Jewel, a three-time Grammy nominee, will join returning co-host Cowboy Troy for the new season, which kicks off Thursday, Jan. 11, at 10 p.m. ET. Though best known as a pop singer, Jewel has deep country roots. “I grew up on a ranch in Alaska,” she says, “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.” Jewel also recorded a duet with Merle Haggard on a new version of his No. 1 hit “That’s the Way Love Goes,” which they performed on the 1999 CMA Awards. And if you think you have what it takes to be a Nashville Star contestant, you can try out Oct. 12 in Nashville at the Wildhorse Saloon.