A Nashville Star is reborn: The country music competition show that aired for five seasons on USA will move into a bigger galaxy — on sister network NBC — for season 6. Created by NBC chief Ben Silverman’s former place of employment, Reveille (The Office, The Biggest Loser), the reality series will air its sixth cycle this summer alongside season 2 of American Gladiators, before the network begins coverage of the Summer Olympics in Beijing. The network switch makes perfect sense to Nashville exec producer Howard T. Owens, who notes, “We feel like country music is one of the few growing musical genres and now country music encompasses every type of American music that has a guitar in it. If Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Mellencamp, or Sheryl Crow came out today, they would all be marketed under the country banner, and the theme of Americana music is what we’re going to capture with the show this year.”
Casting for Nashville begins next month, and this time aspiring solo artists, duos, trios — or any other band configuration for that matter — can audition. (Artists to emerge from the first four seasons include Miranda Lambert, pictured; Chris Young; Buddy Jewel; Lance Miller; and Angela and Zac Hacker.) “We’re not just looking for country acts, we’re looking for American music superstars,” says Owens. “If you’re a mom and a son, if you’re the next Mellencamp, if you’re the next Dixie Chicks, bring it on, because we’re an incredible platform and can give you the exposure that the right new music sensation deserves.” You heard the man, America. Do it for the love of your country.
(Additional reporting by Mike Bruno)
This actually makes me kind of nervous. Nashville Star may have been less of a ratings success/pop culture phenomenon than American Idol. But as a forum for showcasing genuinely talented acts who deserve recognition from country radio (Buddy, Miranda, Chris Young, George Canyon, etc.), it was way more successful than AI has ever been. Part of that, I think, had to do with it being buffered from the mainstream by being on cable. But if NBC intends it to be a direct competitor to AI, it’ll be plagued by novelty acts and pretty untalented blondies.
I have enjoyed Nashville Star in the past. I am 52 black and love country music. My favorite currently is Reba. Dolly was another favorite. I enjoyed Lester, Earl, Conway etc.I agree it would be horrible if NBC turns this into a showcase for no talent freak shows. I was amazed in the past with the level of talent and class on this show. Please NBC do not destoy this program.
Hmmm. I hope your comment about no talent blondes is NOT referring to Carrie Underwood. She is a talented class act. I love both albums! Maybe you’re referring to the new Best New Country Artist.
I have to agree with the comments from Nicki on Jan 18th, I very much enjoyed this show, hope it dosen’t change for the worst, have been waiting for it’s return.
i love NS best music contest out there i watch AI just for laffs…so pls someone tell me when is ns coming back on the air n what network? the left hand corner saids march 8,2003 im hoping this is an error lol ty
I’m afraid that this great show will be destroyed. I will watch to see how it goes. I do not watch AI, and will not watch this if it looks like AI. Why mess up a good thing?
I have enjoyed watching Nashville Star the past few years. It is very exciting to watch the contestants sing their hearts out and sad to see them go. Our children and granchildren call one another,each of us with our favorite contestant and discussing who we think will win or lose. I look forward to the 2008 premeir.
I’m so sad NS won’t be on this winter, it was a nice break from the cold& dreary days, I really looked forward to this show, I hope they don’t ruin it! Waiting for NS, please keep it simple!
I SURE HOPE YOU DONT TAKE NASHVILLE STAR OFF , OR CHANGE IT IN ANY WAY , I LOVE THAT SHOW AND LOOK FORWARD EVERY YEAR TO SEEING IT, WHEN WILL IT BE ON THIS YEAR, I REALLY LOVE THE SHOW . VERNA
I SURE HOPE YOU DONT TAKE NASHVILLE STAR OFF , OR CHANGE IT IN ANY WAY , I LOVE THAT SHOW AND LOOK FORWARD EVERY YEAR TO SEEING IT, WHEN WILL IT BE ON THIS YEAR, I REALLY LOVE THE SHOW . VERNA
please let me know when nashvillestar is going to be this year. would someone e-mail me if you know, I don’t want to miss it.
when will nashville star be on for this year. Just love the show best on TV.
I just head that one of the original finalists, Charla Corn, got booted for a group called Third Town. Lovin me some drama! NS is on NBC this Monday night! I’m pumped!
cant wait to watch the new season this monday!!!
I am just trying to find out how to get an audition on the Nashville Star show. I live in St Joseph, MO, which the closest place for the auditions is the Beaumont club in Kansas City MO. Please email me if you have any information for me. Thank you