Co-host Jewel tones down the twang on ‘Star’

Happy holidays everyone! While on vacation this week, I had time to catch up on some reality TV in between trimming the tree, shopping and wrapping gifts. You’ll be pleased to know that there’s a little something for everyone coming up next month.

I won’t spoil all the secrets now, but get ready for a January full of premieres of some favorites.

USA’s “Nashville Star” has a new co-host. Jewel replaces Wynonna Judd alongside Cowboy Troy. The two appear to work well together, and maybe we won’t hear quite as many “honeys,” “darlin’s” and “sweethearts” from her as we did from Judd.

The talent level also has been kicked up a notch this season, which may be hard to believe.

It’s too early to tell, but I’m guessing that one of the ladies will walk away the next “Star” this season. But then again, Dustin Wilkes has the country name, attitude and stage presence to make it far.

Check out the extended premiere for yourself at 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, on USA.

If country music isn’t your thing, the CW Network is scheduled to show the casting chronicle for “Beauty and the Geek’s” third season Jan. 3 with a two-hour special.

Just like before, teams made up of one geek and one beauty will compete in a series of challenges that will test their smarts and their social ability. The remaining team wins the grand prize of $250,000.

I’m not sure whether there’s any chance that the geeks’ brains will rub off on the beauties, or whether some of these guys can make it in a real social situation. It’s going to be a rough and entertaining season.

The two-hour premiere starts at 8 p.m. Wednesday, which will be the show’s regular time slot for the eight-week season.

Want something a little more corporate? The Donald is back, but this time he has left New York to film the sixth season of “The Apprentice” in Los Angeles.

There are a couple of new twists this season that should spice things up. Stealing an idea from “Survivor,” it’s not all penthouses for these contestants, and there’s even more incentive to win.

If you lose, you likely will find yourself camping. That’s right: The Donald is sending the losers to live in a tent, while the winners get to stay in a gorgeous L.A. mansion. Imagine corporate beauties trying to primp for meetings and challenges while roughing it. I can’t wait.

There’s also a new face in the boardroom. With Carolyn gone, The Donald had to find a replacement, but didn’t search too far. His daughter, Ivanka, has been recruited as the newest judge in the boardroom and I think she’s going to be tough.

I’ve already scoured the NBC Web site trying to pick the next winner, but it’s too early to predict. Go to www.NBC.com to see if you have better intuition than I do – or just watch the premiere at 9:30 p.m. Jan. 7.