FOX has officially announced the judges panel for the network’s new singing competition series, The Four: Battle For Stardom. The six-episode event premieres Thursday, Jan. 4 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
As previously reported, the panel includes record producer and songwriter Sean “Diddy” Combs, record producer DJ Khaled, recording artist and songwriter Meghan Trainor and record label executive Charlie Walk.
On The Four: Battle For Stardom the show kicks off with four top-notch artists spanning all music genres. The four artists will fight each week to defend their seats on the show as determined hopefuls challenge them for their spots. Here’s an interesting twist on the music competition genre: The panel of experts will mentor the winner after the competition is over. According to the press release, “This elite group of starmakers will guide the winner’s career to help make him or her a breakout star.”
Also part of the grand prize: The winner will be named an iHeartRadio “On The Verge” artist. iHeartRadio’s On The Verge program “provides artists with unparalleled national reach through on-air radio exposure, as well as digital and social support across iHeartMedia’s powerful range of music and entertainment platforms.” Basically, iHeart will push the artist’s record on their radio stations.
FOX also has teamed up with iHeartMedia to support auditions, assist in the search for talent and boost the careers of artists throughout the run of the competition.
“This show is going to disrupt the world of competition television and will revolutionize the format,” Combs said in a statement. “It took the right show and network to bring me back in the game. We plan on being the best talent show out there, taking it to that next level and making history again. This series is about pure competition, fighting for your survival. Do you want to win? Do you want to be great? We’re giving fans a genuine look at what it takes to make it to the top and stay there – surrounding these up-and-coming artists with the best, turning them into the next generation of stars.”
“I’m proud to announce that I will be participating in one of the most important, if not the most important events on television and pop culture,” said DJ Khaled. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that will showcase the best of the new generation of musical geniuses. When you come from where I come from, you know just how hard it is to turn your dreams into a reality. It’s a long road to the journey of success. I’ve spent my career discovering amazing talent and working with the biggest icons from every corner of the globe and now I’m bringing my one-of-a-kind approach to FOX. I immediately jumped at the opportunity when I realized FOX shared the same vision as me, and that’s to be the best!!! If you think you have what it takes to become the next icon, trust me, DJ Khaled is the one that will let you know. So be prepared for a new era of television. All I know is how to win…more!!! FOX x DJ Khaled…be ready!!!”
“When FOX asked me to be a part of this new series, without hesitation, my answer was…YES!,” said Trainor. “I know firsthand what it’s like to be thrown into the music industry head first, as an artist and a songwriter. I also know what it takes to hang on for the ride. I’m so humbled to help discover new talent with this amazing panel of experts.”
“What lies at the heart of the music business is ‘talent,’” said Walk. “Discovering and developing talent remains the most important, consistent driver of my home, Republic Records, and now FOX’s The Four: Battle For Stardom. I’m thrilled to be joining this incredible panel of my longtime friends, Sean, Khaled and Meghan, to help make the difference on a platform that’s truly committed to identifying and breaking the next generation of superstars. We will guide them, advise them, and be with them every step of the way on their journey, starting on the most transparent stage in television.”
“Diddy, DJ Khaled, Meghan and Charlie are giants in the music space,” said Rob Wade, President, Alternative Entertainment and Specials, Fox Broadcasting Company. “They understand what an artist needs to break through – from killer music and style to innovative marketing and social media. This is a show like no other and we can’t wait to get started.”
To audition for The Four: Battle For Stardom, visit thefourmusic.com.
