TMZ has been reporting behind the scenes details on the upcoming FOX reality competition The Four: Battle for Stardom.
One important tidbit that has not been mentioned in FOX press announcements–the show will reportedly have an emphasis on hip-hop artists. It’s a twist, if true, reveals the network is aggressively marketing the show to younger viewers, and maybe also to fans of the network’s highest rated show, the musical drama, Empire.
TMZ also reports that casting the panel is nearly finished. Diddy, DJ Khaled and Charlie Walk have signed on already.
TMZ broke the story, the program — with an emphasis on hip-hop artists — showcases 4 awesome contestants who have to maintain their seats as challengers come in and try and knock them off.
There are 4 judges — a business mogul with music ties, a music producer, a record exec and a big-time performer, who will pick a winner and then team up to launch that person’s career.
We’ve learned Diddy is the mogul and DJ Khaled is the producer. The third judge has just been offered a spot — Charlie Walk — a music industry exec who has worked with The Weeknd, Ariana Grande and Hailee Steinfeld … just to name a few.
As for the performer, we’re told the list has narrowed to 3 women — Fergie, Meghan Trainor and Bebe Rexha.
Also, The Four will work closely with iHeartMedia. Part of the prize package is participation in IHeart’s “On The Verge” artist development program which guarantees mega airplay for its artists.
The Four: Battle For Stardom premieres on FOX in January.
