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'Nashville Star's' John Rich cares not for 'American Idol'

By April MacIntyre May 2, 2008, 19:10 GMT

Television\'s No. 1 show, American Idol, returns for its seventh season when it premiered in January. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the hit series empowers viewers to discover America\'s next solo singing superstar by voting for their favorites to win the coveted American Idol title. Every year, tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the nation audition for a shot at stardom and a chance to be the next American Idol. The ...more

Country superstar John Rich spoke today on a panel for NBCU's summer press preview day at the Langham in Pasadena California. 

Rich assured assembled journalists that his new talent show for NBC,  "Nashville Star" won't be treading over familiar ground like "American Idol," a show that he has no love for.

"I HATE American Idol" says a passionate Rich. "American Idol infuriates me, you can tell when somebody's comment is scripted and when it's genuine."

"There's a reason their ratings are in the toilet"

In a not-so veiled swipe at "Idol" judge Paula Abdul, Rich continued.  "They're being fake about it, the biggest difference between our show and theirs is that our comments are real notes, constructive criticism, and the fact we have respect for the contestants.

Rich was fired up. "If I had been that constant (Jason Castro) onstage after Paula got through with her comments about my so-called second performance, I would have flipped them the bird and said, 'thanks Paula' and left the stage and returned to wherever I came from."

"I wouln't be on that show for all the money in the word." Rich finished.
Rich did note he was friends with "Idol" judge, Randy Jackson.

"I know Randy, he's a great guy, but the problem is the respect level for these people who compete on the show.  The recent comments are what really bother me, and I am sure that Paula is a fine lady, but I take offense as an artist to what she said."

I spoke to Rich earlier before the panel, and we talked about the Langham's sketchy scrambled eggs, "safe" potatoes and bacon, and his other reality effort, "Gone Country." 

Rocker Dee Snider came up right away.  "He's a great guy, he was terrific to have on the show." 

Snider and his wife are currently shepherding handsome son Jesse Blaze through MTV's "Rock the Cradle", and he is considered a strong contender to take the competition.

Much more on NBC's "Nashville Star" and many other NBCU shows to come.