Plot Synopsis

Ten undiscovered country singer-songwriters live together in Nashville and compete in music-related elimination challenges as they vie to win the title of "CMT's Next Superstar." According to executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, the contestants are judged on their song writing, radio interviews, music videos and photo shoots. Each week, one finalist is eliminated by a panel of judges, and America votes to determine who wins the title. The winning contestant is announced at the 2011 CMT Awards in conjunction with the release of that artist's new single. The 10 finalists are: Bri Bagwell (age 23; Las Cruces, NM); Adrienne Beasley (age 22; Wickliffe, KY); Courtney Cole (age 24; Mandeville, LA); Danielle Lauderdale (age 23; Orange Park, FL); Andrea Pearson (age 29; Kelowna, BC Canada); Steven Clawson (age 29; Thomasville, GA); Matt Dame (age 37; Batesville, AR); Matt Mason (age 25; Fairland, IN); Ben Smith (age 29; Gainesville, TX); and Wynn Varble (age 50; Hampshire, TN).