"Nashville Star" strikes it Rich

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Country star John Rich, who forms half of the multiplatinum duo Big & Rich, will be a judge-mentor on talent show "Nashville Star," which is switching to NBC after five seasons on USA Network.

Additionally, Rich will write and produce the winner's debut single for Warner Bros. Records. "Nashville Star" premieres June 9 on NBC with Billy Ray Cyrus as host.

After the season ends, contestants will launch a full-scale North American concert tour. During its USA run, "Nashville Star" spawned small-town treks.

Rich is nominated for six Academy of Country Music Awards this year including song of the year. He has written hit songs for such artists as Gretchen Wilson, Faith Hill and Cowboy Troy. He also produced Jewel, Randy Owen of Alabama and James Otto's current albums as well as all of the Big & Rich albums. He's now producing his first solo effort on Warner Bros. and Wilson's fourth album.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter