Singers seek fame on ‘Nashville’
“Nashville Star” (10 p.m., USA) kicks off its fourth season. Wynonna and Cowboy Troy will host the eight-episode talent search.
Scheduled guest judges include Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson and the comic Larry the Cable Guy. Celebrity judges will add a third vote to the two regular talent scouts, singer/songwriter Phil Vassar and music-industry professional Anastasia Brown.
Although the ratings for “Nashville Star” cannot be compared to its Fox pop-music rival, one could argue that “Star” has delivered talent equal to, or exceeding that of, “American Idol.”
Miranda Lambert graduated from “Nashville Star” to become a household name in country music.
Her 2005 album “Kerosene” received critical raves. It was the highest-selling debut album of the year and went on to become a certified gold in record time.
Speaking of talent shows, “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox) presents the top 12 finalists for the first time in a two-hour showcase.
The thought of spending six hours in a maternity ward may seem painful and belabored to some. But “Birth Day Live!” (6, 7 and 8 p.m., Discovery Health) puts the accent on the positive. Jane Clayson hosts this documentary covering overlapping stories at three separate hospitals, where three lives will begin over the course of six hours.
Other highlights
A teenage bomber holds a high school hostage on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS).
Questions of trust on “Gilmore Girls” (8 p.m., WB).
Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder star in the opulent 1992 adaptation of “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (9 p.m., Sci Fi), directed by Francis Coppola.
The hunt for a fallen space probe on “The Unit” (9 p.m., CBS).
On back-to-back episodes of “Scrubs” (NBC), little Miss Perfect (9 p.m.), and Clay Aiken guest-stars (9:30 p.m.).
Russian nesting dolls test the patience and skills of competitors on “Amazing Race 9” (10 p.m., CBS).
A school shooting on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (10 p.m., NBC).
Tax evasion and civil disobedience on “Boston Legal” (10 p.m., ABC).
Lem mulls a plea on “The Shield” (10 p.m., FX).
Series notes
On back-to-back episodes of “Joey” (NBC), Carmen Electra (8 p.m.), and a vintage video (8:30 p.m.) … On two episodes of “According to Jim” (ABC), a failure to communicate (8 p.m.), and the swearing o’ the green (8:30 p.m.) … A reluctant gesture of support on “Sons & Daughters” (9 p.m., ABC) … Electrifying developments on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., WB).