Despite initially being downplayed as a low rent and countryfied American Idol rip-off, Nashville Star proved itself to be a reality TV player when it went on to become the longest running competitive reality series on cable. Execs took notice of the show's popularity and starting this Monday Nashville Star finds itself with a new home on NBC.

With the move from the lower key land of cable to the high profile world of primetime television, expectations are high. The show plans to grow to fit its new home on a bigger network with a bigger stage, bigger stars, and a bigger talent pool than ever before.

This year will see a new cast of personalities overseeing the contestants. The new host is country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, famous to my generation for “Achy Breaky Heart” and famous to the younger folks for being Miley Cyrus's dad. Last year's host, recording artist Jewel, is now a judge. Joining her are producer, recording artist and songwriter John Rich along with hit-writing songwriter Jeffrey Steele. The Nashville Star producers promise that not only will the judges do the usual after performance critiques, but will also mentor the performers to help them grow.

The contestants this year will range in age from 16 to 50 with groups of two or three now welcomed to compete alongside the solo artists. Contestants include a trio of teenage sisters, a mother of five, and a male model who is sure to be a hit with fans of reality TV eye candy, among nine other solo singers and groups. The winner that is chosen by the viewing public will be awarded a record contract with Warner Brothers Nashville and will also perform at one of the biggest events in the world: the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

The new season kicks off with a two-hour premiere which will show highlights of the audition process and also unveil the top 12 performers and groups that we will be furiously voting for during the next few months. Performing during the premiere episode will be country sensation Taylor Swift, bringing a bit of fame to the Nashville Star stage and showing the younger contestants what you can do at 18 if you know how to work your singing and song writing talents.

Nashville Star begins airing this Monday at 9pm. New 90-minute live episodes will air each following Monday until the winner is announced. BuddyTV will be here all summer long with episode recaps and all the latest Nashville Star news, and we hope you join us for what's sure to be a thrilling new season.


- , BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: NBC
(Photo courtesty of NBC)