Over 20,000 singers auditioned nationwide over the past few months and thousands more submitted via tape for USA's hit talent search Nashville Star. As the selection narrows to find the final 10 that will be part of the show's fifth season premiere on Thursday, January 11 (10 pm/9 Central), Grammy Award winner Randy Owen and country star Blake Shelton have joined seasons three and four judge Anastasia Brown in the show's panel of judges.

"We've created the perfect panel of judges for season five," says Jeff Wachtel, executive vice president, original programming, USA Network. "Anastasia brings continuity from the previous seasons and is a hot industry insider who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Blake is a new, young, smart country voice who has had great success in a short period of time. And of course Randy is country royalty, bringing knowledge and experience in his own unique way."