With the television writer’s strike in its sixth week, speculation has been rife that the 2008 American TV season would lean even heavier on reality shows.

Right on time, CMT has announced that they have teamed up with the producers of American Idol to launch Can You Duet, a singing competition where vocal duos go head-to-head in the now familiar Idol format. It is expected to begin airing on CMT in the spring of ‘08, but no firm dates have been set.

Any US citizen or legal resident who is not currently under contract with a record label is eligible to audition. Duos are welcome to provide their own accompaniment, but only acoustic instruments will be allowed. Those selected to compete will need to available in Nashville for up to several weeks during taping, with all expenses covered by the competition.

With as strong a tradition of duo harmony in bluegrass as in country – surely even pre-dating the many popular country duet partners – this seems like a great opportunity for a couple of strong bluegrass singers to step up and be noticed.

Auditions begin this weekend in Long Beach, CA and video taped submissions are being accepted until December 14. There will be a big open call audition in Nashville on January 12, 2008 at the Wildhorse Saloon, after which the selections will be made.

You can find all the pertinent details on the CMT site.