Jewel - the singer, not the case...

"She's [Jewel] hosting a hillbilly reality show."

Hee hee. In 1980, Linda Ronstadt did the Muppet Show. By the looks of the Amazon reviews of the DVD (Best of the Muppet Show rel. 2003), she didn't do that great of a job. By contrast, Jewel nailed all her performances on the "hillbilly reality show." But hey, this kind of nonsense is irrelevant, isn't it?

To paraphrase one hayseed's song (Johnny Cash, who introduced, you guessed it, Linda Ronstadt, way back when on his own "hillbilly variety show"), Jewel "is doin' alright for country trash."

Ronstadt's appearance on the Muppet Show was a guest appearance.

The hillbilly reality show is Jewel's gig.

Big difference.

You're playing with one arm tied behind your back.
I'm done; you're too emotionally involved to make sense.

To quote one of the great minds of our time, "hee hee".

When I said I didn't think Ronstadt had anything over Jewel, I should have qualified that. Ronstadt is great, no doubt, but there are at least 3 issues here. Talent, versatility, and lifetime accomplishments. I believe Jewel is in the Ronstadt league on the first two aspects, but clearly not the third. I should also concede that Jewel may or may not ever establish that breadth of versatility, but I believe she has the ability based on what I've heard already. I could be wrong (who knows what Jewel's interests turn out to be over a lifetime), but that's my take.

I have always appreciated Ronstadt's technical prowess and her versatility, but I can't remember her music ever moving me as some of Jewel's performances frequently have done. Hats off to all the truly greats, including Ronstadt, but meanwhile, I think Jewel also is great. If I'm wrong, I'm not far off. Also if I'm wrong, so what, her voice still amazes me and I enjoy it more than some of the "greats."

Finally, Eva Cassidy's voice is truly beautiful and remarkably moving.