“Idol” and “Star” shows move to NBC, with new plans. After five misplaced seasons on the USA Network, the country crooner competition moves to a new broadcast network, NBC, for its next season, starting tonight.

Although there are voices saying that the show copies “American Idol,” country star John Rich says that the two talent-search shows are “dramatically different.” Among the pluses of “Nashville Star,” one may note that the contestants’ ability to write songs and play is mandatory and the show is designed for professional singers.  

This season’s host will be Billy Ray Cyrus. Best known for his hit single “Archy Breaky Heart,” Billy Ray Cyrus has eight top-ten singles on the Billboard country music charts. The judges are singer-songwriter and record producer John Rich, 2006 BMI Songwriter of the Year Jeffrey Steele and Alaskan-born siren and three-time Grammy nominee Jewel, the Gazette notes. Ben Silverman (now head of NBC) and H.T. Owens are the show’s original producers.

“Country music is so huge now,” said John Rich, one of the judges for the sixth “Star” edition. “When you have a Kenny Chesney show drawing 80,000 people, you know it’s big.” The winner will sing before a world audience at the Olympics in Beijing and then record an album which Rich will produce.

The “Star” host said John Rich “brought a whole new vitality.” “Every now and then somebody kicks the door open, with something new and fresh,” Billy Ray Cyrus said. The show will be stuffed with crossover types.  

“This will redefine to America what country music is about, and where it's headed,” Rich said.