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'American Idol' Producers Launch New Country Music Competition

'CMT's Next Superstar' will begin in April

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February 10, 2011 3:20 PM ET
Nigel Lythgoe
Nigel Lythgoe
Toby Canham/Getty

American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is teaming up with his son Simon to launch CMT's Next Superstar, a new singing competition that will begin in April on CMT. According to Lythgoe, the program will be distinct from Idol not only in its emphasis on country music but in that contestants will be judged on their songwriting and music videos.

Photos: Random Notes

Though CMT'S Next Superstar is set for a 10-episode run with a finale at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, none of the show's judges or celebrity guests have been announced. The winner of the contest will be announced at the CMT Awards in June.

'Idol' producer launching a country music competition [CNN]

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