Nigel Lythgoe going a little bit country with new CMT series
Should Carrie Underwood be shaking in her cowboy boots?
Nigel Lythgoe, the executive producer of "American Idol" and co-creator of "So You Think You Can Dance," is teaming up with Simon! No, not that one. His son Simon!
The father-son duo are gearing up to launch a new music competition series on CMT in search of the next country star.
In "CMT's Next Superstar," from Legacy Productions and Big Red 2 (owned by Nigel and Simon, respectively), contestants will compete while living together in Nashville.
There will be the requisite celebrity guests each week, performance rounds and music business-related "challenges." And it's all about country -- that means giving pop or Motown hits a country feel.
"This isn't just a singing competition, the contestants will also be judged on their songwriting, radio interviews and music videos," Nigel Lythgoe said in a statement. "We're looking for more than just a singer, we want the complete creative, talented package -- performer, personality and writer. We want the next Country superstar.”
Each week a finalist is to be eliminated, with viewers having the opportunity to take part in a final vote to determine the winner.
The 10-episode series will begin in April.
-- Yvonne Villarreal
twitter.com/villarrealy
Photo: Nigel Lythgoe. Credit: Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times
