'The Next'

What? Another singing competition? In the CW's twist on the format, Gloria Estefan, John Rich, Nelly and Joe Jonas, go to a different city and help groom four up-and-coming artists for a local performance. Each week a winner is chosen (with a "fan favorite" to be determined later). Tonight the show heads to the Big Apple. Excited yet? 9 p.m. Thursday on the CW (seattletimes.com/tvlistings).

Doug Knoop, Seattle Times staff

dknoop@seattletimes.com or on Twitter @dougknoop

Also on Thursday

"Republican National Convention," 4 p.m. (MSNBC): The 2012 Republican National Convention from Tampa, Fla.

"NFL Preseason Football," 7 p.m. (Fox): Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks (Live).

"Project Runway," 9 p.m. (Lifetime): The designers get a chance to have their clothes featured in a special collection at Lord & Taylor stores.

"Rookie Blue," 10 p.m. (ABC): A chaotic night at the station leads to an investigation by Internal Affairs; Gail struggles to recover from her harrowing abduction; Andy discovers a secret about Nick's past.

"Extreme Chef," 10 p.m. (Food): Cooking like Native Americans and adapting to indigenous desert foods and tools.

"Louie," 10:30 p.m. (FX): Louie might get a break.

The New York Times