Bobby Brown trying to launch a career as a country artist

Bad boy singer Bobby Brown is trying to launch a career as a country artist in a new US reality show.

The ex-husband of Whitney Houston swaps his baseball cap for a cowboy hat as one of the contestants on 'Gone Country'.

And he tells his rivals - including 'Thong Song' star Sisqo and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider - he is the real star of the show by turning up in a private jet.

Smooth Bobby, 38, also wastes no time forming an unlikely friendship over a cigarette with former Brady Bunch star Maureen McCormick, who played pin-up Marcia Brady.

The wannabes will live at the Nashville mansion of country superstar John Rich while they battle it out for the right to record a country track.

Rich will pick the winner and produce the record to try to make it a hit with skeptical country fans.

In the first episode, confident Bobby tells the other hopefuls: "Don't take it personal when I win. That's what I'm here for.

"Look out Nashville, I've gone country."

The reformed drug addict adds: "Country music is a part of soul, soul music.

"I feel I'm a soulful person and that's why I'm here."