Season 5 to Premiere in January 2007 - Nationwide Local Market Audition Information Available August 1
NASHVILLE STAR, USA Network′s original grassroots talent search to find America′s next great country music star and the nation′s top-rated country music program, will give another talented and deserving artist their big break when the show returns for its fifth season, it was announced today by Jeff Wachtel, USA′s executive vice president of original programming.
"NASHVILLE STAR's continued success is a true team effort," explains Wachtel. "It′s the best place on TV to find the best new talent in country music. We′re delighted to be bringing it back for a fifth season."
"NASHVILLE STAR is the preeminent television brand in country music today and we are thrilled to be making season five for our great partners at USA Network," added Executive Producer Ben Silverman. "Our multi-talented performers are the best entertainment around!"
Once again, NASHVILLE STAR will be holding open auditions in several towns across America. Official dates and locations will be announced at http://www.usanetwork.com/nashvillestar/ on August 1.
How it works:
1. Those auditioning will have one minute to perform a song off an approved song list.
2. A select few of the most talented will be invited back the next day for a chance to sing either two (2) cover songs from the approved song list or one (1) song off the list and one (1) original song.
3. The top contestants then proceed to one of two regional competitions to again audition for a chance to appear on the show.
The auditions are open to women and men, ages 18 and over (as of January 1, 2007), who think they have what it takes to become the next NASHVILLE STAR. Updated information on auditions including cities, locations and times, song lists and applications can be found on http://www.usanetwork.com/nashvillestar/.
As in the past, the winner of this season′s NASHVILLE STAR will receive a major music recording contract with a top-level record label.
The first four seasons of the series have launched the careers of promising artists including Buddy Jewell, Miranda Lambert and Erika Jo, and the winner of NASHVILLE STAR 2006 Chris Young whose first single, "Drinkin′ Me Lonely" on RCA Records can currently be heard on the radio and his self titled album will be in stores September 26, 2006. Jewell debuted his self- titled CD at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and was eventually certified gold by the RIAA. Runner-up Miranda Lambert became a household name when her "Kerosene" became the highest-selling debut album of 2005. Erika Jo landed at No. 5 on the same chart with her self-titled debut CD and at No. 27 on the Hot 200 Album Chart (all genres), outselling Kenny Chesney, Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich, Tim McGraw and Shania Twain, among others.
NASHVILLE STAR is currently on tour performing a series of concerts across the country. Featured on the 2006 NASHVILLE STAR Tour are this season′s final four contestants - Nicole Jamrose, Matt Mason, Casey Rivers and Chris Young - along with John Bohlinger and the NASHVILLE STAR Band. Check out this year′s stops at http://www.usanetwork.com/series/nashvillestar/ticketing/nashvillestartour.html.
