USA Network has announced that illness will once again prevent Nashville Star 3 host LeAnn Rimes from hosting tonight's penultimate episode of the country music reality competition series. As she did last week, fellow country artist Sara Evans will fill in for Rimes.
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Rimes is recovering from a broken blood vessel in one of her vocal cords, the result of a severe case of viral bronchitis. In addition to her Nashville Star duties, the illness has also forced the 22-year-old entertainer to postpone several personal appearances and performance dates.
Four contestants remain competing in the competition -- Jody Evans, Erika Jo Heriges, Jason Meadows, and Jayron Weaver.
In addition to serving as last week's fill in host, the 34-year-old Evans has twice appeared on the show as a guest performer during its three-season run.
While the network had previously stated that Rimes would recover in time to host next week's Nashville Star season finale, her doctors have also stated that "there is no timetable for her return," leaving it uncertain as to her role in the April 26 finale.