Nashville Star has announced country singer, songwriter and producer and John Rich will serve as one of the show's sixth-season judges and mentors.

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"Not only is John Rich one of the biggest stars to come out of country music, he is also an award winning songwriter and producer," said Nashville Star executive producer Howard T. Owens.  "I have no doubt that he will be the perfect mentor for all the contestants throughout the season of Nashville Star."

While he's largely known as half of country music's Big & Rich duo, Rich has also dabbled in the reality realm more recently. 

He served as the host of Gone Country, a reality competition series that followed seven established musicians as immersed themselves in a all things Southern for the chance to record and release a country song, which aired earlier this year on CMT and was won by pop singer Julio Iglesias Jr.

Rich also made a cameo appearance on a recent The Celebrity Apprentice episode on NBC, in which he made a donation to help fellow country star Trace Adkins' charitable efforts.

Hosted by former Dancing with the Stars fourth-season celebrity participant Billy Ray Cyrus, Nashville Star's sixth season will premiere Monday, June 9 at 9:30PM ET/PT.

The winner will receive a recording contract and the opportunity to perform at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, which will commence August 8 and be broadcast on NBC.  Rich will write and produce the winner's debut single.

In addition to Rich's gig, Nashville Star creator Reveille has also announced a joint venture with AEG Live and Warner Bros. Records.

Warner Bros. Records will support artist development, record and release songs from the sixth-season winner and other contestants; while AEG Live will promote an upcoming Nashville Star North America concert tour.  AEG Live has promoted Dancing with the Stars two most recent post-show tour.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
Christopher Rocchio is an entertainment reporter for Reality TV World and has covered the reality TV genre for several years.