Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Kenny Rogers, Sara Evans, Hank Williams Jr., WWE Wrestler John Cena, and Patti Labelle to Appear
NASHVILLE STAR, the nation´s top-rated country music series, has blasted out of the gate in an all-new star-studded fashion with some of entertainment´s biggest names for the fourth season of the hit talent search series, it was announced today by Jeff Wachtel, USA Network´s executive vice president of alternative series & specials. Nashville Star airs Tuesdays on USA Network at 10:00 PM ET/9:00 PM CT.
"We really wanted to book performers and guest judges from varying backgrounds. We even have a pro wrestler joining us this year," explains Wachtel. "Big & Rich kicked off our premiere with unbridled energy and provided the contestants with a lot of great suggestions based on their own experiences in the industry. I think Nashville Star fans will find themselves more excited than ever as the season begins to unfold."
Episode two (March 21), themed "Redneck Revolution," has been increased to a 90 minute episode because producers felt the content to be so compelling. It will open with a live performance from Grammy-Award winning superstar Gretchen Wilson, while Larry the Cable Guy will provide some "Blue Collar Comedy" from the judges´ table alongside show veterans Anastasia Brown and Phil Vassar. In the third week (March 28), American music legend Kenny Rogers will take the stage with a performance of his hit song "The Gambler" and WWE Champion John Cena will serve as the guest judge. Viewers of Episode four (April 4) will be treated to an opening performance by multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans. In episode five (April 11), show host and five time Grammy-award winning superstar Wynonna Judd will perform, while multi-Grammy Award winning musician, producer and composer David Foster will guest judge. In the sixth episode (April 18), renowned R&B artist Patti Labelle will take the rotating judge position. In week seven (April 25), country music superstar Hank Williams, Jr. will open the show. The show finale (May 2) will be action-packed with performances by show co-host and "hick hop" originator Cowboy Troy, Arista Nashville singer/songwriter and show judge Phil Vassar, as well as a return performance by Muzikmafia´s Big & Rich.
"We've got all our bases covered, from old country like Hank Williams, Jr. and Kenny Rogers to other music genres like R&B´s Patti Labelle," says executive producer Jeff Boggs. "Our celebrity lineup is hotter than ever this year and our contestants are the most talented group yet. It will be addictive television."
