ABC announced Wednesday a new music series Greatest Hits. Each episode will highlight a five-year period celebrating the biggest hits from that time, hosted by Arsenio Hall and Kelsea Ballerini.
Each week, iconic music artists, as well as today’s music chart-toppers, will take the stage and perform the songs that defined the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The six-episode series will feature special solo performances, never-before-seen duets and incredible tributes on “Greatest Hits,” premiering THURSDAY, JUNE 30 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on the ABC.
Kelsea Ballerina and Arsenio Hall. Now there is an odd pair. Kelsea is the fast rising country music singer with two big hits, “Love Me Like You Mean It” and follow-up “Dibs” – from her critically-acclaimed debut album The First Time. The Black River Entertainment recording artist (Kellie Pickler is her label mate) is the first solo female artist in 15 years to hit #1 with her first two country singles and one of only 11 women to have ever hit the top of the charts with a debut. Her third single, ”Peter Pan,” is doing well on country radio. Kelsea is also appearing on Nashville She’s also made a guest appearance as herself on ABC’s musical drama Nashville back in March.
Arsenio Hall has a long history as a host, including heading his own late night talk show–twice–back in the late 80s/early 90s and one season on his own syndicated talk show in 2013. He won Celebrity Apprentice in 2012, the season American Idol alum Clay Aiken came in second yet again.
This series could be worth paying attention to if the covers are arranged and produced well, and they manage to round up some interesting musical guest stars. Or it could be a D list clusterf*ck. I’m going with the later considering the show is a last minute addition scheduled in the dead of summer. If there is anything worthwhile to post, you’ll definitely see it here.
Greatest Hits is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures. Ken Ehrlich, James McKinlay and Raj Kapoor serve as executive producers and Leon Knoles directs. David Wild is writer/producer. Ken Ehrlich has produced several seasons of the Grammy Awards. So there is that.
