NASHVILLE, TENN. – April 19, 2006 – NASHVILLE STAR, the nation’s top-rated country music series, will kick off episode seven with an opening performance by country music superstar Hank Williams, Jr. of his current hit “That’s How They Do It In Dixie,” while rock icons Scott Weiland and Duff McKagen of Velvet Revolver sit in as guest judges, it was announced today by Libby Hansen, USA Network’s vice president of alternative series & specials.     Episode seven will broadcast live on Tuesday, April 25 at 10:00 PM ET on USA Network. 

"When we booked the infamous Bocephus a few weeks ago, we laughed about having to implement a five second delay,” jokes Hansen.  “Add Weiland and McKagen giving unedited advice to our contestants, and it’s enough to make any network executive a little nervous.   There is no question it will be an exciting and unpredictable episode!”  

Recognized only by a few, Weiland & McKagen have long-standing ties to Nashville’s music scene having written and performed with some of country music’s premiere artists and crediting Jerry Jeff Walker, Emmy Lou Harris, Merle Haggard and Graham Parsons to having helped shaped their careers.

“I have always been influenced by country artists along my musical journey,” explains McKagen.  “Lately, I have been fortunate enough to be working with some of the great Nashville writers. I look forward to participating as a guest judge in a musical genre that is so close to my heart.”

Award-winning actress Ashley Judd will also make a special appearance to honor her sister and Nashville Star host Wynonna with a career achievement award recognizing an important career milestone and total album sales.   

“Very few artists achieve the level of success that Wynonna has reached,” said executive producer H.T. Owens.   “Having her sister Ashley on the show to honor her is one of those heart warming moments that people will always remember.” 

Last Tuesday's original episode of NASHVILLE STAR saw impressive growth over the previous week, earning 1.3 million in P25-54 and ranking as the #1 show in its 10p time slot.  This was the most-watched regular season episode (non premiere/non-finale) of NASHVILLE STAR in almost three years (since the 4/26/03 Season 1 episode).   Additionally, season four has seen a 32% increase in viewers who vote either by phone or online totaling 1.2 million votes per episode.   

NASHVILLE STAR is created by Reveille and executive produced by Ben Silverman ("The Biggest Loser," "The Office") and H.T. Owens ("The Restaurant," "30 Days").  Jeff Boggs (Late Show with David Letterman, Tom Green Show) will executive produce in association with Reveille again for the second year.  The show is produced by Jon Small ("Garth Brooks Live From Central Park," "Billy Joel Live at Yankee Stadium") and his production company, Picture Vision, alongside co-executive producer Mark Koops ("The Restaurant," "Blow Out"). 

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