Nigel & Simon Lythgoe Launch CMT'S NEXT SUPERSTAR

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' Co-President Simon Lythgoe and Nigel Lythgoe, co-founder and president of Big Red 2 Entertainment, a newly 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."

About Legacy Productions

In 2010, Emmy-nominated producer, Simon Lythgoe partnered with his television mogul father, Nigel Lythgoe and his newly formed company, Big Red 2 to launch Legacy Productions, a Production Company that specializes in reality competition shows and scripted comedy. Through the Los Angeles-based Legacy Productions banner, the father-son production team has already cemented partnerships with a number of producers and executives in Hollywood, with a slate of 10 shows in development for 2011. Among Legacy's charter group of partners are veteran producers from "America's Got Talent," "American Idol" and Dick Clark productions.

About Simon Lythgoe

Simon came to the United States from the U.K. in 2001 to produce "American Idol" after successfully completing work on "Popstars," an Australian talent competition and ancestor of juggernaut, "American Idol." Prior to arriving in the U.S, Simon had already amassed an impressive list of television credits, including work on the Sydney Olympics and the Seven Network's long-running drama, "Home and Away," and "Late Night with David Letterman." Since his arrival in the U.S., Simon has produced six seasons of "American Idol," two seasons of "So You Think You Can Dance," and Mark Burnett's, "On the Lot," a series developed for Fox. In 2007, Simon was recruited by "American Idol" producer, Fremantle to co-executive produce CMT's "Can You Duet," and "Celebrity Family Feud." Simon consulted on "America's Got Talent," and "Let's Make a Deal." Simon has received 3 Emmy nominations for his work on "American Idol" and 1 Producers Guild of America nomination and in 2005 received a People's Choice Award for "American Idol."

About CMT

CMT, a unit of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 91 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network's digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.

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