George Jones helps John Rich on 'Gone Country'

By April MacIntyre Jan 27, 2009, 2:25 GMT

CMT's series "Gone Country" starring John Rich is a reality series now in its third season. 

The legendary George Jones was enlisted to give instruction and blessing to this diverse crop of contestants. 

The debut episode aired Saturday on CMT at 8/7c and will re-air tonight at 9pm.

Rich and his team have cornered seven well-known celebrities in the fancy mansion to duke it out and see if they have what it takes to become country radio’s next big phenom.

Julio Iglesias Jr. won season one and Sebastian Bach was season two champ, the new crop vying for some fame will include former Miss USA Tara Conner, "21 Jump Street" actor Richard Greico and American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini. The Monkees‘ Micky Dolenz, Taylor Dayne and Prince cohort Sheila E. and George Clinton are in the mix too.

Clinton will attempt to go from Parliament to the Grand Ol’ Opry  in his pursuit to record a country song with John Rich, half of Big & Rich and host of Gone Country. The seven contestants will all live under Rich’s giant Nashville roof as they’re schooled in the ways of country music.

For the full CMT airing schedule, please visit: link