American Idol Goes Country?

American Idol goes country?

That's the idea.

Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe and his son Simon are teaming for a new singing-songwriting competition series called CMT's Next Superstar.

The show is in production in Nashville according to the The Hollywood Reporter and is slated for 10 episodes beginning in April on CMT. The winner will be announced during the CMT Awards in June.

"Country music is all about storytelling, personalities and putting yourself into the songs," says Nigel. "This show is not about going to a set, it's about being in a location that has history to it. We're down and dirty in the heart of Nashville."

(source: USA Today.com)