Country Expands Its Influence On TV

Miranda Lambert is reported to be serving as executive producer of a TV show based largely on her childhood in East Texas. The scripted drama will tell the story of a family whose parents are private investigators and the children assist in solving crimes. Miranda was raised in Lindale, Texas, where her parents, Rick and Beverly Lambert, operated a detective agency. Miranda’s mother will also be an executive producer of the program. It is said to be a production of the ABC Family network.

A new memoir by Ashley Judd will reveal the details of growing up in the Judd house. Excerpts from All That Is Bitter and Sweet are showing up online and are said to include horrific stories about her childhood. "I loved my mother," Ashley writes about Naomi Judd, “But at the same time I dreaded the mayhem and uncertainty that followed her everywhere.” You may also want to catch Ashley’s search into her family history when she is featured on the TV series Who Do You Think You Are? this Friday on NBC. Ashley’s not the only one giving a behind-the-scenes look at the family. A new reality series follows Naomi and Wynonna Judd as they tour for the last time. The Judds premieres this Sunday on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network. The Judds have released a new album, I Will Stand By You: The Essential Collection. It features 12 Judds hits and two new songs.

Also premiering on Friday is the new reality series CMT’s Next Superstar. The first episode showcases move-in day as the 10 contestants take up home in the Music Mansion. For their first task, they’re responsible for turning a smash hit in another genre outside of country into a country song. At the end of the episode, one will be eliminated. Las Cruces’ favorite contestant, Bri Bagwell, is on the show because she heard about the auditions from Miranda Lambert’s mom. Bri said, “Well it was really weird because I’m the biggest Miranda Lambert fan there is and um, her mom called me. She said that they’re having auditions in Texas at their winery. And the next thing I knew I was on the show!”

LC Native Bri Bagwell To Appear on CMT

Congratulations, Bri Bagwell! Originally from Las Cruces, Bri will be a live-in contestant on the new reality series, CMT’S NEXT SUPERSTAR. Five men and five women will fight for the title in CMT’s latest competition series premiering Friday, April 8. Hosted by Thea Andrews (“Top Chef Canada,” ESPN, “Entertainment Tonight”), in each episode of the ten episode series, CMT will search to find America's next great country star and will open the door for undiscovered singer/songwriters who think they have what it takes to make it in the country music industry.

The show will allow the world to see every triumph and every set-back unfold weekly as each contestant will compete while living together in a house in Nashville, providing a rare and revealing inside look at the all ensuing drama that can take place when musical adversaries live and compete together.

Contestant auditions were held around the country. The cast finalists are:
- Bri Bagwell, 23, Las Cruces, N.M.
- Adrienne Beasley, 22, Wickliffe, Ky.
- Courtney Cole, 24, Mandeville, La.
- Danielle Lauderdale, 23, Orange Park, Fla.
- Andrea Person, 29, Kelowna, British Columbia
- Steven Clawson, 29, Thomasville, Ga.
- Matt Dame, 37, Batesville, Ark.
- Matt Mason, 25, Fairland, Ind.
- Ben Smith, 29, Gainesville, Texas
- Wynn Varble, 50, Hampshire, Tenn.

The contestants will try to impress celebrity guests each week through a series of music business related ‘challenges’ and grueling performance rounds. Each week, one finalist will be eliminated and America will have the final vote to determine who will be crowned CMT’S NEXT SUPERSTAR. Hang on, Bri! Cruces will be here to vote for you!