"CMT's Next Superstar" to premiere in April

Father-son team, Nigel & Simon Lythgoe announced today that they have partnered with CMT to launch a new music competition series designed to find CMT’S NEXT SUPERSTAR. CMT’S NEXT SUPERSTAR is set to premiere in April on CMT.

CMT’S NEXT SUPERSTAR will be executive produced by Legacy Productions’ President Simon Lythgoe and Nigel Lythgoe, Chief Executive Officer of Big Red 2 Entertainment, a jointly-formed company with 19 Entertainment. Former CMT exec Bob Kusbit, also executive produces in his first outside project for the network. Brad Johnson and Melanie Moreau serve as executive producers for CMT.

In each hour episode of the ten episode series, CMT will search to find America's next great country star and will open the door for undiscovered singer/songwriters who think they have what it takes to make it in the rough and tumble world of the music industry. The show will allow the world to see every triumph and every set-back unfold weekly as each contestant will compete while living together in Nashville providing a rare and revealing inside look at the all ensuing drama that can take place when musical adversaries live and compete together.

“This isn't just a singing competition, the contestants will also be judged on their song writing, radio interviews and music videos,” said executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe. “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.”

Contestants on CMT’S NEXT SUPERSTAR will try to impress celebrity guests each week through a series of music business related ‘challenges’ and grueling performance rounds. Each week, one finalist will be eliminated and America will have the final vote to determine who will win the title of CMT’S NEXT SUPERSTAR.

"One of the reasons this show stands out from the rest is that it’s the only show where the contestants take an active role in deciding who's in the band,” noted executive producer, Simon Lythgoe. “Whereas contestants must sing in different genres on other shows, this is all about Country music. Our contestants will turn some world renowned songs from other genres like Pop or Motown, pour their soul into it and make it Country.”