New Fox singing competition show “The Four: Battle for Stardom” has locked in its judges’ panel. The network announced today that Sean “Diddy” Combs, DJ Khaled, Meghan Trainor and music executive Charlie Walk will make up the “Four,” which premieres on Jan. 4.
Never one to humblebrag, Diddy, who also served in a similar capacity on cable series “Making the Band 2,” declared in a statement: “This show is going to disrupt the world of competition television and will revolutionize the format. … 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.”
Khaled echoes the sentiment: “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. … I immediately jumped at the opportunity when I realized Fox shared the same vision as me, and that’s to be the best!”
Trainor, who cut her teeth as a songwriter before breaking out as a solo star, said, “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.”
Walk, the president of Republic Records Group, is a music industry veteran who has worked on more than 50 No. 1 songs, including “Daughters” by John Mayer and Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie.” At Republic, he signed hitmaker Julia Michaels and Oscar-nominated actress Hailee Steinfeld to record deals and successful launch campaigns. He also was in the running to join the show “Boy Band,” as Variety previously reported, which aired on ABC over the summer.
“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.’ 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.”
In addition, Republic Records, through Universal Music Group, will release music from the show’s participants and winner.
Source: Variety
