Hayden Panettiere Is A Style Superstar Who We Love

ABC has picked up the pilot of a new drama series, 'Nashville,' a family soap set in the music industry, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The show, which at this point will only film the first episode, stars Hayden Panettiere ('Heroes') as breakout musical sensation Juliette Barnes and Connie Britton ('Friday Night Lights') as Rayna, the 40-year-old superstar mother of two, who has been forced to tour with the up-and-comer.

Previously announced cast members include Eric Close ('Without a Trace') as Rayna's loyal husband, along with Powers Boothe ('24'), Sam Palladio ('The Hour'), Clare Bowen ('Home and Away'), Jonathan Jackson ('General Hospital') and Robert Wisdom ('The Wire').

It's Hayden Panettiere! Hayden's long-sleeved take on the classic Greek goddess-style gown was described as "too nun-like" by some other fashion critics, but we dig its quirky appeal. The tomato-red color is great on Hayden, and makes the modest cut that much more interesting...and let's face it, the bright yellow clutch and sky-high python-print shoes make this a look that's much too fresh and wild for the nunnery. And while things got a little crazy from the back—the dress has a keyhole detail topped by a miles-long bow that reached nearly to her knees—the actress' big, confident smile goes to show that sometimes, the best fashion is also just for fun.

And our other lady in red? Erika Christensen, who wiggled her way into this ultra-glam long-sleeved look for the Costume Designers Guild Awards this week. And while the va-va-voom vibe of this body-hugging gown is perfect for the occasion, we can't help noticing that it fits more like a weak handshake. Erika's gorgeous figure is being showcased not at all by the saggy bodice and bunching across the hips. The biggest surprise? That not one of the costume designers on hand pulled her into the ladies' room for some lickety-split alterations.

Oscar winner Callie Khouri, who won for writing 'Thelma & Louise,' has partnered with R.J. Cutler to write and executive produce 'Nashville.' Cutler will direct the show's pilot, which Deadline.com describes as "about love, country music, family, politics and sex."

In addition to her acting career, Hayden has a slew of singing credits. Her debut single, 'Wake Up Call' was released in 2008. She also has a variety of songs that can be found on various movie soundtracks, including 'Ice Princess,' 'Cinderella III: A Twist in Time' and 'Hoodwinked Too!'

ABC Pilot Casting: Hayden Panettiere Heads to 'Nashville', Ashley Greene Goes 'Americana'

Hayden Panettiere is plotting her primetime TV comeback by landing a role in ABC's pilot "Nashville". The 22-year-old, who is best known for playing cheerleader Claire Bennet on "Heroes", will play a teen sensation named Juliette Barnes, Deadline reports.

Set against the backdrop of the Nashville music scene, the new drama revolves around a 40-year-old superstar Rayna James, whose star begins fading. She is forced to team up with Juliette on tour in order to maintain her label's support for her latest record, whose sales have been underwhelming.

Prior to Panettiere, Robert Wisdom, Powers Boothe, Clare Bowen and Jonathan Jackson have been cast in "Nashville". The pilot, which is described as a family soap about love, country music, family, politics and sex, is written by Callie Khouri and will be directed by R.J. Cutler.

It doesn't happen every day that two pretty celebs show up in our weekly fashion feed wearing dresses on a distinct theme—but that's exactly what happened this week, when one beautiful blonde went head-to-toe red in a long-sleeved, body-hugging, floor-sweeping gown...and then another showed up in a slightly less-formal take on the same hue and silhouette. But while one of them tickled our fancy, the other just cramped our style file. Who's this week's Style Superstar?
In another ABC pilot development, Ashley Greene has signed up for "Americana". The Alice Cullen of "Twilight" movie series takes the female lead role, Alice Clarke, and will star opposite Anthony LaPaglia.

LaPaglia plays iconic fashion designer Robert Soulter, who is also the patriarch of a famous fashion industry clan. Greene's character will join Robert's business and her shocking arrival will turn his family and the legendary label on its ear.
Phillip Noyce is set to direct "Americana" with the script provided by Michael Seitzman. The project will mark the second time Greene starring in ABC's show after she recently appeared on "Pan Am" in recurring basis.