Joesplace, that ever-so-accurate Idol spoiler, just added a new name to her list of rumored AI Season 8 Top 50 contestants. His name is Brent Keith Smith, and he’s the only guy in this AI commercial (along with Alexea Lawson, Lil Rounds and Emily Wynne-Hughes).
JP thinks it’s this guy, who goes by the name Brent Keith, and after running some Google searches, I’m pretty sure it’s him.
Brent Keith, was a contestant on Nashville Star 2, Here’s his about.com page, he had a song on the Dale soundtrack (a movie about the late race car driver, Dale Earnhardt Sr.–here’s the video)
Here’s an amateur video of a performance (“Found” recorded by Josh Gracin). And his CMT music page. He’s already got a fan base. Heh.
Here’s Brent’s MySpace. He took off all of his music and videos back in November right after the Hollywood round ended. He explains in a blog dated 11/22, with the title: “This is what’s going on with my page”:
I’m posting this blog just in case you’re wondering what has happened to my page in the last few days. I recently reacquired the rights to brentkeith.com after a long period of trying to do just that. As I make the decisions about what I will be putting on each site, I’ve decided to take all of my videos, songs, and pics off of my Myspace profile. I promise to send out a bulletin and a general “heads-up” when I get everything up and running again.
Meanwhile, his website is parked. It hasn’t been touched.
The snip on the AI commercial sounds more rock than country, but he does list classic rock influences on his My Space page.
This CMT article, posted in September 2007, had him going into the studio soon after. Of course, if he’s an AI contestant, he can’t currently have a record contract.
He’s got a lot of experience under his belt, and connections in the industry, therefore, some will call him planty!
So, kids, what do you think?
ETA:Â From a blog dated July 18:
I’ve got something that I’m working on right now that I can’t tell you guys about just yet. I can tell you that if it works out positively, it will be AMAZING! I’ll keep you posted and let you know the outcome A.S.A.P.
I think he finished like 4th or 5th on nashville star season 2 if I remember right
I hope they put the not so experience contestant in one in group, so that there is a chance to get in the top 10.
The show loses something when they recycle people. I’d rather have “less talent” and more true amateurs. I’m just not interested in more Syesha, Carly, KLC, Michael Johns etc. type of contestants. And usually if they haven’t made it, there’s a reason. Nothing against this guy who seems talented but plants hurt the show’s magic (for me).
Brent is a great guy! We in his hometown love him! He’s working hard for his big break, and I admire his tenacity! Some complain that he’s had his chance and he should step down! NO WAY! Do you think all the star musicians and actors in the world got where they are today after one maybe two chances? Again, NO WAY! Brent continues to strive to be the best!
Brent’s moved to Nashville, but I’ve had the chance to hear him up close and personal when he returned home and performed at a scholarship benefit concert, and what fun to watch him in our BHS alumni soccer game! He even returned home to let us share in the excitment when he “pop the big question!” to his then girlfriend, now wife. He remembers his roots as he continues to pursue his dream! We in Blanchester can’t wait for him to take the stage!
Go BRENT!!
I remember him from NS and liked his voice but have to wonder what he’s doing on AI. Having all the seasoned pros last season annoyed me which is why I was drawn to Jason Castro. AI keeps trying to convince us they’re looking for great undiscovered talent but that was a joke last season. Looks like it’ll be the same for season eight. I hope they prove me wrong.
He’s my cousin-in-law’s cousin. He has tried and he placed 6th on NS. He has not had a record deal, though yes he has recorded the song for the Dale movie. I think he deserves his chance just like anyone else. The name he is using in AI is his real name (Brent Keith Smith). Let him have the chance anyone else has. Not all the AI winners went on to be stars either. But does that mean they never deserve another chance to make a record?
Plus he’s easy on the eyes (and so is most of his family – they’ve got that smith smile and sparkling eyes).
I agree with moonwatcher_m and gwjh598………Brent is a great talent, not only a great singer but also a great songwriter and guitar player. I followed him on Nashville Star and was a great fan of his. We became email friends and I went to some of his shows at bars in the Nashville area. He is a very nice /genuine person and deserves this break. Nashville Star didn’t give him a fraction of the exposure that American Idol will. I have the videos from all the Nashville Star shows the season he was on and he was the 6th contestant voted off, he finished 5th in the competition. I think this is a great opportunity for him to finally get the exposure he deserves because he has worked very hard for it.