Shania Twain and Jake Owen signed on to host a new country-focused singing competition called Real Country. According to a casting call, "Real Country features the next generation of country artists competing along the path of the country music legends who came before them."
From the sound of it, Twain and Owen have a fairly significant role in the show. They both select artists and host the performances. Acts will participate in invite-only showcases and each time, one moves on to the grand finale.
"It's been an incredible year for me, releasing my new album and coming back to country music," Twain says in a press release. "I feel it's time for me to add my own support in finding our greatest undiscovered talent. It's beyond thrilling to be leading the charge with Real Country, and I'm on a mission to find artists who will keep country music diverse and dynamic — the kind of diversity that inspired all of us."
Read More: The 15 Best Shania Twain Songs, Ranked
Twain also executive produces the show. Real Country isn't looking for bands, but the show does want solo, duo and trio artists "on the verge" of breaking through.
"Country music truly seems to be the healing factor in a lot of people's lives," Jake Owen says. "I will always be grateful for music, whether I'm performing or listening. And I want to encourage up-and-coming artists to tell their stories, find their audiences and make their mark in country music with the same guidance that artists have given to me throughout my journey."
Country music plays a big part in quite a few reality singing shows.
American Idol featured Keith Urban as a judge, and now Luke Bryan. The Voice of course has Blake Shelton. And then plenty of smaller shows focus on Music City as a singing show hub. But Real Country is the first to bring somebody with the firepower of Shania Twain.
The eight part series takes place in Nashville, Tenn. and airs on the USA Network, which is also an interesting development. In the past, shows specifically focusing on country music usually aired on country music networks like CMT or TNN.
Artists interested in applying can head here. Submissions are open until June 18.
