January 22, 2003

CBS ANNOUNCES
THURSDAY NIGHT'S
"STAR SEARCH" PERFORMERS

Countess Vaughn Celebrity Guest Judge on "Star Search" To Be Broadcast

Thursday, January 23

STAR SEARCH, a one-hour variety/talent series hosted by Arsenio Hall and inspired by the original "Star Search" television program (1983-1995), announced the performers set to be broadcast on Thursday, Jan. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT). Countess Vaughn is scheduled to serve as the celebrity guest judge. Regular celebrity judges include Naomi Judd, Carol Leifer and Ben Stein.

STAR SEARCH is a nine-episode, one-hour series featuring live tournament-style competitions in four categories -- adult singer, junior singer, comic and supermodel -- culminating in the grand-prize winning STAR in each category. Voting will be done by a panel of both celebrity judges and viewers at home via the Internet who will determine the winners and $100,000 grand prize winner in each category.

Following are the "Star Search" performers for Thursday, January 23

Show #6, Thursday, Jan. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT)

ADULT SINGERS

Name:           "KB" Kevin Boykin
Occupation:     Singer
Age:            20
Hometown:       Los Angeles
Category:       Adult Singer

Name:           Rebecca Valadez
Occupation:     Singer
Age:            23
Hometown:       San Antonio, Texas
Category:       Adult Singer

(More)

CBS Television...2

JUNIOR SINGERS

Name:           Kailey Ervin
Occupation:     Minor
Age:            13
Hometown:       Fort Worth, Texas
Category:       Junior Singer

Name:           Karen Flores
Occupation:     Minor
Age:            13
Hometown:       Pasadena, Calif.
Category:       Junior Singer

COMICS

Name:           John Roy
Occupation:     Comedian
Age:            28
Hometown:       Chicago
Category:       Comic

Name:           Owen Smith
Occupation:     Comedian
Age:            29
Hometown:       Largo, Md.
Category:       Comic

MODELS

Name:           Heidi
Occupation:     Model
Age:            26
Hometown:       Atlanta
Category:       Model

Name:           Joanna Krupa
Occupation:     Model
Age:            23
Hometown:       Chicago
Category:       Model

(More)

CBS Television...3

Celebrity Guest Judge

Countess Vaughn stars as Kim Parker, a young woman enjoying her college years with an unusual accessory at her side: her mother (Mo'Nique). Vaughn was discovered on "Star Search" in 1988 when she was named junior vocalist champion and overall junior champion. She subsequently turned her attention to television where she enjoyed a year-long stint on the comedy series "227," starring Marla Gibbs. She also guest starred on "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and "Thea," and had recurring roles on "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper" and "Roc," all before the age of 18. Vaughn originated the character of Kim Parker on UPN's "Moesha," and played the role on that series for four years before being given her own series. Vaughn's other television appearances include hosting several segments for "MTV" and an episode of "Soul Train."

STAR SEARCH is produced by 2929 Productions. Andrew Golder is executive producer.

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                        Phoebe Glassner 212/975-3148            pglassner@cbs.com