CMT's PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2/18-2/23

Programming Highlights February 18- 23, 2008

GONE COUNTRY (episode 5) - PREMIERE!

Known for pushing the limits of mainstream country music with the genre-bending Muzik Mafia, John Rich, of the hit country duo Big & Rich, takes on his biggest challenge yet, taking seven established performers from every realm of the entertainment and music industries and immersing them in all things country for a chance to break out as the next big country superstar. The one who is most successful at crossing-over by the end of the series, will have a country single produced by Rich. The tour bus picked up the seven cast members - Carnie Wilson, Dee Snider, Diana DeGarmo, Julio Iglesias Jr., Maureen McCormick, Sisqo, and lastly, the unlikely country hopeful, Bobby Brown - at different "Music City" landmarks, and now it is time to find out who has truly GONE COUNTRY. This week Rich turns his focus to the contestants' physical image and introduces them to legendary designer, Manuel, who will provide the group with special attire for their final performance. After shopping, the cast heads back to the mansion for another lesson in image, preparing for press interviews. Two journalists come to the mansion to ask the group the tough questions they can expect when attempting to cross-over to country music. And finally the group learns to two-step, and some of the cast lag behind. Premieres Friday, February 22 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT