TV Watch

Mario Lopez to Host New MTV Music Competition

08/25/2008 at 12:00 AM EDT

American Idol may have a new judge, but MTV has its own secret weapon: PEOPLE's Hottest Bachelor Mario Lopez, who will helm the cable network's new music competition show.

Lopez, who also hosts MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, will host a new reality series called Top Pop Group, which will feature nine unsigned music groups to compete for a $100,000 grand prize.

Celebrity coaches will mentor the pop groups, advising them on style, sound and dance moves, while a panel of celebrity judges (whose names have yet-to-be-announced) will give the groups feedback on their performances. Viewers at home will vote for their favorites and name the official “Top Pop Group” each week, narrowing the field to a winner.



Marianela Pereyra, a reporter for Access Hollywood and a celebrity commenter on CNN’s Showbiz Tonight, will share hosting duties with Lopez.

Lopez will host a casting special Aug. 28 on MTV at 9 p.m., which will viewers will get a sneak peek at the Top Pop Group audition before the series’ premiere Sept. 11 at 10 p.m. --Jessica Gold Haralson

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