Country music star, singer, songwriter and acclaimed producer John Rich has signed on to find the next “Nashville Star.” Rich will be one of the judges and mentors on NBC’s music competition series and his experience on and off the stage is sure to put some heat on the budding artists. The Texas native, most recently known as one half of the multi-platinum Warner Bros. Records duo, Big & Rich, has been honing his writing skills for years. He has made a name for himself as an artist in his own right, a producer, and an award-winning songwriter. In addition to his accolades as a performer and songwriter, Rich has helped other artists catapult to stardom along the way. Currently named one of People Magazine’s most powerful people in the music industry, John has managed to create his own musical movement better known as the “MuzikMafia.” Several years ago, Rich, Big Kenny, and a group of friends began playing out together. What started out as a group of musicians throwing casual jam sessions at a local Nashville haunt, evolved into a band of brothers (and sisters) – the MuzikMafia. Gradually, the movement turned into one of the most exciting scenes in Nashville. Other founding members include multi-platinum selling artist, and ACM female vocalist of the year, Gretchen Wilson, Warner Bros. Records artists James Otto, who debuted 3 on the Top 200 chart in April 2008 and Cowboy Troy. Eventually it led to the pairing of John Rich and Big Kenny – thus creating Big & Rich. While John is hard at work on his own career, a solo record scheduled to be released this Fall, he is simultaneously working to further the careers of other members of the MuzikMafia and artistic community. He co-produced not only his own Big & Rich record Horse Of A Different Color, but Gretchen Wilson’s first and second records, Cowboy Troy and James Otto’s current records, Randy Owen of Alabama’s first solo record, and Jewel’s first country record, to name a few. Rich’s writing credits include the Gretchen Wilson hits “When I Think About Cheatin’” and “Here For The Party” as well as her ACM award-winning single of the year “Redneck Woman.” Rich also wrote Faith Hill’s smash hit single “Mississippi Girl” and co-wrote the majority of the songs on Cowboy Troy and Jason Aldean’s latest albums and co-wrote Big & Rich’s 1 single, “Lost In This Moment”. He also had past cuts on Martina McBride, Clay Walker, and Aaron Tippin’s albums. Rich currently lives in Nashville.