Sheila E.'s Next Great American Band Blog

Yesterday, I celebrated my birthday on set so that was a nice distraction. John and Dicko got me a cake and the audience started singing "Happy Birthday" to me before they even brought it out. It was overwhelming and kind of caught me off guard but it was very sweet!

There are four bands left and each one had to learn three songs this week. They had to pick their favorite original song, a song picked by the producers, and a song picked by us judges.

I chose four songs from four different artists for The Clarke Brothers because I wanted to give them different options but, at the same time, something they could have fun with. Each judge chose a song for a different band. There were a lot of great moments but I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say the top three blew me away.

I really hope this whole experience has been enlightening for them. I remember the Old #7s saying, “We never would have thought we’d be playing different types of music from these artists.” Musically, it’s going to change them and I think that’s a good thing.

It’s a little difficult to stand up there and play, do your best and still be critiqued by a panel but I hope they take the good and the bad from what little advice we could give them. Learn from not mistakes, but things you would have changed, make it better and enjoy it!

Fox's Next Great American Band airs Fridays at 8 pm/ET

This week is Rod Stewart week. I love Rod Stewart! I think all of the bands did a really great job with his songs. I don't want to spoil the surprise but one of the bands performed "You're in My Heart" and we all just cried. It reminded me of my first time playing music with my dad so it made me really emotional.

It's hard to do somebody else's song but that's what's so great about this show. Everyone did a really good job and I think they're doing that every week. Right now, it's getting to the point where I do not want anyone to go home. It's like, "Can't they all get a deal?

I think everyone's getting nervous now. We're almost done so nobody wants to go home. But, from what I hear, the bands all really love each other. In their clips, they've all said they feel like family. I do too and I'm not even in a band!

It's hard to believe there is only four more shows left. We don't know what the future holds but I wish much success to all of the people that came out and auditioned. I'm hoping later on, after this is over, I can talk to some of the bands and give them advice because it's hard to critique them onstage but not finish the conversation. Hopefully, they'll all take something away from the show that will either jumpstart their career or move it to the next level.

And I would love to help them....

Fox's The Next Great American Band airs Fridays at 8 pm/ET.

I've been the only female on most of the occasions in my life so it's not new to me. But I really have a blast with John and Dicko judging The Next Great American Band.

A lot of times, the guys will make fun of me. They'll say, “You dress so well on and off stage. I don't even care about combing my hair!”

But I think it's really important how you present yourself. Every week, the contestants are getting better. Honestly, it can make or break a band. They're conscious of how they look and they're cleaning up more. Some of them are actually changing their attire based on comments I've made.

I think the bands did a great job this week. They performed songs by Lieber and Stoller, these cool songwriters who have written for artists like The Drifters, The Coasters and Michael McDonald. It was a little bit difficult for the younger band like Light of Doom to relate because they weren't even born when half of these songs were made! But I think they all did a great job.

The winner will be a band that can make a statement with their music. We're looking for the next Elton John, The Beatles, Billy Joel, you know? I absolutely believe we have these kinds of bands on the show.

It's also been great for my career to reach millions of people in one evening as opposed to months and months of touring. I'm having a lot of fun because music is my life. It's what I do and who I am.

Would I sign on for another season? Absolutely. I'm having a great time!

Fox's The Next Great American Band airs Fridays at 8 pm/ET.