The cynical side of me says she lasts until the Top 4 or 5, *unless* she completely blows it. I honestly thought she did well, she was my first choice and my wife's second (she liked the performance of We Are the Champions.)

Next week might be a challenge for her. I know of Charley Pride and Cowboy Troy, but I honestly can't think of any Black female country singers right now.

If Syesha is eliminated it might be interesting to see the ratings. They are already lower this year than they have been in past years.

Thanks. Even if she does not blow it her days are numbered. Yes, she is my favourite but the competition is full of 'what is the now' so to speak. That does not include the R n B or smooth jazz & blues market. Even if she goes hip-hop thats becoming too repetitive and competitive. She needs an image change and complete overall of style. She would be easy to market. She has a lot going for her.

You are right it will be a challenge. Hopefully she does not sing the graveyard 'I will always love you'. It has buried a lot contestants in the past. Its the Whitney factor. I think there are contemporary pop stars who have attempted some good country music. I think Leane Rhimes (not sure if this is right name and spelling) sang some great female songs. Does not have to be R N B singers. There is something by Loretta Lynn-'There he goes', Patsy Cline-'You belong to me' or 'When I get through with you', 'Crazy'. I know Kristi will be at an advantage and could sing any of these. But they could change things around to suit Syesha's voice.

The ratings will be very interesting indeed. But obviously it will be compared to last week and last year at this time.

I believe that she is one on of those who will have a career as she is so diverse. She got that right when the music industry is changing or has already changed.

Babeth

This past week had too many singers trying to show what a Powerful Voice they had by singing overblown ballads.

I personally am not a fan of R&B/hip-hop but liked that Syesha wasn't trying to say, 'Look at how many high notes I can extend!' with her singing. In fact, the chief offender this week was Carly!

Leann Rimes started as a country singer. But I'm now genuinely curious -- who *are* any Black female country singers?

Google is my friend.

Rissi Palmer is apparently the first Black female to chart (sub-top 40) in 20+ years -- before that it was Dona Mason in 1987 and she didn't even make the Top 40 in *country*.

Apparently there have been zero Black females to ever have a top 40 country hit.

Thanks again. I knew what you were asking. There has never been a standout country singer apart from the ones that you googled. Even if there is they are not mainsteam. Its either they do not recognise black country singers or perhaps a lot of black singers are not interested in the country genre. But I doubt it. Syesha being on a reality show has to sing something popular and mainsteam as I have suggested. Shame though.

I heard it through the grapevine that Beyonce will be attempting the country genre this time. God help us! She is not my favourite singer but it should be interesting. As she is popular she can do anything let's see what she does.

That's what I like about Syesha too. Her voice is gentle in a kind of cross between Diana Ross/Alicia Keys/Jill Scott way. I have stated over and over that I do not get Carly either. Her vice seems forced at times. I think the era of belting is coming to an end. OK you have Leona-Mariah Carey. But I could do without the runs and belting. Leave that to Aretha- I will always love her. She does it in a unique way.

Now I love most R & B but not so much the hip-hop/rap era. With her voice she should explore Smooth Jazz/Blues/light rock.

Thanks for the interesting contribution.

Babeth