Gwen Sebastian @ the Bing Lounge-4-23-12

 
To be totally honest, I don't watch any of the shows like "American Idol" or, "The Voice".  Not because I don't like them; simply because I'd get too caught up in them, especially being on more than once a week. I do keep up on music and the like however, so I have heard of Gwen Sebastian and that she'd been on this season of "The Voice".

Since being eliminated, Gwen has been doing the "radio tour", taking her music to radio stations all over the country.  The evening of April 23, 2012, Gwen's stop was the Bing Lounge in Portland, Oregon, for KUPL listeners. 

While listening to Gwen perform, I kept thinking how her voice reminds me of Kellie Pickler, yet is different and distinct enough to also have her own unique style.

At the same time, watching Gwen, I was reminded of Jennifer Nettles, from Sugarland.  Gwen's passion for her music shines through in every movement and gesture she makes.  You can tell music is part of her soul, and flows through her veins. From ballads, to upbeat tunes, Gwen can do it all, and gives it her all when she does.  I especially like her new single, "Met Him In A Motel Room".

If having a beautiful voice, and great personality weren't enough, Gwen is also a genuinely nice person.  She took time to sign autographs, take pictures AND thank each person for coming to the Bing Lounge to see her.

Gwen Sebastian may have been eliminated from "The Voice", however, I truly believe she has a bright future ahead of her in country music.  If you ever get the chance to see Gwen perform live, do it!

Kellie Pickler @ the Bing Lounge-September 26, 2011

Of all the contestants who've gone on to have musical careers after their time on American Idol, Kellie Pickler is my favorite.

It's not just her singing I like, I think she's a cool, down to earth person who doesn't put on airs; what you see with her is what you get.

At the Bing Lounge September 26th, my thoughts were confirmed. Not only does Kellie have a beautiful voice, she's very personable and will say whatever's on her mind.

Kellie started her set with one of my favorite songs of hers, "Rocks Instead of Rice". She said it was written about an ex-boyfriend of hers.


During the interview segment, Scott Simon and Jolynn Winter, from "Simon in the Morning", asked Kellie several questions and she answered all of them honestly and in detail. The audience was then asked if they had any questions for Kellie. At first not too many people asked anything; so Kellie sang some more and would then ask if the crowd had any questions.

As it turned out, several people asked questions between songs, and Kellie answered every one of them. Because of this, the show ran longer than they usually do at the Bing Lounge, though no one was complaining about that!

At one point, the usual "artist challenge" was put out. For Kellie, it was for her to sing her favorite Loretta Lynn song. Kellie accepted the challenge, doing an awesome job on Lynn's "You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man)".


Though I was disappointed that Kellie didn't sing "Best Day of Your Life", or "Didn't I", she did do "Red High Heels" and "I Wonder"; both of which I like also.

Kellie ended her performance that evening with her current single, "Tough", from her upcoming album.


After the show attendees were given the opportunity to get Kellie's autograph and have their photo taken with her.

If I hadn't already liked Kellie Pickler before September 26th, I know I would have come away from the show a new fan. As it is, I've gained even more respect and admiration for her since then.