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[theme music]

[chatter]

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ANNOUNCER: And back in 5, 4, 3.

[theme music]

[theme music] [audience applause]

[audience applause]

Well, welcome back, everyone.

Well, welcome back, everyone. [audience applause]

[audience applause]

So America has met our three finalists, heard their songs,

felt their music.

And I don't think anyone can deny that y'all had a tough

choice to make.

Why don't you give these three another big hand?

Why don't you give these three another big hand? [audience applause]

[audience applause]

But a choice has been made by all of you

in the audience and all of the folks watching at home.

And here in my hand is the winner of the first

ever Country Star of Tomorrow.

You ready over there?

Ready out there?

I always love this when they do the award shows,

where you just keep everybody in suspense.

where you just keep everybody in suspense. [laughter]

[laughter]

And the Country Star of Tomorrow is--

[suspenseful music]

[music - "o holy night']

(SINGING) O holy night, the stars are brightly shining.

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.

Long lay--

Hey, there you go.

(SINGING) --in sin and error pining till He appeared,

and the Spirit felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices for yonder

breaks a new and glorious morn.

breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees.

Fall on your knees.

O hear the angels' voices.

O night divine.

O night when Christ was born.

O night divine.

O night, o night divine.

All of the heaven angels sing, glory to the newborn King.

Jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Jingle bells, jingle all the way. It was a holy night.

It was a holy night.

It was a holy night. Jingle all the way.

Jingle all the way.

All of the heaven angels sing, glory to the newborn King.

Jingle bells, jingle all the way.

It was a holy night.

Jingle bells, jingle all the way.

It was a holy night.

All of the--

[chatter]

Hey, look who I have here.

Hey, look who I have here. Oh, it's the superstar.

Oh, it's the superstar.

Hi.

Hi. Oh, how are you so good?

Oh, how are you so good?

Thank you.

Miss Gibson.

Hey.

So what do y'all think of your Grace, huh?

So what do y'all think of your Grace, huh? She's great.

She's great.

We were so surprised.

We were so surprised. It was a surprise, all right.

It was a surprise, all right.

TREV: I was doing Thursday's rehearsal.

TREV: I was doing Thursday's rehearsal. I just put my hand up--

I just put my hand up--

But I didn't see him, so I just

kept on singing like all by myself.

TREV: It was so beautiful, I thought why not put it

TREV: It was so beautiful, I thought why not put it in the concert?

in the concert?

in the concert? You must be very proud.

You must be very proud.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I'm real proud.

We gotta go.

Nice job, everyone. TREV: Thank you.

Nice job, everyone. TREV: Thank you. Stay warm. - See you, Grace.

Stay warm. - See you, Grace.

Bye, Grace.

Well, I guess we're going.

Well, I guess we're going. Thank you.

Thank you.

That was nice of you.

Bye, George.

JENNY: Hey, it's me.

Look, you didn't pay the bill on your storage again.

Mary says we've got to empty it out by New Year's.

No.

No. Danny, I don't have the money.

Danny, I don't have the money.

I-- look, I thought you were gonna

be up here before Christmas.

Yeah, right.

Yeah, Danny, I will get it all out for you.

And if you are not appear in one month,

I am selling all your stuff at the flea market.

Jeez.

Jeez. GRACE: Don't smoke.

GRACE: Don't smoke.

It could kill you.

Yeah, well, when your father pays his bill,

I'll stop smoking.

[cheerful music]

Here, let me get that.

Oh, thanks, Sam.

I sure am sorry, Jenny, but come New Year's, I got people

I sure am sorry, Jenny, but come New Year's, I got people who want that space.

who want that space.

who want that space. JENNY: No, no, I totally understand, Sam.

JENNY: No, no, I totally understand, Sam.

You've been great.

Danny didn't happen to send the past due, did he?

No, but he said he'll be up in a month to pay you and collect

his junk.

And when he does, she'll quit smoking.

I won't hold my breath.

We'd all be dead.

SAM: Merry Christmas.

[gentle music]

Ooh, my goodness.

Didn't you throw anything away?

Didn't you throw anything away? What's up, grandma?

What's up, grandma?

Hi, sweetheart.

How are you?

You know, when your father left me, I took everything.

And I mean every little thing.

And I mean every little thing. And I gave it to Goodwill.

And I gave it to Goodwill.

And I gave it to Goodwill. I threw Danny out, mom.

I threw Danny out, mom.

I threw Danny out, mom. He didn't leave me.

He didn't leave me.

OK, fine.

You threw him out.

Fine.

So where are we putting all this stuff?

[somber guitar music playing]

[plucking string]

[plucking string] [strumming badly]

[strumming badly]

[off-key strumming continues]

Hey, wrap that thing back up.

Why?

Because it's not yours.

Dad wouldn't care.

Dad wouldn't care. He hasn't been here in three years.

He hasn't been here in three years.

How would you know that?

He's coming for Christmas.

What gave you that idea?

That's what he told you on the phone, didn't he?

No, honey-- every year he says that,

and every year he is a no show.

Then he wouldn't mind if I play his guitar.

Then he wouldn't mind if I play his guitar. [strumming tunelessly]

[strumming tunelessly]

OK, OK.

I mind, all right?

I mind, all right? (ANGRILY) Why are you so down on me?

(ANGRILY) Why are you so down on me?

(ANGRILY) Why are you so down on me? First the singing and now this.

First the singing and now this.

Down on you?

Who made your favorite dinner when you won All-County Math

Champion? Huh?

Put a huge banner up outside!

Who was that? - You.

Yes. Right.

Me.

So cut it with all this down on you stuff.

Sorry.

Put that thing back up.

It's all getting sold anyway.

SARAH: Where did that come from?

I found it in storage.

Oh, that's your father's guitar.

Can I keep it here?

Hmm.

Your mother will kill me if she finds out about this.

She drives by here every single day on her way to work.

Likes to check up on me.

You can be lookout for me when I'm here.

You can be lookout for me when I'm here. You mean like a spy?

You mean like a spy?

You mean like a spy? I like that.

I like that.

Come here.

Come here. Oh, you are such a good girl.

Oh, you are such a good girl.

So are you.

[laughing]

[joyful squealing]

I can't believe it, you're the best!

[happily screams]

Dale from work was getting a new one,

and he was going to sell this one on eBay,

so I made a deal with him.

And now I want to make a deal with you.

I want you to take those math smarts of yours

and use your present at Computer Club.

and use your present at Computer Club. It's on Wednesdays.

It's on Wednesdays.

I have choir on Wednesdays.

I know.

It's after.

You can do both.

You can do both. And I took care of it.

And I took care of it.

It's all paid for.

Let me see that thing.

[giggles]

Oh, my goodness.

It is so cool.

Mom, mom, mom!

It's about to start!

It's about to start! CROWD (ON TV): 6, 5, 4--

CROWD (ON TV): 6, 5, 4--

4, 3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!

4, 3, 2, 1, Happy New Year! CROWD (ON TV): [cheering]

CROWD (ON TV): [cheering]

[laughing] Happy New Year!

Woo-hoo!

TREV: 3, 2, 1.

(SINGING) Amen.

Nice, guys, nice.

Emily, watch out for those hard S's, OK?

And Billy, rounder on the O's.

And Billy, rounder on the O's. [chuckles]

[chuckles]

OK, that's it.

Go have fun.

See you Sunday.

See you Sunday. Good work.

Good work.

Want to come over to my house and watch the anime dude

on YouTube?

on YouTube? He put another video up.

He put another video up.

Thanks, but I got Computer Club.

OK.

See you later.

Later!

Something I can help you with, Grace?

Do you know how to play the guitar?

Do you know how to play the guitar? Used to, when I was a kid.

Used to, when I was a kid.

It's my dad's.

Oh, very cool.

May I?

Sure.

Sure. He's got good taste.

He's got good taste.

It's beautiful.

[strums a chord] So what, he gave it to you?

He left it when him and my mom split up.

It was in storage.

Oh.

My mom doesn't want me to play it.

Why not?

'Cause it's his, I guess.

So you want me to teach you to play guitar?

Yeah.

Yeah. Against your mother's wishes.

Against your mother's wishes.

Well, can we pretend I didn't tell you that part?

Here's what we'll do.

You can teach yourself, and then after rehearsals, I'll give you

about a half hour of pointers.

How does that sound?

(DISAPPOINTED) After rehearsals?

Yeah.

Yeah, that'll work best for me.

OK.

Thanks!

Thanks! You got it.

You got it.

Oh.

You wouldn't happen to know where I can get some guitar

books?

You have so many books.

I actually donated about half of them

I actually donated about half of them to the library when I came here.

to the library when I came here.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

No one comes here.

They just leave here.

It's not true.

I came here.

Where from?

New York.

City?

City? [chuckles] City, yeah.

[chuckles] City, yeah.

Did you run a choir there?

No.

No. I was a musician and a composer.

I was a musician and a composer.

So why the heck did you leave?

So why the heck did you leave? Truthfully?

Truthfully?

Well, no one bought what I wrote,

Well, no one bought what I wrote, and no one hired me to play.

and no one hired me to play.

So after a whole lot of years, I left.

But you're awesome.

[chuckles] That's very kind of you, Grace.

A lot of people are awesome.

And some people are just better.

You know?

The church can't pay very much for helping out.

Oh, they don't.

Oh, they don't. But all this stuff--

But all this stuff--

Well, I'm a lucky boy.

I came here with a few extra bucks in my pocket.

I guess it's easier to be poor when you have money.

Ha!

Let's Learn Music.

Learn Guitar.

Learn Guitar. Guitar 1, 2, and 3.

Guitar 1, 2, and 3.

So take 'em.

For as long as you need, OK?

[folk music playing]

[strumming hesitantly]

[playing off-key chord]

TEACHER (ON VIDEO): Like that.

So, once again, the [strums] G, D--

[chickens clucking]

[chickens clucking] [playing clean chord]

[playing clean chord]

All real guitar players have calluses.

That's how you know they play a lot.

Grace?

Dinner.

DOLLY PARTON (ON VIDEO): Well, hey, everybody.

I'm Dolly Parton and I've got just one question for you.

Are you the country star of tomorrow?

Me?

Yeah.

DOLLY PARTON (ON VIDEO): The country star of tomorrow starts

DOLLY PARTON (ON VIDEO): The country star of tomorrow starts with the kids of today.

with the kids of today.

So if you're 18 or younger, send us your video

singing an original song that you wrote yourself,

and we just might send you to Dollywood for a showdown on TV.

The winner will receive a recording contract and a US

tour.

For rules and deadlines, you just

click that little doohickey right here,

and a whole bunch of big words are

going to be popping up for you and your parents to read.

Dollywood?

Dollywood? I've wanted to go there forever.

I've wanted to go there forever.

So why not try?

Country music doesn't come in my color.

What?

What? Come here.

Come here.

TREV: What color is that woman?

GRACE: Black.

Exactly.

Linda Martell.

Now, in 1969, she became the first Black woman

to sing country at the Grand Ole Opry.

That is so cool.

Yeah, isn't it?

Yeah.

Do you see anything that all these bands have in common?

They're all white?

The banjo, knucklehead.

It's an instrument that originated in Africa.

It's an instrument that originated in Africa. And here, a steel guitar.

And here, a steel guitar.

Another African instrument.

Another African instrument. See, Grace, way back in the 1920s

See, Grace, way back in the 1920s

before anyone labeled it country,

before anyone labeled it country, it was just the music of the poor.

it was just the music of the poor.

Black and white.

And they would sing together side

by side in railroad yards, back porches.

Beautiful songs about heartbreak and poverty and homesickness.

It was the music industry that started separating it.

Why?

Well, because the audiences became more and more

segregated.

Each audience wanted their own music.

I'm Black and white.

Mm-hmm.

What do you think they would have sold me?

Did you know that one of the founding members of the Grand

Ole Opry was a Black man?

Get out.

Ford Bailey, 1927.

The day they changed the name to the Opry,

he was the next act on stage.

And he played there every week for 15 years.

Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams.

Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams. Two of the fathers of country music

Two of the fathers of country music

both said that their most influential teachers

were Black men.

Wow.

Wow. Yeah, wow.

Yeah, wow.

So you're right.

You're Black and white.

But the best of both.

DOLLY PARTON (ON SCREEN): So what are you waiting for?

Like I always say, you'll never do a whole lot unless you're

brave enough to try.

OK.

OK.

Just one question.

Shoot.

Shoot. How do you write a song?

How do you write a song?

Uh, OK.

Well, you have to listen to yourself.

What do you mean?

What do you mean? Well, you hear the music in your head

Well, you hear the music in your head

Well, you hear the music in your head and you write it down.

and you write it down.

and you write it down. What about the words?

What about the words?

Well, if you've got something important you need to say,

Well, if you've got something important you need to say, do the same thing. Write it down.

do the same thing. Write it down.

Like a poem.

And then you try and connect the words to the music

in your head.

No one cares what I have to say.

I care.

I keep a diary.

I keep a diary. That's a start.

That's a start.

That's a start. Now sing it.

Now sing it.

Uh-oh.

Uh-oh?

Uh-oh? Uh-oh, you say?

Uh-oh, you say?

It's the only way I could play!

That's how you justify lying to your mother?

I didn't lie.

Really?

I ask you how computer club is, you say fine?

It is fine.

I just, I didn't go.

Give me this.

Mom!

What did I tell you about this, huh?

What did I tell you about this, huh? Hey, there.

Hey, there.

Grace won't be needing guitar lessons anymore, Mr.--

But mom!

Don't you even think about interrupting me.

Don't you even think about interrupting me. She's good, Mrs. Gibson.

She's good, Mrs. Gibson.

Honestly, really, really good.

She's 14.

You know how many kids ruin their lives because people

like you tell them to follow their dreams?

Well, what do you suggest I do?

Well, what do you suggest I do? Tell her to give up?

Tell her to give up?

Why not?

That's what you did.

That's what you did. You listen to me.

You listen to me.

You may have some trust fund to rely on.

Grace has got nothing.

Grace has got nothing. If she falls, she falls hard.

If she falls, she falls hard.

She doesn't have the luxury of moving out to the country

and helping the hicks to make herself feel better.

I hear you, loud and clear.

Come on.

Jerk.

What?

(ANGRILY) I said you're mean!

(ANGRILY) I said you're mean! That's what I said.

That's what I said.

Too bad.

But there's a bunch of stuff I want to keep!

Can't afford to.

Can't afford to. We got to sell it all.

We got to sell it all.

We got to sell it all. Clothes, picture frames, everything.

Clothes, picture frames, everything.

That's mine.

Hey!

Hey! I paid for that guitar.

I paid for that guitar.

I gave it to your father, and he left it behind.

This is my guitar.

This is my guitar. All I want to do is play music!

All I want to do is play music!

All I want to do is play music! Why won't you let me?

Why won't you let me?

Why won't you let me? Because nobody makes it.

Because nobody makes it.

I can make it!

I'm good!

Honey, it doesn't matter if you're good.

No one makes it!

Why do you think I harp on how great you are at math, huh?

Because that is the kind of thing

that can get you into college on a scholarship.

There's actual jobs with computers and the internet.

That, that's how you can make something of yourself.

That, that's how you can make something of yourself. Dolly Parton says you'll never be

Dolly Parton says you'll never be

able to do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try.

Yeah?

Well your daddy's been trying ever since I first met him.

Well your daddy's been trying ever since I first met him. And you want to know what else?

And you want to know what else?

He's good.

That man can write and play, and--

and he sure can sing.

And he's never done better than a 20 buck

And he's never done better than a 20 buck gig plus two free drinks.

gig plus two free drinks.

You are not going to throw your life away like that,

you hear me?

you hear me? Not while you live under my roof.

Not while you live under my roof.

(ANGRILY) Then I don't want to live under your roof.

You go to your room and you pack up those picture frames.

You go to your room and you pack up those picture frames. We've got a flea market to get to.

We've got a flea market to get to.

(BITTERLY) Go yourself.

And pull out all the pictures!

No one wants to buy a frame with someone else's picture in it.

No one wants to buy a frame with someone else's picture in it. [guitar clangs]

[guitar clangs]

[dreamy nostalgic music playing]

[truck starts]

[hopeful folk music playing]

ANNOUNCER: And make sure to find your way over

to Randy's barbecue grill.

It's over by Mr. Forrester's booth.

[goat bleating]

Only a buck each.

Lord, what do you want them for?

Free?

How much for the guitar?

I'm not selling you the guitar.

It's out at the flea market.

Everything's for sale to anybody.

How much?

How much? You want to know how much?

You want to know how much?

There you go.

Oh.

Oh, great.

Oh, great. You killed the deal.

You killed the deal.

All right, I am going to get us some sodas.

OK? - Thanks.

Be right back.

What, mom, no soda for me?

I'll take it for $100.

I'm not selling it to you.

I'm confused.

I mean, that is a price tag on there, isn't it?

I don't care.

I don't care. Well, hold on a second.

Well, hold on a second.

This is a flea market, am I right?

Look, I'm not selling it to you, all right?

So keep walking.

Well, that seems unfair to me.

You know what, in fact, I think it's technically illegal.

Illegal?

Illegal? You have got some nerve.

You have got some nerve.

What seems to be the trouble here?

What seems to be the trouble here? Oh, no problem, Carl.

Oh, no problem, Carl.

Well, actually, Carl, while you're here,

this lady is selling this guitar for $100 here.

She won't sell it to me.

I mean, I think that's false advertising.

Maybe even discrimination.

$100?

Are you out of your gourd, Jenny?

Take it.

Carl, that is not the point. It's not about--

Carl, that is not the point. It's not about-- Do I need to call the Sheriff?

Do I need to call the Sheriff?

Do I need to call the Sheriff? Because that's easy.

Because that's easy.

The Sheriff. Really?

I mean, that's easy.

Take the $100, give the man his guitar.

Carl, y--

I- I'm sorry.

Respectfully, this is not a situation you understand.

Respectfully, this is not a situation you understand. All right?

All right?

This--it has nothing to do with--

This--it has nothing to do with-- And here's some cream for you.

And here's some cream for you.

Oh, thank you so much.

[interposing voices]

All right, I see what's going on here.

Jenny, I'm going to have to insist you

Jenny, I'm going to have to insist you sell this man this here guitar.

sell this man this here guitar.

Carl's insisting, Jenny.

(WHISPERING) Jenny, 100 bucks.

You'd be lucky to get five.

You'd be lucky to get five. OK, all right, fine.

OK, all right, fine.

OK, take it.

It's yours.

It's yours.

Good old trust fund.

Good old trust fund. Well, I'll be on my way then.

Well, I'll be on my way then.

Maybe you might want to buy yourself a blanket.

Maybe you might want to buy yourself a blanket. Maybe a pillow, a nice cot.

Maybe a pillow, a nice cot.

What for?

Well, you take up singing and playing guitar,

you can take it up under someone else's roof.

I just want to play.

It's all I want.

It's all I want. You heard what I said.

You heard what I said.

Grandma?

Can I stay at your place?

Can I stay at your place? Of course, sweetheart.

Of course, sweetheart.

Jenny, can we talk about this?

OK.

Well, if y'all don't mind, I got stuff to sell.

OK.

OK. Let's look around, shall we?

Let's look around, shall we?

Boy, where did you find this?

In a box.

Was she good?

Mm-hmm.

Real sweet voice.

They met at a dance, you know.

He was playing, and he asked her on stage to sing a song.

He was playing, and he asked her on stage to sing a song. That's all it took.

That's all it took.

Why is she so against me playing music?

Why is she so against me playing music? Oh, honey.

Oh, honey.

She's just scared.

Of what?

Of losing you.

Losing me?

To music.

She'd never lose me.

Not to music or anything.

Well, I'm afraid that's what your father told her, too.

And what happened?

You know, I think it's best if you ask her that question.

[STRUMMING GUITAR CHORDS BEAUTIFULLY]

- I like that. - Really?

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah. I really like it.

I really like it.

And didn't you said you were working on the words?

Yeah.

Yeah, so?

I did what you said and started looking at my diary.

And it was just a few nights ago.

And I was, um--

um.

What?

What?

What? And I was missing my mom.

And I was missing my mom.

I just started seeing how much I wrote

I just started seeing how much I wrote the word miss in my diary.

the word miss in my diary.

I miss my mom, I miss my dad, I miss computer club.

I was thinking about maybe naming my son Miss You Miss Me.

I was thinking about maybe naming my son Miss You Miss Me. Is that stupid?

Is that stupid?

Not at all.

Now you wrote some of it?

But you're not ready to share it yet, huh?

I know.

Not today, but soon, there will come a moment where you can't

stand keeping it locked up, and there'll be no stopping you.

COOK (ON TV): Now we have this broken down

into eight different stages, but they caught me stretching out

a piece right here. [knocking]

And we're going to get to that in a little bit.

S'open.

COOK (ON TV): What are we doing and what is this big mound

COOK (ON TV): What are we doing and what is this big mound of dough right here?

of dough right here?

Well, I get asked all the time how to make homemade pizza

dough.

And I have found that this is very simple [inaudible]

There's a pair of jeans I forgot.

COOK (ON TV): --pizza dough. - Go ahead.

COOK (ON TV): Now if you look at your screen,

we've got all the ingredients right there for you.

And if you don't have time to write that down,

you can always--

You left your room a mess.

You still have to pick up your room

if you're being kicked out?

You didn't get kicked out.

That's the same thing you said about daddy.

That's the same thing you said about daddy. Sure feels like being kicked out.

Sure feels like being kicked out.

Hey.

Don't be so smart.

You had a choice.

Well, you don't.

You're my mom.

You're my mom. And you made music too.

And you made music too.

You can sing and play guitar all you want after you're 18.

Sorry, that's too far away.

I got to get a song to Dolly Parton.

Dolly Parton?

For the Country Star of Tomorrow TV show in Dollywood?

A biracial 14-year-old girl singing country?

For your information, the first Black woman

sang her country song on the stage at the Grand Old Opry

over 40 years ago.

So when I get to sing there, it'll be old news.

Who was that?

Linda Martell.

Linda Martell. She sang Color Him Father.

She sang Color Him Father.

[scoffs] Figures that would be the song.

[scoffs] Figures that would be the song. I'm not going to be mad at you.

I'm not going to be mad at you.

I'm not going to be mad at you. You're not going to be mad at me?

You're not going to be mad at me?

The way you're always mad at dad.

(ANGRILY) Why aren't you ever mad at him, huh?

Tell me that!

(ANGRILY) Because I don't know enough to be mad at him!

[somber guitar music playing]

OK.

You want to fight?

I'll give you a fight.

OK, what?

What you're doing isn't right.

Is that what you've been filling her head with?

Huh?

SARAH: What do you mean filling your head with?

JENNY: Yeah, you deserve better, Grace, that selfish mother

of yours.

of yours. SARAH: I have always stood by you.

SARAH: I have always stood by you.

JENNY: Yeah. Sure.

Yeah.

As long I worked at the hospital, had one kid,

got divorced.

I am a carbon copy of your life!

You think I didn't have dreams for you?

Maybe if you told me, like, I don't know, once?

Maybe if you told me, like, I don't know, once? Nobody ever told me!

Nobody ever told me!

Nobody ever told me! I had to find my own way, and I guess

I had to find my own way, and I guess

I had to find my own way, and I guess I figured you'd find yours.

I figured you'd find yours.

It may not have been the best mothering,

but it sure beats what you're doing to that girl inside.

I saw the song that she's working on.

Her heart is breaking.

Her heart is breaking. Yeah, well so is mine.

Yeah, well so is mine.

Well then do something about it.

Did I raise you to be this scared?

(VOICE BREAKING) You didn't raise me to be anything!

Whatever you think your life is right now,

you have got to stop blaming me and Danny and even Grace

you have got to stop blaming me and Danny and even Grace and just take some responsibility!

and just take some responsibility!

Oh, please!

I did the same thing when your father left,

and I am telling you it is a dead end.

I got to get to work.

Keep this up and you'll lose the family you do have.

[somber country music playing]

Hi, Danny.

So how long you been here?

So how long you been here? A couple hours.

A couple hours.

A couple hours. I figured someone had to show up.

I figured someone had to show up.

If you're looking for your stuff, you are way too late.

Sold everything?

Yep.

Make anything?

Make anything? Don't get too hopeful.

Don't get too hopeful.

Let's not forget who owes who how much.

Speaking of which, can you go by storage

and pay Sam the past due?

That's my plan.

Is seeing Grace part of your plan?

Aren't I standing here?

Aren't I standing here? When's she home from school.

When's she home from school.

Soon.

Soon. But she's staying over at my mother's.

But she's staying over at my mother's.

Is Sarah OK?

She will outlive all of us.

No doubt.

You mind if I get one of those?

So why is Grace staying with Sarah?

Because I don't like what she's been doing.

Boys?

Drinking?

No.

OK, I give up.

Music.

Music.

Music. Yeah, she's been singing, and then she

Yeah, she's been singing, and then she

Yeah, she's been singing, and then she took up your old guitar.

took up your old guitar.

Really.

Yes, really.

She's got it in her head she's going

to enter some big teen songwriting contest.

to enter some big teen songwriting contest. Oh, the R&B Youth Fest.

Oh, the R&B Youth Fest.

Oh, the R&B Youth Fest. I know the guy who runs it--

I know the guy who runs it--

I know the guy who runs it-- No, it's not R&B she's singing.

No, it's not R&B she's singing.

No, it's not R&B she's singing. Well, what's she's singing?

Well, what's she's singing?

Country?

Grace is entering a country music competition?

That's what she says.

That's ridiculous.

For your information, Black women

have been singing country at the Grand Ole Opry for over 40

years.

Whoa, whoa.

Which is it?

Which is it? You mad about this or not?

You mad about this or not?

Right.

It's just that you've got to be contrary with me

no matter what I say.

You've been mad at me so long I bet you don't even

remember why.

No, I can't remember why.

It's been over three years since you've even been here!

And before that, you were mad because I came around too much.

I keep trying to follow your lead, but ever since we split,

I keep trying to follow your lead, but ever since we split, it's no win with you!

it's no win with you!

You lost weight.

Thank you.

You look good.

Always have.

[scoffs] Thanks.

[clears throat] How many girls you using that line on?

Just you.

It's always been just you.

Um. All right, look.

If you want to see Grace, just, uh-- just go on by my mom's.

OK?

There's-- there's nothing here for you.

Except those old blankets.

Some lady wouldn't even give me a buck for 'em.

Could use one.

Yeah, help yourself.

Tell me something.

Tell me something. (ANNOYED) What?

(ANNOYED) What?

Why does Grace taking up music make you so mad?

You really need to ask?

Music didn't split us up.

(ANGRILY) Yeah?

(ANGRILY) Yeah? Who left to go chase a dream?

Who left to go chase a dream?

(CALMLY) Who said they'd come with me?

[sighs] I'll go by Sam's and pay the money.

Thanks.

Just great.

I appreciate it, Danny.

Sorry for the wait.

[sighs] So how's showbiz been treating you?

Didn't I hear you had some recording thing going

on a while back? - It was a demo.

Hm.

What's that?

Someone puts up a little money to record a few songs, hoping

one of the big boys'll show up and pay for a whole album.

Nobody stepped up, huh?

No.

Lots of almosts.

So what you been doing to get by?

Whatever it takes.

Gig here or there.

Run the soundboard at two clubs on weekends.

Run the soundboard at two clubs on weekends. Whatever it takes.

Whatever it takes.

Whatever it takes. Jeez, that must be rough.

Jeez, that must be rough.

Probably be twice as hard if you had a 14-year-old girl

to deal with every day.

Thanks for the coffee.

Don't you worry about Gracie.

Don't you worry about Gracie. She's growing into a fine girl.

She's growing into a fine girl.

She's growing into a fine girl. [somber country music playing]

[somber country music playing]

[picking guitar melody]

That's getting better, Grace

Really?

Definitely.

More confidence.

You want to come in?

You were right about me.

You were right about me, too.

You were right about me, too. So now what?

So now what?

[sniffs] Now I go in there and [sniffs] try to be a good

mother.

You've always been a good mother.

Hey, mom.

I'll be back in a minute.

That was real pretty guitar playing, honey.

Thanks.

Did you write that music all by yourself?

Well, I came up with the chords.

Mr. Hailey's going to help me write out all the music.

I used to be pretty good too.

Yeah?

Yeah.

When I was little, I sang in the choir like you.

And then I didn't sing again till--

till I saw your daddy up at Mobey's Place

out on the highway.

It closed when you were little.

How come you don't sing anymore?

Mm, well, I had you and got a job, and bought a house,

and your daddy was doing real good.

He played in every bar for 50 miles around.

Some nights he had to go from one to the other

the same night.

That is how much people loved him.

He sang and he played, and sometimes I'd sing with him.

See, I-- I married a man who makes music.

See, I-- I married a man who makes music. And he wanted to keep making music.

And he wanted to keep making music.

And he wanted us to be with him.

Sweetie, your daddy didn't leave us.

(VOICE BREAKING) And I did not throw him out.

We just-- we just couldn't agree on a life.

You know?

And I was too scared.

I was just--

I was too scared to go where he wanted to go.

I was too scared to go where nothing was for sure,

nothing was laid out for you.

nothing was laid out for you. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I was too scared.

(CRYING) I miss you.

Oh, god.

Oh, god. Honey, I miss you too, baby.

Honey, I miss you too, baby.

Come here.

Hey, did you quit smoking?

[laughs] Yeah.

Look at that.

Daddy hasn't even come back and paid the past due yet.

I'm proud of you, mom.

Oh.

Oh. I'm so proud of you.

I'm so proud of you.

I'm so proud of you. [sniffs] Come here.

[sniffs] Come here.

[breathes shakily]

Hi, folks.

Welcome, welcome.

Welcome, welcome. Nice to see you again.

Nice to see you again.

Hey, Grace.

Hey, Mr. Hailey.

Nice to see you.

Hey there.

Morning.

I, uh--

I- I wanted to thank you.

What for?

What for? For being a teacher.

For being a teacher.

You've been a really good teacher for my girl.

And for me.

Thank you.

[upbeat country music playing]

SARAH: This is cute.

JENNY: I don't know, I like this one.

GRACE: [whistles] SARAH: That's a little--

JENNY: Or at least--

SARAH: Perfect! JENNY: That's it.

That's the one. SARAH: That's great!

That's the one. SARAH: That's great! JENNY: So cute.

JENNY: So cute.

So pretty.

[camera beeps on]

Yes, not bad.

Hit send.

Here it comes.

There it is.

[rooster crows]

I thought Dolly would announce the finalist today.

I thought Dolly would announce the finalist today. Hit that button again.

Hit that button again.

I've hit Refresh like 10 times.

Hit it--hit it like 10 more times.

Yeah, it needs refreshing.

All right, OK. OK.

It's done.

It's done. Hey, everybody.

Hey, everybody.

Hey, everybody. I'm the one who should be nervous.

I'm the one who should be nervous.

I'm the one who should be nervous. Oh, I know, sweetie.

Oh, I know, sweetie.

We're all just anxious, that's all.

I am starving.

Does anybody else want a ham sandwich from down the road?

Oh, that sounds great.

Thanks.

Thanks. [interposing voices]

[interposing voices]

I'll go get them!

I'll go get them! Oh, that's nice, sweetie.

Oh, that's nice, sweetie.

Oh, that's nice, sweetie. Thank you.

Thank you.

It'll take my mind off the Refresh button.

Maybe Dolly just announced it now.

Or now.

Or maybe, now!

Or maybe, now! Will you cut it out?

Will you cut it out?

OK, OK.

Now!

Whoa!

Sorry!

Sorry! Watch it there, Gracie.

Watch it there, Gracie.

Watch it there, Gracie. That's all right.

That's all right.

Hey, how's your mom doing?

Hey, how's your mom doing? Oh, she's real good, thanks.

Oh, she's real good, thanks.

Oh, and don't you worry.

I'm sure my dad will pay you the past due as soon as he gets

here.

He already did.

He did?

Yeah, when he was here a couple months ago.

So, hey.

Did your mom keep her word and quit smoking?

Yeah.

She did.

Well, you tell your mom hi from me.

DOLLY PARTON (ON SCREEN): Howdy. - Oh, ah!

Oh my god!

Come here, come here, come here, come here!

DOLLY PARTON (ON SCREEN): Now I know y'all been biting nails

and fingers, and the fingers and nails of your friends,

so I'll just get right down to it and let you know who

so I'll just get right down to it and let you know who the three finalists are.

the three finalists are.

Now, you know if it's up to me, I'd'a picked--

- Come on, Dolly, come on! - Shhh!

DOLLY PARTON (ON SCREEN): --4,000 entries.

The show would have run longer than Hee Haw!

So buckle your seat belts, cause here they are!

TREV, JENNY, SARAH: (SINGING) Amazing Grace,

how sweet the sound.

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now am found.

I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind but now I see.

Was blind but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace my fears relieved.

And Grace my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear.

How precious did that Grace appear. The hour I first believed.

The hour I first believed.

(NORMAL VOICE) You're a finalist, baby.

SARAH: [clapping]

Wait, Grace!

What--

What-- Honey, what happened?

Honey, what happened?

What happened?

What'd you do?

What'd you do? We just got sandwiches!

We just got sandwiches!

Honey.

Honey, what is it?

Honey, what is it? Oh, come on, baby.

Oh, come on, baby.

Talk to me.

(CRYING) Dad was here.

Yeah.

How come you didn't tell me?

Honey, I didn't know if telling you

was the right thing.

I'm sorry.

Why didn't he come to see me?

He did come to see you.

[sighs] I just think he got scared.

[sighs] I just think he got scared. (ANGRILY) Of what?

(ANGRILY) Of what?

Scared of being gone so long, not knowing what to say.

Scared to shake up your life.

Scared to shake up your life. [sniffles]

[sniffles]

[sniffles] Scared of me, too, I guess.

Scared of me, too, I guess.

Honey, you just got to understand--

No!

No, I'm done with him!

I should have listened to you all along.

Me?

I was all excited for him to come and visit.

Now I'm the idiot.

I hate him.

I hate him. Just like you do.

Just like you do.

Just like you do. Don't say that, Grace.

Don't say that, Grace.

I never want to see him for as long as I live!

I told him to go!

What?

He wanted to come see you, and I

told him to go pay Sam the past due and go home.

I--

[music playing]

(SINGING) 5 o'clock in the morning, got to get up,

get out to the chase.

Run around for $1, taking everything that comes my way.

It's getting harder to get through,

I can't seem to catch a break.

Every day that comes feels like a long one.

Mm-hmm.

I said, every day that comes feels like a long one.

Oh, oh, oh, trouble get me off your mind.

Oh, oh, oh, trouble, I ain't got the time.

Tomorrow's going to come, going to set me free.

I just got to believe, oh, trouble, get me off your mind.

Off your mind.

Off your mind.

I'm talking to you, trouble.

Off your mind.

Off your mind.

Off your mind. [cheering, applause]

[cheering, applause]

Thank you.

Nice set, Danny.

Thanks, Wes.

Can I get you another one? - Uh, yeah.

It'd be great.

[phone beeps]

Ha!

Ha! Will you look at this?

Will you look at this?

One of the kids in that Dollywood country competition's

a Black girl.

Hey, Danny.

Danny!

Danny! Girl's last name is Gibson.

Girl's last name is Gibson.

Why wouldn't it be, Wes?

That's my little girl.

[scoffs] Nah.

Really?

Congratulations!

Why didn't you say something, you son of a gun?

Well, I was trying to keep it low profile.

Figured I'd surprise y'all.

[laughing wryly]

Hey, Danny.

Have one of these on me when you get a chance.

[MUSIC - "GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN"]

CHOIR: (SINGING) Go tell it on the mountain,

over the hills and everywhere.

Go tell it on the mountain that he is born.

Go tell it on the mountain that he is born.

Go tell it on the mountain that he is born. [cheering, applause]

[cheering, applause]

- Got everything? - Yeah.

Hey.

Thanks for all the help.

Well, I guess I'll see you when you get back.

Well, I guess I'll see you when you get back. You're coming back, right?

You're coming back, right?

Of course.

Why wouldn't I?

I don't know.

You become a big country star and all, maybe you

won't want to come back.

A lot of country stars just keep on living in the country.

OK.

Awesome.

[laughs]

[laughs] You ready?

You ready?

Mm-hmm.

C'mon.

Watch your head.

Well, good luck.

Bye.

See ya, pal.

All right.

Good?

[cheering]

Uh, Mary Lou Memphis?

Really?

Age 16, Miss Tiny Kentucky Bluegrass

Age 16, Miss Tiny Kentucky Bluegrass when she was eight years old.

when she was eight years old.

She sings and plays the fiddle.

Who's the other kid?

Who's the other kid? Uh, it's a boy.

Uh, it's a boy.

18.

Jamie Warner.

What else, Sarah?

Oh, he sings and plays piano.

Well, audiences do love showboaters.

Yeah, but everybody's got their weaknesses.

Yeah, but everybody's got their weaknesses. Like your throat and your eyelids.

Like your throat and your eyelids.

Are you listening to me back there?

So I read this article about self defense and it said you

can work out till the cows come home,

but you cannot grow muscles in your throat and your eyelids.

That's where you get 'em.

[laughing] OK, mom.

Just ease up, OK?

Well, it's a metaphor.

I actually agree with your mother here, Jenny.

I'm sticking with you on this trip.

If y'all don't mind, I just want to play my song in peace.

Sorry.

[hopeful music playing]

Welcome to Pigeon Forge.

Welcome.

It's so pretty!

[guests murmuring]

All right, sir.

All right, sir. This is going to be so exciting.

This is going to be so exciting.

[inaudible].

Yeah.

Hi!

Grace Gibson?

Oh, yes sir!

I'm Richie Vernon.

I'm here to welcome you on behalf of the Country

Star of Tomorrow! - Oh, well hey, hello.

Thanks--

Here is your welcome packet and four access badges.

If you didn't know, your breakfast

is going to be tomorrow at 8:30, followed by a tour of the stage

at 10:00, walk through rehearsal until noon,

press from 12:00 to 1:30, lunch break, and then

your own private rehearsal from 3:00 until 6:30.

It's all detailed there in the welcome packet.

Now, if you have any questions, my cell

is listed inside as well as on the back of this card.

is listed inside as well as on the back of this card. Oh, I'll take that.

Oh, I'll take that.

Are you her manager?

Yes.

Great.

And when is the family due to arrive?

Oh, I'm Grace's mother.

Oh.

[inaudible].

I think that is so special.

Mm-hmm.

I'm available 24/7.

Good luck.

Well, he sure does talk fast.

You're her manager?

[upbeat music playing]

[crowd clamoring]

And here they are!

From over 4,000 submissions, our 3 finalists for the Country

Star of Tomorrow.

Please give a big welcome to Grace Gibson, Mary Lou Memphis,

and Jamie Warner.

[applause]

[reporters clamoring]

Jamie, one- one question.

[chuckling] OK.

We've got a lot of questions blazing through the Twitter

sphere.

sphere. So let's get right to it.

So let's get right to it.

From Tess in North Babylon, New York.

From Tess in North Babylon, New York. Oh, this is for Mary Lou.

Oh, this is for Mary Lou.

You've won every music contest you've ever entered.

You ready for the TV showdown?

You ready for the TV showdown? I was born ready.

I was born ready.

[light laughter]

But seriously, Tess, I'm just honored

to be up here alongside these two great talents.

And I hope the best teen wins.

[applause]

For Jamie, from Lil in Santa Cruz, California.

As the oldest and the only boy, do you

think your chances are better or worse?

Uh, better.

I'm sorry.

Worse.

[light laughter]

Hey, Lil?

That's what we call a trick question in Tennessee.

[stronger laughter]

That's what we call it in Texas, too.

Exactly.

No matter what answer you give, you sound foolish.

No matter what answer you give, you sound foolish. [applause]

[applause]

And for Grace from Jim in Orlando, Florida.

As the only African-American finalist,

what's your perspective?

Well, you know half Black and half white.

Both halves have the same perspective.

Both halves have the same perspective. I'm really, really scared.

I'm really, really scared.

[applause, laughter]

You answered so many--

wait, where are you going?

Bathroom. I'll be right back.

OK, we're going to go to lunch.

OK, we're going to go to lunch. We'll meet you in the lobby.

We'll meet you in the lobby.

- OK, see you there. - That was so--

- I know! - Where's Grace?

They asked really--

[dialing phone keys]

[phone ringing]

[phone ringing] [phone ringing in lobby]

[phone ringing in lobby]

When did you get here?

I've been here since this morning.

I've been here since this morning. Why didn't you come say hi?

Why didn't you come say hi?

Why didn't you come say hi? Waiting for a private moment.

Waiting for a private moment.

Waiting for a private moment. Your mom-- [sighs].

Your mom-- [sighs].

These are for you.

You came home and didn't see me.

She told you.

Sam.

Sam. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. Why do you let her bully you?

Why do you let her bully you?

I mean, if you're going to come to town to see me, then see me.

Don't let her make you turn around and go home.

Oh, hi Jenny.

Hey.

I- I didn't know you were going to be here.

Just came this morning to say hi.

Hi.

Danny.

Danny. Hey, Sarah.

Hey, Sarah.

Nice to see you.

Oh.

Those are beautiful flowers.

Do you want to come to lunch with us?

No, no.

No, no. I don't want to intrude.

I don't want to intrude.

I don't want to intrude. Oh, come on.

Oh, come on.

There's plenty of room.

There's plenty of room. That's OK.

That's OK.

That's OK. This is for you guys.

This is for you guys.

No.

No. It's for my family.

It's for my family.

It's for my family. Danny, just come.

Danny, just come.

OK?

It's- it's fine.

Really.

[elevator dings]

Can't believe you've been practicing every day.

For hours and hours.

Well, I'm real proud of you.

All of you.

All of you. So you're coming tomorrow, right?

So you're coming tomorrow, right?

So you're coming tomorrow, right? Course I am.

Course I am.

Kidding me?

See you tomorrow.

You know it.

You know it. Real nice meeting you.

Real nice meeting you.

Real nice meeting you. Ah, pleasure's mine, Danny.

Ah, pleasure's mine, Danny.

So, you, lobby.

15? - OK.

I'm going to go grab my guitar.

I'll be right there, guys.

OK.

That was nice.

Yeah.

So, listen.

Now that you're here, maybe we should talk about what you're

looking to get out of all this.

What I'm looking to get?

Yes.

What's in it for you?

What's in it for me is to be part of my daughter's life.

So, what.

If she wins, suddenly you're her father again?

If she wins, suddenly you're her father again? Win or lose.

Win or lose.

And whatever she wants, and whatever you'll allow.

And if that means I'm no one, then I'm no one.

I have a--

we- we have a rehearsal we got to get to.

So.

So. I'll see you tomorrow.

I'll see you tomorrow.

See ya.

See ya. [SOFTLY PLAYING GUITAR AND HUMMING]

[SOFTLY PLAYING GUITAR AND HUMMING]

Don't mean to disturb anything,

but I just thought I might offer my services.

I don't mean to step on your toes or nothing,

I don't mean to step on your toes or nothing, but since guitar is my instrument--

but since guitar is my instrument--

You want help me practice?

Yeah, I really do.

I know you and Grace got a good thing going here.

So if it's any kind of problem.

Uh--

Of course I'm OK.

Come on in.

Thank you.

May I?

Sure.

[sighs]

[sighs] [plays guitar strings]

[plays guitar strings]

I sure do remember this.

[playing bluesy guitar tune]

Hmm.

Hmm. The action's still good.

The action's still good.

Hey, could I have a moment alone with Grace?

Of course.

Yeah.

[inaudible].

You know I'm here, right?

I guess.

I just want you to know I'm here

because you're my daughter.

No other reason.

OK.

I mean, I was going to wait to come and see you

I mean, I was going to wait to come and see you until after you did the show.

until after you did the show.

But I didn't want you to think I was only coming 'cause you won

or 'cause you lost.

OK.

And I want to clear up one other thing.

Your mom didn't tell me not to see you when I came back.

She didn't?

No.

In fact, she wanted me to see you.

I chickened out all on my own.

Why?

I got so--

I- I didn't want to come back until--

until I had something to show.

To show for what?

The time I've been away.

But there's nothing.

And if I wait any longer, there won't even be you.

So here I am.

No career, no album, no money.

Just me.

That's all I've been waiting for.

I'm so sorry, baby.

[somber guitar music playing]

[upbeat, hopeful music playing]

[car horn honking]

[crowd roaring]

Can I have your autograph?

Can I have your autograph? - Me? - Yes!

- Me? - Yes!

Sign it!

Please sign it.

My pleasure, but you haven't even heard my song yet.

Who cares?

You might be famous someday.

Then it'll be worth money.

OK, well.

Good luck!

OK, Mary Lou, you'll be in room number one.

Jamie, two.

Grace, you'll be in number three.

All down the hall to the left.

Families, say your goodbyes now, because from here on in,

it's all up to our three teens.

OK.

Well, I guess this is it.

Sweetheart, I love you.

Just go out there and squish it!

It's- it's crush it, grandma.

Oh.

Oh. Crush it, squish it.

Crush it, squish it.

You know what I mean.

[giggling]

Listen to me.

No matter what happens out there.

Remember, let's have some fun, OK?

Remember, let's have some fun, OK? I'll try to be awesome.

I'll try to be awesome.

I'll try to be awesome. Atta girl.

Atta girl.

Uh-oh.

What?

You said some people are better than awesome.

You are some people.

Come here.

[sighs heavily] Honey.

Oh, sorry.

Y-y- you go ahead. - No, please.

You go first. - No, no.

Just--

Can't you both just hug me?

Honey, it's-- yes.

Of course.

Wh- wh-

OK, this is ridiculous.

OK, this is ridiculous. Just hug your daughter.

Just hug your daughter.

- Why did you have to do that? - Look, just--

- Guys. - Forget it, OK?

Can't you see she needs us here right now?

Why- why are--

You've been here 48 hours.

You're going to tell me--

Oh, here you go making a big deal out of something again.

- A big deal-- - Really?

Stop it!

OK, honey, come here.

OK, honey, come here. C-c-c'mere.

C-c-c'mere.

You're- you're going to be great.

You're- you're going to be great. You're going to be great, honey.

You're going to be great, honey.

You're going to be great, honey. You're going to be--

You're going to be--

you're going to be fantastic.

Grace.

[knocking]

Who is it?

My god.

Miss Parton!

Aw.

Aw. You can just call me Dolly.

You can just call me Dolly.

Dolly.

May I come in?

Of course.

Would you come and have a seat with me?

You know, they've got me all rigged up

with all these cameras and all these monitors everywhere.

And I saw what happened with your folks out there.

And I saw what happened with your folks out there. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Well, don't you be sorry, I can show you

on an instant replay how you were just perfect.

I was?

I was? You're perfect now.

You're perfect now.

You were perfect on your audition tape.

Seems to me like you're just a perfect little lady.

And I am usually right about a thing like that.

Thank you so much.

Well, I don't have but a second, and truth be told,

I'm really not supposed to talk to any of the finalists

I'm really not supposed to talk to any of the finalists until I see you out on stage.

until I see you out on stage.

But I just didn't want anything to cause a precious little gem

But I just didn't want anything to cause a precious little gem like you to lose her shine.

like you to lose her shine.

I won't.

You promise?

You promise? I promise.

I promise.

Well, all right then.

Let's go put on a show!

[epic music playing]

[epic music playing] ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, live from Dollywood, will you

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, live from Dollywood, will you

please welcome your host for the first annual Country

Star of Tomorrow, the legendary, the lovely, Dolly Parton!

Star of Tomorrow, the legendary, the lovely, Dolly Parton! Hello, everybody!

Hello, everybody!

[cheering, applause]

[cheering, applause] [whistling]

[whistling]

Hello!

Thank you!

Woo!

Merry Christmas, everybody!

Well, you sound like you're in the Christmas spirit.

Well, you know, it is Christmas, and this is

a big and special night for us.

We got a lot of show to do.

But I just thought it wouldn't be right

for us to kind of start a show here at this time of year

and not do a little bit of something,

even something as simple as Jingle Bells.

You want to do a little bit of Jingle Bells?

Yeah, why not?

(SINGING) Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells,

(SINGING) Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

jingle all the way.

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh, hey!

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh.

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh!

Yeah!

(NORMAL VOICE) Now that is what I call giving it all you got!

And isn't it giving a big part of what Christmas is all about?

Well, tonight, our three finalists

will give us the precious gift of themselves.

Their heart, their creativity, and their courage

to put themselves on the line.

Now, you all at home, and you folks here in the audience,

we're going to give one of them the gift of a recording

contract and a US concert tour.

contract and a US concert tour. What do you think about that?

What do you think about that?

[applause]

[applause] All right, let's get this thing going!

All right, let's get this thing going!

From Louisville, Kentucky, let's give a warm Tennessee

welcome to our first finalist, Miss Mary Lou Memphis singing

her original tune, Fiddling Around.

Come on out, Mary Lou.

[applause]

Take it away!

They're waiting for you.

OK.

[music - "fiddling around"]

(SINGING) Well, I was just fiddling around downtown

the first time I saw you.

Started fiddling with the thought

I'd do what I had to do to make you mine all mine.

True love is hard to find.

Since then, I spent nearly all my time

Since then, I spent nearly all my time fiddling around with you.

fiddling around with you.

Just fiddling, fiddling, fiddling around.

Picking 'em up and laying 'em down.

Yodel-ay-ee-ay, yodel-ay-ee-oo.

Fiddling around with you, with you.

Fiddling around with you, with you. Fiddling around with you.

Fiddling around with you.

Ah-ha!

Let's go, boys!

[fiddling faster]

Ah-ha!

Take that!

[cheering, applause]

Thank you!

Yessiree, that's very good!

I just want to wish Jamie and Grace good luck.

We all worked hard to get here.

Oh, that's very sweet of you, Mary Lou.

Oh, that's very sweet of you, Mary Lou. And good luck to you.

And good luck to you.

All right, thank you.

How about another hand for Miss Mary Lou Memphis?

How about another hand for Miss Mary Lou Memphis? [cheering]

[cheering]

[cheering] All right!

All right!

Well, our second finalist is a young fella from Texas.

Ooh, he's good looking, and he can tickle those ivories

Ooh, he's good looking, and he can tickle those ivories like nobody's business.

like nobody's business.

Here he is singing his original song, Dirt Road Dream.

Would you make welcome Jamie Warner.

[cheering, applause]

[cheering, applause] Oh, he's a Texan, all right!

Oh, he's a Texan, all right!

Howdy, cowboy. - Hi.

Howdy, cowboy. - Hi. How are you?

How are you?

- Good. - Thank you.

Well, why don't you go down there

and show us what you can do?

and show us what you can do? All right.

All right.

[cheering]

[music - "dirt road dream"]

(SINGING) All I need is a radio song,

all of my friends singing along, full tank of gasoline,

and a dirt road dream.

Along the way, maybe fall in love with the girl next door,

kick up some dust.

Hands in the air if you know what I mean.

It's a dirt road dream.

It's a dirt road dream. Come on, come on.

Come on, come on.

Come on, come on. Come along with me.

Come along with me.

You know time, time to slow down.

You know time, time to slow down. Get the wheel spinning around.

Get the wheel spinning around.

Oh, come on, come on, come on, who's with me.

I'm chasing a dirt road dream.

Oh, a dirt road dream.

Oh, come on, come on, come along with me.

You know time, time to slow down.

Get the wheel spinning around, oh come on, come on, come on,

who's with me?

who's with me? I'm chasing a dirt road dream.

I'm chasing a dirt road dream.

Oh, a dirt road dream.

Oh, a dirt road dream.

Oh, a dirt road dream.

[cheering, applause]

[cheering, applause] Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Wow, looks like they're loving on you!

Thank you guys.

I mean, I may be whatever age I am,

but you never get too old to dream.

but you never get too old to dream. [cheering, applause]

[cheering, applause]

[cheering, applause] Well, now, everybody, a little girl

Well, now, everybody, a little girl

from Tennessee with a guitar, just like yours truly.

The lovely Grace Gibson singing her original song,

The lovely Grace Gibson singing her original song, Miss You, Miss Me.

Miss You, Miss Me.

Miss You, Miss Me. Grace, come on out here.

Grace, come on out here.

Grace, come on out here. [cheering, applause] - Well, now.

[cheering, applause] - Well, now.

Look at her.

Pretty as a little doll.

You go get seated.

You go get seated. They're waiting for you.

They're waiting for you.

[cheering, applause]

[whistling]

[music - "miss you, miss me"]

(SINGING) Miss me.

Don't you miss and want to hold me now and then?

And kiss me, and tell me I'm your little girl again?

Daddy, when you left, did you remove yourself

from every sweet remembrance of me?

I'm always missing you, I hope you miss me too,

and everything we were and still could be.

Miss little things like walking in the park.

Miss summer nights with fireflies in a jar.

Vague memories of you playing your guitar.

Miss all of this, it's true.

Miss all of this, it's true. But mostly I miss you.

But mostly I miss you.

Because no one else could ever take your place.

And mama, don't you miss the things that home is all about?

And oh, the drama caused by the anger you keep acting out.

Why can't you both just see you didn't divorce me?

Forgive, forget, and try to get along.

I miss us being close.

I miss us being close. I love and miss you both.

I love and miss you both.

Don't miss the plea I've written in my song.

Your little miss is missing out on you.

And you're both missing out on so much, too.

Put pride aside and do what you should do.

Just let resentment go, let your true feelings flow.

Guess you could think of it as saving Grace.

I love, miss you both.

I love, miss you both. I want us to be close.

I want us to be close.

Won't you help me be your amazing Grace?

I miss you.

Miss me.

[cheering, applause]

Thank you.

That was just just terrific, darling.

It really was.

It really was. You're making me cry back there!

You're making me cry back there!

You're making me cry back there! Oh, that is so sweet.

Oh, that is so sweet.

So beautiful.

You know, a lot of people have been talking

You know, a lot of people have been talking about how refreshing it is to have

about how refreshing it is to have

a young African-American girl singing country music.

Of course, now all of us musicians

know that that's been the case since country music began.

That's right.

[applause]

And, uh, this song of yours, if you don't mind me asking,

it sounds like that might be something personal.

Um-- yes.

And your family, they're all here, aren't they?

And your family, they're all here, aren't they? Um, my family's here.

Um, my family's here.

Well, won't you guys stand up, so we can take a look at you?

[cheering]

(VOICE BREAKING) Um, I want to say that all of you

(VOICE BREAKING) Um, I want to say that all of you are the reason that I'm here.

are the reason that I'm here.

And win or lose, I will always be your student, your grandkid,

and your daughter.

I always will be, whether this contest makes me a star,

or a girl going home on a funny looking church bus.

We love you, Grace.

We love you, Grace. Good luck.

Good luck.

Won't you stand up and take a bow?

You certainly deserve one.

You certainly deserve one. [wild cheering and applause]

[wild cheering and applause]

It's all right.

[dramatic music playing]

ANNOUNCER: And, back in five, four, three--

[cheering, applause]

Well, welcome back, everyone!

Well, America has met our three finalists, heard their songs,

felt their music.

And I don't think anyone can deny that you all

had a tough choice to make.

Why don't you give these three another big hand?

Why don't you give these three another big hand? [applause]

[applause]

But!

A choice has been made by all of you in the audience,

and all of the folks watching at home.

And here in my hand is the winner of the first ever

And here in my hand is the winner of the first ever country star of tomorrow.

country star of tomorrow.

You ready over there?

Ready out there?

I always love this when they do the award shows where you just

keep everybody in suspense.

[laughter]

And the country star of tomorrow is--

Jamie Warner!

OK, Jamie!

OK, Jamie! [applause]

[applause]

DOLLY PARTON: Woo!

All right, Jamie!

Well, how about that?

[laughs] Well, congratulations to you, and you take that,

and you might want to frame that.

And I know that you did a great job, and you did win.

But now, these girls are not too shabby.

How about another nice hand for Mary Lou Memphis,

and our beautiful little Grace Gibson over there?

[cheering, applause]

Well, that's it, everybody!

We're filled with love, but out of time.

So thanks so much for tuning in for our very first country

star of tomorrow.

So come on back next year, cause it could be you.

It's like I always say, you're never

going to do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try.

So good night and Merry Christmas!

[cheering, applause]

So you take this and go down and help us out a little more.

[music - "dirt road dream"] - Good job.

[music - "dirt road dream"] - Good job. Thank you.

Thank you.

Your folks are out there waiting for you.

Won't you go join them?

Thank you.

(SINGING) And all I need is a radio song, all

of my friends singing along--

[crowd clamoring]

[gasps]

You did so good.

You did so good. I'm proud of you.

I'm proud of you.

You see, baby?

You won.

You won.

[music - "silent night"]

GRACE AND DANNY: (SINGING) Silent night.

GRACE AND DANNY: (SINGING) Silent night. Holy night.

Holy night.

Holy night. All is calm, all is bright.

All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon virgin mother and child.

ALL: Holy infant so tender and mild.

ALL: Holy infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night.

Silent night. Holy night.

Holy night.

Holy night. All is calm all is bright.

All is calm all is bright.

This looks good!

Round yon virgin, mother and child.

Holy infant so tender and mild.

Holy infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

[upbeat music playing]