Judges, Host Revealed for “Next Great American Band”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (August 28, 2007) – The producers behind “American Idol” are hoping to take the musical reality genre to a whole new performance level with a mission to find undiscovered groups on “The Next Great American Band.” Singer/songwriter John Rzeznik (The Goo Goo Dolls), legendary percussionist and performer Shelia E. (“The Glamorous Life,” “A Love Bizarre”) and Australian TV personality Ian “Dicko” Dickson (“Australian Idol”) will serve as judges while Dominic Bowden (“New Zealand Idol”) hosts the series premiering Friday, Oct. 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The show will air in its regular time period on Fridays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).

From the auditions, the show’s judges – Rzeznik, Sheila E. and Dickson – will narrow down the hopefuls to 10 semifinalist bands who will perform weekly in front of a live studio audience. The judges will have their say after each performance, but viewers will vote for their favorite bands to determine who stays in the competition. Voting begins immediately after each show, and the results will be announced, by host Bowden, at the beginning of the following episode.

Each week, the bands will perform either original music or covers of varied styles. The range of genres will test their musical limits, and could also strike the wrong chord in their personal and professional relationships. The season finale brings the ultimate battle of the bands, with the last three groups competing to secure a contract with 19 Recordings and the title of “Next Great American Band.”