USA Network's shakeup of its Nashville Star series continued last week with the announcement that country music star LeAnn Rimes will replace Access Hollywood co-host Nancy O'Dell as the host of the upcoming third edition of the country music reality series. The news follows an earlier announcement that the show was changing its format to be "young and fun" and "reflect what's happening on today's country music scene."
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Rimes' new hosting duties won't be her first appearance on the show -- she performed as a special guest on the second season finale of Nashville Star in May.
"As we move forward into the third season of Nashville Star, Nancy O'Dell will pass the hosting torch to LeAnn, who will lend a unique artist's perspective to the show," said Libby Hansen, USA's vice president of alternative series and specials, in making the announcement. "LeAnn embodies the vitality of country music. We couldn't be more thrilled to have her on board."
"As a singer and songwriter, I have great admiration for many of the budding stars who come to try their hand at performing, and can relate to the hopes and aspirations of all the contestants, no matter how good or bad, " stated Rimes. "Nashville Star is great TV - it has drama, humor, sadness, fun and great music. I am really excited to host the show and of course, I have big shoes to fill with Nancy's departure."
"LeAnn is a superstar whose presence grounds the show firmly in its Nashville country music roots," explained Jeff Boggs, who's joining the show as a new executive producer as part of its shakeup. "As Nashville Star grows in popularity, we must continue to feed it creatively with big name talent that will inspire our country music hopefuls."
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Only 21-years-old, LeAnn Rimes has already sold more than 30 million albums since her breakthrough hit "Blue" debuted in 1996 and has been an inspiration for young singers ever since. She has won two GrammysŪ and numerous CMA and ACM Awards, headlined several international tours, made countless TV appearances, and appeared in 1999's Coyote Ugly film.
Rimes' most recent release, "LeAnn Rimes Greatest Hits (To Be Continued)," includes sixteen of her chart smashes, and two new songs, including the hit track "This Love."