Bravo Greenlights Music Competition Series

NEW YORK: Former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi has signed on for the new Bravo music competition series Going Platinum (working title), which will be hosted by Jewel.

The series will follow 12 musicians as they compete in a number of songwriting challenges, testing their creativity, patience and drive. The show, which was previously announced as Hitmakers, is currently in production and is slated for a ten-episode run in 2011. The series is produced by True Entertainment, an Endemol company.

"Bravo is giving viewers a front row seat to experience the journey and aspirations of these gifted songwriters and see inside this unique creative process for the first time," said Frances Berwick, the president of Bravo Media. "It’ll be inspiring to have Jewel and Kara involved in this series as they share their experience and wisdom in the intensely competitive world of music."

"I am excited to be a part of this show because as a songwriter, I understand the dedication and struggle these musicians are going through," added Jewel. "This series will showcase the passion, talent and determination it requires to become a hit songwriter, and in the end we will find the next big music star."

"Hit songs are the backbone of the music industry, and as a publisher, nothing excites me more than finding new songwriting talent," commented DioGuardi. "I am happy to be a part of a show that helps up and coming songwriters pursue their dreams, while giving the public a look into the creative process."

In other news, as previously announced, Bravo has expanded into five nights of original programming, which will now be anchored by The Real Housewives of Atlanta in the Sunday night slot. Bravo’s twice-weekly late night show Watch What Happens: Live with host Andy Cohen will also make the move, from Monday to Sunday. The new episodes will air immediately following The Real Housewives of Atlanta at 11 p.m., in addition to the weekly Thursday night show. The rest of the week features Thintervention on Mondays, Millionaire Matchmaker on Tuesdays, Top Chef Just Desserts on Wednesday and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Watch What Happens: Live on Thursdays.

"With Bravo’s rapid ratings growth and continued momentum in original programming and new engagement initiatives, we’re expanding to Sunday nights where we can kick off the week earlier and each night becomes a promotional platform for the next night becoming a domino effect that strengthens our schedule," said Berwick. "We think the buzz-worthy sensation surrounding The Real Housewives of Atlanta, with its ravenous fanbase, is the ideal launch for this new night of original programming."