Update on Emily West on America's Got Talent

A couple of weeks ago I told you about Emily West being on America's Got Talent.  In case you missed the show last night, she was finally featured.  Below is her audition video singing "Sea of Love."  This is proof that when you are given one shot to impress someone, whether it be a judge, a record executive, an audience, or whoever, you give it all that you got and then some.  Check out more of her stuff that I featured in that previous blog post.

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Emily West: A Rare Breed

Tonight I will watch America's Got Talent, something I haven't done in a long time.  I normally don't watch talent shows or tv that much for that matter.  The reason why I will watch is because Emily West will be performing.  I've always been a cheerleader for her musical talents after seeing her play a few years ago.  She is a rare breed of good talent.  Pure raw vocal and songwriting talent.  She isn't afraid to step out beyond the borders and sing from the heart.  Here are a few of my favorite songs of hers.  I really wish radio, the fans, and more would take notice of this wonderful talent.  We focus more of the whole "what is country music, bro-country, etc" and yet we don't highlight the true talents of music as a whole.

Blue Sky was written in regards to a situation her mom dealt with.  She would cut the song and have Keith Urban sing background vocals. Here she is on the Grand Ole Opry singing that song.

Annie Gonna Get a Brand New Gun is a sassy tune that is fun to hear live in concert.  Here is a video I found of her singing it:

And here is Emily West's Rocks In Your Shoes that debut back in 2009.

Good luck to Emily West and let's hope that she continues this musical journey to where it may lead her. Go follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/emilywest. And check out my facebook page as well over at www.facebook.com/kycountrymusic.

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Small town dreams become reality for Kevin Skinner

From the small town of Dublin, Kentucky, were the dreams of a man who would go on to gain national attention with his story.Kevin Skinner always had hopes and dreams of being a country music singer since he was a teenager. Having learned to play the guitar from his father, he would hone his craft throughout the years. "My dad was a big part of learning about country music," Skinner said recently in an interview.

By taking a big chance, Skinner would go to face the auditions for a tv show, America's Got Talent. His story and songs would soon be aired to millions through their tv sets. After several weeks of singing and asking for America's vote, Kevin Skinner would go on to win that season's overall competition on America's Got Talent.

After a four day run in Vegas, Skinner would come home to Kentucky. "I went to Nashville for songwriter rounds and several said that they liked my music," Skinner noted. It was soon he caught the eye of CypressTree Records, who would sign him to his record deal.

One of the highlights of his career was opening for George Jones. "It was an amazing experience," Skinner mentioned. He would also do a headlining show at Busters in Lexington, Kentucky.

Skinner's debut album, "Long Ride," was originally released in March of 2010. It was re-released recently with the first single, "Like It's the Last Goodbye." The video for the heartfelt tune is currently playing on GAC and CMT.

"The album is songs dear to my heart that I have written the last few years. They were written about growing up in Dublin."

The album itself is full of songs of love, heartache, and family. Those who loved hearing Skinner on the tv show will enjoy the album.

From small town dreams to reality, Kevin Skinner has definitely come a long way from being known to the world as a chicken catcher from Kentucky.