ABC is exploring fresh concepts for its next music competition series and has enlisted a prominent figure in the genre to help shape a new format. Simon Cowell, renowned for his role in fostering musical talent, will serve as a judge in a proof-of-concept taping for the show titled “Who’s In The Band.” This innovative talent search seeks to discover the next big group akin to One Direction.
Joining Cowell on the judging panel will be pop luminary Joe Jonas, Spice Girl Mel B, who has collaborated with Cowell on various projects including “America’s Got Talent,” and accomplished songwriter Savan Kotecha. The show will be hosted by Rei Ami, known for her vocal work on Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters.”
“Who’s In The Band” aims to breathe new life into the competitive music arena, featuring a unique twist where singers perform the same song simultaneously in differently colored tubes. The test shoot is scheduled for October 30 at Eastbrook Studios in London. Although sources indicate that this presentation will not air on ABC and the series has not yet been greenlighted, it signals the network’s commitment to revamping its talent competition lineup.
ABC currently hosts “American Idol,” the reality series that originally skyrocketed Cowell to fame in the U.S. The new season of “American Idol” is set to premiere in early 2026. “Who’s In The Band” is produced by Yes Yes Media, a company founded in 2023 by Richard Bacon, a former television presenter turned format innovator. The production has garnered some media attention in the UK, but this collaboration with ABC is a significant development.
Historically, music reality shows focused on assembling bands have proven popular, with examples like “Popstars,” “Making the Band,” and Netflix’s “Building the Band.” Notably, groups such as One Direction and Fifth Harmony emerged from competitions like Cowell’s “The X-Factor.” As ABC ventures into this new territory, there’s optimism that “Who’s In The Band” could capture the imagination of audiences seeking fresh talent and compelling performances.