimination, Hewitt fought back tears and said, "I am not stopping here. I’m going to do whatever it takes."
In response, Cyrus told Hewitt that he hated to see her cry, but predicted, "You’ll be a big star, young lady. You are very, very talented."
Hewitt returns home and back behind the guitar Wednesday for a benefit concert at the Riverside Golf Club in Lancaster. The show is a fundraiser for Tracy Brewer, a businessman who needs a kidney transplant.
Later that night, Hewitt will play at a dance at her family’s ranch. Had Hewitt remained in contention, a segment from Wednesday’s homecoming would have been part of next week’s "Nashville Star" episode.
Eliminated earlier was Alyson Gilbert, 29, a native of Crookston.
Contestants on "Nashville Star," which spent its first five years on cable, are competing for a major recording contract and a live performance at the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. About 45,000 acts auditioned nationwide.
Paul Walsh –612-673-4482
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