Ne2ng.Com: The Next: Meet Tayler Buono

The Next was suppose to be CW’s next big hit. However, lackluster ratings kicked off its series premiere. The singing completion follows Nelly, Joe Jonas, Gloria Estefan and John Rich as they search the country for the next big star. Though some see it as just another singing competition, there is a bit of a warm, personal side you don’t experience with other shows on TV.
The judges each mentor one artist after searching the city for the best talent. They have 72 hours to prepare them for a performance at a venue in the city. One contestant is chosen out of all the performers to move on to the live competition in Hollywood.

The first contestant that we meet is Tayler Buono, a singer/songwriter in Orlando. Joe Jonas shows up at her house and immediately hits it off with the girl who considers him one of her idols. His goal is to really get to know Tayler so he can help her have success throughout the competition. He first meets with her parents, admitting that it felt like he was getting ready to take her on a date. After talking with her family and learning that a Jonas Brothers concert was the turning point in her dream, he asks her what type of song she’d like to sing.
Naturally Tayler says she’d be interested in singing Colbie Calait or Taylor Swift (um, awkward), and though Joe says those are great choices, he wants her to step out of her comfort zone. It is then that he tells her they are going to work on One Republic’s “Secrets.” They drive around town singing in the car on the way to her babysitting gig! Imagine if your babysitter showed up with Joe Jonas! Coming from a bigger family you would think that Joe was comfortable with 15 children running around, but it ended up being a charming and comical piece to watch.
Following a night of babysitting the pair meet with Tayler‘s friends who also think that she should step a bit out of her comfort zone. “It’s really time for Taylor to make that next step,” Joe said. After 72 hours it is time for Tayler Buono to make her debut.
When Taylor sings there is not only a natural confidence to her voice, but an innocence as well. It’s truly like you are watching an 18-year-old with 18 years of life experience. Her voice has a folky/breathy tone to it that makes it fun to listen to. However, it was the emotion behind every word that truly sold her performance.
The judges were pleased with what they saw.

Joe Jonas: Amazing. I can definitely you got over the nerves got out here and did a great job. I’m really happy for you.
Gloria Estefan: She wanted everyone to see her vulnerability. I wanted to run up and hug her. Congratulations.
Nelly: I definitely felt her courage there. She laid it all out on the line and she did a great job.
John Rich: It’s tough to get on stage.. But if Joe is your hero and you come out and do that, I Have to say congratulations to both of you.