And the winner is….
After the Jump!
CarieB attended the NGAB finale last night and has written a recap. Thank you Carrie.
The Clark Brothers for the win! Yippee!!! Sixwire takes second place.
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4 hours of standing in the pit but well worth it. What a fun time we had! We were front row behind the 8-12 year olds at the main stage and directly in front of the judges table. For those of you that have met me, you may see plenty of me on the tee vee next Friday night. Lots of performances tonight. Wondering if it will be a 2 hour show….
OK, for the performances. I may be out of order because they filmed things out of sequence.
First up (and you have to forgive me because I only started watching the show about 6 weeks ago), was Northmont, a band the judges really liked but they didn’t get very far. Their band was augmented by the horn section from DMHO, the rhythm guitar from Sixwire and Austin playing slide. I don’t know the name of the song but it sounded really good.
Then Jeff Bird and his band came out and performed a song he wrote about the rigors of this competition and I enjoyed this one as well. I think this will actually be the first performance on the show.
The Clark Brothers did an original (?) gospel song called “You Are Still the Same.” It was very cool. My 15 y.o. S/D who is mostly into screamo metal absolutely loved it. I did too.
Sixwire came out and did “This Will be the Last Time.” I thought they were very good.
Then DMHO performed “Vehicle.” I thought Denver’s vocal was a bit more gritty than the last time he sang it, and the song was improved tonight.
Drumroll, the first elimination is Denver and the Mile High Orchestra. Afterwards, they showed a taped version of Sheila E. reprising her 80’s hit, “Glamorous Life” and doing her bizness on the drums. The Goo Goo dolls also performed a song called “Broadway”, but it was also taped previously.
I peek through a stage curtain and see some kids in Santa hats which I finally recognize as the metal tots with guitars in hand. They set up a number of stages within the stages, and ALL TOP 7 bands performed Christmas songs. They each did their own then all joined together on the main stage and sang Santa Claus is coming to town, replete with “snow” falling on all of us and everybody singing. It was pretty cool.
Now it is time for the results. Sixwire and The Clark Brothers are lined up on either side of Dominic. It takes so long to set up the shot, Austin, who is right in front of me, is telling Ashley that he is going to puke or pee his pants. They finally got it underway and Dominic says “and the next Great American Band is”….. and waits I am not kidding a full 10 seconds. When he says The Clark Brothers, they all fall down to the ground and the crowd goes crazy. I hadn’t realized I was nervous for them and starting jumping up and down, clapping and cheering like a maniac. Adam, Ashley AND Austin all high five me and my S/D and her friend. The girls have Clark Brothers crushes now. Lol. Even they said to me that the genuineness, passion and just plain “niceness” of these 3 brothers comes through in everything they do, and it really resonated.
The judges were asked for their reactions and they are all thrilled. Dicko uses the word “thrilled”. Sheila cries again and talks about the light of God shining through them, and John says again no one deserved to win more than they did. All is well.
The show ends but that is not all. The Clark Brothers do a “singout” for us that you won’t see on the show, including a drummer and bass player. I can’t tell you the name of the song but I really liked it. Again, a fantastic evening. Need to get food now. Work tomorrow.
I hope this show gets a better time slot and finds a bigger audience next year.
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Heh…I find myself mildly happy for the Clark Brothers, but can’t wait to buy Sixwire’s album because their original stuff is soooo good.
Thank you Carie. I hate myself for checking this but couldn’t stop myself either! I am relieved and was nervous reading your report. I can not wait to see their reaction. Thank you so much for sharing in what was probably the coolest moment for them ever! I love that they are so frickin real. They are blessed!
Thank you Carie! I’m happy for the Clarks. I do hope that Sixwire makes an album too. Although after Nigel’s comments about them being past their time, I’m not sure that will happen. At least not with 19.
I can’t wait to see the show on Friday night. (Dot x’s 3 doing a Christmas song? LOL)
Thanks for posting this. Now I don’t have to waste time watching Friday. I am disappointed in the results, however, this was very much expected (due to the obvious comments from judges and the producers choice of songs for the 3 remaining bands) who the favorite was. The record company wanted The Clark Brothers. That’s who’s opinion counts in the end on a show like this.
I think 19 views Sixwire as damaged goods (albums that sold poorly in the past) and too old. I’m guessing Andy Childs’ age to be mid to late 40s.
It’s too bad. I’m thinking that luck and timing just wasn’t on their side in the past. They certainly have the talent. I hope they get another shot.
Thanks CarrieB … I think …
I feel bad for Sixwire, well, because I was for them, but also I agree with mj. I am not sure if they will get another shot. I was pissed when I read what Nigel said, but he is probably right. 
I do hope someone will give them a one album deal and we can have some of that great original music they performed on a CD. Even it it is just one, and it sells squat, I would love to have it my collection. (They do have one OOP one, for about $60 on Amazon. Say what??? Maybe it will get a reissue)
I am certain I will not be buying anything from the Clark’s, but I am happy for them to win. They seem like great guys and fully talented.
Denver Who?
Thank you for posting this. I am SO happy for the Clark Brothers! Best of luck to them (and hopefully Sixwire) post-NGAB when they produce an album!
Holy cow! I am thrilled and yet somehow surprised at the CB win….I really thought it would be Sixwire. Of course, I am also disappointed that Ashley won’t be returning as Carrie’s fiddle player now. I wonder how much it helped that CB entered the show with an established fanbase as everyone at Carrie’s fan club loves him and was pulling for him. He has been amazing at Carrie’s concerts and she gave him a place to shine with both fiddle and vocal solos out front. I wonder if she regrets that now, lol. (j/k…I know Carrie is thrilled for his success, she would never deny anyone their time in the sun). Anyway, congrats to the Clark Brothers!
BTW, do you know why they taped this so early? Seems like that gave them very little time to rehearse.
I finally posted a recap of Friday’s show in the thread here last night.
My guess is they taped so early so everyone could get home for the holidays.
Oh I was so debating reading this post or not…. I’m glad I did. :) Thank you for the recap…. And I am so happy for the bros! I can’t wait to see the show!
I was pleasantly surprised with this show, and really hope it’ll be o again. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would!
The name of the song the Clarks did to end the show was their original song “Billy the Kid.”
What a great show. You guys must tune in for the Christmas medley alone. It is adorable.
I feel really bad for Sixwire too. They must feel a bit cursed, having come so close to success so many times.
Carie, great meeting you at the taping!
Oh, and regarding whether the show will be back next year: I asked John Rzeznik and he said, somewhat dismissively, “I don’t know.” But Dominic did say “Until next year!” when he closed the show.
Whoever said the winning band should perform on Idol had it right. Clark Bros. can perform there in May, right as their album is coming out. Idol can highlight the Ashley/Carrie U. connection. Then it can promote the band, the show, and the upcoming band auditions for Season 2.
I feel so privileged to have been able to see so many episodes of this show in person. I still am stunned that it did not catch on. It is an awesome show. I love Idol, and it is much better than Idol: better judging, hosting, format, intimacy with the bands.
I really enjoyed the show also, though I admit I only began watching it because of knowing Ashley Clark from Carrie’s concerts. It was a pleasant surprise to me and I do hope they bring it back next year…I will be watching again!
Yay for the return of Northmont! They got screwed in the auditions, and I believe it’s because they were a modern pop/rock band that would have shared fans with the Goo Goo Dolls.
Caffiend - great meeting you at the show as well. Wasn’t it FUN???!!!
I was so happy for the Clark Bros. win - I could just FEEL them so much, but I have to wonder how they will do with their record and with radio play. It will be interesting to see what they put out and how it is received.
I totally agree Idol should feature them during the upcoming season and give a shot in the arm to this great show.
Oh and my boys were thrilled I snagged one of LOD’s Santa Hats that they had autographed the inside of…Yay! Kind of took the sting out of me not taking them because the tickets said noone under 14 allowed and then I get there and there are all kinds of kids there. Oops.
Sixwire’s original CD is available at iTunes.
Also, at Sixwire.com, you can download (99 cents each) 7 new tunes, including “Good To Be Back”, which they have done several times on the show. It’s GREAT to have a studio version of that song to listen to now.
I know this because I investigated everything last Friday night. :-)
Thanks Carie!
Awwww crap. Its ok the The Clark brothers won but I really wanted Sixwire. I think they are better and of course, thats all subjective.
Thanks Julie, Im off to iTunes to download Sixwire’s song.
Hiya Dingo!!!
My post may have been clear as mud (heh) but iTunes has Sixwire’s first release CD from 2002, Warner Bros.
Their newer stuff (not on the above release), some of which they’ve performed on NGAB (like the rockin’ “Good To Be Back”) can be downloaded from Sixwire.com.
Thanks for that info, Julie.
I can buy Sixwire’s stuff and I don’t have to give a penny to 19 XYZ. Life is good. Thanks for the info Julie.
Carrie - thanks for the great recap. I’ll watch the finale and try to pick you out using my powers of ESP. ;-) I was rooting for Sixwire but The Clarks are awesome, too.
YW, Jersey.
Thank you Carie for your great reporting! It sounded like you had a ball at the show. Plus, you got to meet Caffiend. I appreciate both of your comments. How aesome that the Clark Brothers won! There is something magical about this group. I hope the show returns and I hope AI will promote the group.
JulieR. Thanks. I sure didn’t have my light bulb screwed in all the way this morning when I posted. I checked iTunes this afternoon and bought their 2002 CD.
I will check their website, too. Cool!
I heard DMHO on the radio yesterday! So I requested “Frosty the Snowman”, which someone recommended on the NGAB message board. Denver does it great!
I wish I could have attended a show, but LA is a long way from Florida. Thanks for all the recaps and spoilers. I have loved this show from the start, even more than AI and I am a freak about them! I love these judges more than RPS. They were just the right combination of praise, honesty, and really wanted the bands to succeed! Bravo Jidges!
We got to hear and see some great bands that we probably wouldn’t have gotten to know about, as well as exposure to different styles that I wouldn’t have sought out on my own.
I will probably buy songs from all of the top 5 as well as a couple of others. But my money is burning a hole in my pocket waiting for the Clarks Brother’s music!
I was pulling for six Wire myself so am a bit disappointed Personally, I am not so sure age was as much of a factor is that when with a label, the label didn’t quite know under what category to promote them. Their first released single sounded like country but they really aren’t and they really aren’t quite rock either. I know my area never played them although some areas in the country did. I’ve never met the lead but as i said last week, i have met Steve, john and Robb and they are some really nice guys. I too wish them well. I haven’t decided if i’ll watch the finale now or not but i may just do it to hear Six Wire.
I do think age was a factor; Clark Brothers had room to grow (both musically and in experience) while Sixwire was already very professional. I guess a larger portion of the public and executives like Dicko and Nigel prefer bands that are younger and fresher. I disagree with Nigel though, about Sixwire’s time having come and gone. They certainly could have hits on the CURRENT country charts.
Best of luck to ALL THREE of the bands.
Awww yay!!!! I was hesitant to click on the break because I didn’t know if I really wanted to know, you know? ;) Anyway, I’m so glad The Clark Brothers won… I just love them, and I agree with Johnny - they were totally deserving. Sixwire was great too, but man, I love The Clark Brothers.
Thank you Carie! So glad you enjoyed the taping!!
Oh! And I have to add… I think this is the first time ever that the favorite I’ve had from the beginning has actually won (I’ve had a really bad record with picking winners… they usually end up in 2nd place lol). So, yay me! :)
Thanks for the recap, Carie. Glad you had fun. Go Clark Bros! :)
Thanks for the spoiler, CarrieB!
I never saw DMHO breaking into the “big-time” of top-40 radio, though being on this show will probably allow them to up their gig price. So good for them; I wish them well.
Sixwire’s future is a mystery. Will a record company sink the dough into giving them another shot? They may deserve it, but that doesn’t mean they’ll get it. I hope they do.
So happy for the Clark Brothers! I think their sound, if allowed to develop organically and not forced into preconceived concepts, could be truly unique and powerful. I’m hoping whatever CD they come out with, it’s not all gospel music. I liked the alt-gospel feel of their performances; I just don’t see myself buying a CD completely full of churchy songs.
Well, kudos for CB, but nuts. I was betting on Sixwire. Ah,well.
I completely agree and love NGAB even more than Idol. I don’t want to see it go *sniff sniff*. I know it’s been a very enriching experience for the participating musicians - it certainly has been for me. Ah well, good while it lasted.
Thanks Caffiend for the season spoilers and CarieB for the finale report.
Me too! HEHE! wooohooo high five! I also have never felt music quite like this before either!
Well, time to goto Limewire and see if any of Six’s tunes are around.
And the best of the Holidays to all of you and yours!!!!!!!!!