Nashville Star ... Do or Die

It's one of the most widely seen country music shows in recent years, but Music Row and Country radio never really got behind it - "Nashville Star."

Was it thought of as an "American Idol" rip-off? Maybe, but all that is history. USA Network is gone and they were not going to invite the show back. per Variety. Now it's the mothership NBC with "Nashville Star." The smallest NBC audience is more than GAC and CMT combined. So, Music Row and Country radio better think twice before dismissing this show.

If "Nashville Star" gets a decent budget with new hosts and judges, maybe it can really fly. If it crashes and burns, we all get a little bloody. Country needs to succeed on network TV! If it does, copycats will come and away we go!

CMT's "Gone Country" starts Jan 25th. That's the reality show with the C- and D-level stars going country. I can not get excited about this one; "Celebrity Apprentice" is all I can handle as it is.

Mr. Chesney making lots of headlines this week. He was called out on stage by George Strait Thursday night in Birmingham to sing "Shiftwork." The crowd almost broke the sound barrier. Strait NOT doing the Houston Rodeo in March. He will be on his yacht.

Chesney's stadium show lineup is as strong as ever this year. Chesney with Keith Urban, Sammy Hagar, LeAnn Rimes and Gary Allan are the July 5th Nashville show.

Saw something amazing at the local IMAX theatre. U2 in Imax 3D. Wow, I didn't know I even liked U2 that much. A concert film that you can feel and TOUCH. IMAX sound systems are great anyway. I sort of hate the cheesy glasses you have to wear, but it's a small price to pay for the thrill. Hanna Montana is out with her 3d film in February. The Stones have an IMAX coming, too.

Dave Robbins leaving Blackhawk after 15 years. Tim McGraw has shaved his head?

Faith has surgery on her knee? Stevie Nicks in town doing music that also will appear on a PBS special.

Charlie Daniels going in the Opry cast over the weekend. A smart move for both.

The Grammys and maybe even the ACMs may get muddy with the Hollywood writers strike. The Grammys may get a picket line and that will make many not able to cross. Same for the ACMs in Vegas. The strike has been civil so far ... key words: SO FAR.

Tues Jan 22nd the Grammy folks will honor all the local nominees.

The summer of '08 is getting a lot of concerts. Tim McGraw's out; so is Kenny, B&D, Toby, Flatts and Paisley.