LeAnn Rimes Deems Nashville Star Better Than American Idol  2/25/05

LeAnn Rimes deems her country music talent search show Nashville Star "better" than American Idol, because contestants have to write the songs they perform. Rimes, 22, is the third-season host of the show which, like American Idol seeks, out the next big singer. 

But Rimes is proud to declare that her program require requires a lot more of its contestants. She says, "I think the (Nashville Star) talent is always better... The show is wonderful because (contestants) sing with a live band, most play their own instruments, and all of them write their own music. "So there's an overall artist behind it, instead of just a face - and hopefully a voice."