Singer-actor will host ABC's 'Summer Session'

ABC has tapped Nick Lachey to host its extension of the "High School Musical" franchise this summer.

The singer and actor will serve as host for "HSM: Summer Session," which will give aspiring performers a chance to hone their skills and ultimately win a still-secret but undoubtedly "High School Musical"-related prize.

The show, which begins a series of casting calls this weekend (info is at ABC.com), will gather a group of performers ages 16-22 to take part in a summer music program. The field will narrow until one performer is chosen to, in the network's words, "receive the opportunity of a lifetime, becoming part of 'High School Musical' history."

It's here that we should note that the third "HSM" movie is scheduled for a theatrical release in October.

Lachey is currently executive producing an MTV show about students at his alma mater, the Cincinnati High School of Performing Arts. The former "Newlyweds" star appeared on NBC's "Clash of the Choirs" earlier this season, and he's prepping a solo album for release later this year.

"High School Musical: Summer Session" is scheduled to premiere in July.