Six Degrees of Martina McBride

Martina McBride photo by Andrew Southam, courtesy of Front Page Publicity

July 30, 2007 — Tonight, six country music hopefuls will get their chance at stardom on the two-hour ABC News special, "Six Degrees of Martina McBride."

The contestants have to first track down Martina in six steps or less, proving that everyone in the world is connected by a human chain of six people. If successful, they will each get a chance to show off their talent before one walks away with a record deal.

Though a little skeptical at first, Martina tells Dial-Global she enjoyed the experience of having the "six degrees" theory played out in her life. "It was really interesting," she says. "You wonder, 'Is this gonna work?' I mean, really a total stranger from nowhere can figure out in six steps or less how to find me. I don't think I can give away exactly what happened, but it's a fascinating concept and it was a really fun show to do. It just goes to show you it's a very small world definitely."

Miranda Lambert, one of the judges on the show, admits being a little concerned about advising the contestants, although she does feel confident in one area. "I've been playing bars since I was 17, so on that side of things I feel like I do have a lot to offer," she says. "I think one of the most important things is spending time on stage. My biggest advice to them is, 'Go learn who you are and learn how to deal with an audience that's drunk and loud and you can barely hear yourself over because it really helps.' When I went to 'Nashville Star' I was ready to be on stage because I had spent so long just in Texas honky tonks."

"Six Degrees of Martina McBride" airs tonight at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.