The fifth season of USA’s Nashville Star will begin on January 11th, with Jewel taking on co-hosting duties. Nashville Star is the country-fied version of American Idol, searching for the next best country singer. Cowboy Troy returns as co-host, and I have to honestly say that I have no idea who that even is. At least they have a big name like Jewel to bring in more viewers. Jewel is rising to the co-hosting challenge, saying “I grew up on a ranch in Alaska, and my favorite memories are of sitting around a campfire with my father and listening to the songs he wrote and sang. It was pure country music, and it has made me a sincere fan of country music ever since.” At least she’s reminiscing about growing up in Alaska, and not about living in a van (as the tale goes, that’s how she spent the early days of her career). Her latest album, “Goodbye Alice in Wonderland” came out in May. The winner of Nashville Star will get a recording contract.