Listen to clips from Kristen McNamara's country album

It's no secret that Kristen McNamara, whose group was at the center of controversy on Wednesday's episode of the second round of Hollywood Week, was once a Star Search contestant in addition to being a contestant on the fourth season of Nashville Star, where she placed sixth. She also put out an indie album titled Restless, which was available on her official Web site until she began her Idol journey. Listen to clips of six songs below:

She's no Carrie Underwood, but Kristen could definitely be this year's Kellie Pickler or Kristy Lee Cook as the token country contestant. Maybe she might break the stigma and prove that country Idol finalists can finish far if their name isn't Carrie.

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John Rich: 'American Idol' infuriates me

Following Paula Abdul's high profile gaffe on Tuesday's performance episode of American Idol, John Rich, a country music producer and member of the duo Big & Rich, went on the attack, voicing his opinions of the talent show.

Rich said the following at an NBC press event, at which he was promoting the upcoming season of Nashville Star, on which he will serve as a celebrity judge.

"'American Idol' infuriates me as an artist. They're being fake about it. When you can't make a cognizant comment about someone's performance and you're commenting on something that happened the day before, why don't you just walk up onstage and slap them right across the face while you're at it? As an artist, I would just flip them the bird and walk off the stage. ... She wasn't even paying attention to what was going on."

Rich's comments did not go unnoticed. A statement was issued by FOX in response to the criticism.

"John Rich's ungentlemanly and opportunistic comments are particularly disturbing considering the fact he attended a taping of 'American Idol' last April, told producers, judges and performers he enjoyed himself and also did an interview with a crew from 'American Idol Extra' where he was extremely complimentary toward the show."

One has to agree that even though it comes off as a desperate ploy for publicity for Nashville Star, Rich is voicing true concerns that have been raised after this week's series of events, and should be addressed by FremantleMedia.

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