The sometimes elusive dream of music stardom propels a diverse group of young singers one step closer in “Opening Act,” a new reality talent show from E! “Opening Act” promises a chance to fulfill the dream of a lifetime for some of today’s hottest yet undiscovered sensations, with no auditions, no judges, no eliminations and no competitions! The winner will open for a major industry artist, but contestants don’t know they’re being considered for this opportunity until the show’s host surprises them, in unusual ways.
International Emmy®-winning producer Nigel Lythgoe and his Artist Development Team – Martina McBride; Pete Wentz; Jason Derulo; Antonina Armato from Rock Mafia; and vocal coach Nick Cooper – scoured the Internet for the very best performers, singers and songwriters to open this summer for the likes of Nicki Minaj, Rod Stewart and LMFAO, among others. Along with Olivia Lee as host, Nigel and his team set up personal challenges for contestants to overcome, including family members who don’t support their dreams, cash flow woes, medical issues and picking up and moving to a completely different city where they don’t know anyone, just to be in the thick of the music industry.
In the premiere episode, singer Arielle’s life changes forever when she comes into a Dallas cafe hoping for a spot in the lineup for the next open mic night. She settles in with Olivia who she thinks has something to do with the artists for the evening and opens up about her love for music and performing, and is completely stunned when Olivia Lee reveals Arielle is about to get her wish times 1,000. Lee tells Arielle has been handpicked by Nigel, the Artist Development team and Rod Stewart to open for the Grammy® award winning and platinum-selling artist in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace. Still coping with the initial shock of the opportunity she never saw coming, she’s equally shocked to find out she must be ready to take the stage in just five days. After hearing the news, Arielle is whisked off to an 5 day intense boot camp to prepare for her tour date, which includes an emotional session with voice coach Nick Cooper, and working with Antonina Armato to get her performance just right. After going through a rough childhood, music has been Arielle’s greatest comfort. Still, she’s nervous about being able to open up and really give her all to her opening act performance for Rod Stewart.
Throughout the season, the Artist Development Team will choose acts to open for a superstar headliner during their current world tours, and Lee will guide them through the process, from helping them pack to giving them encouragement along the way. The acts’ emotional journeys from relative obscurity to potential national attention will be captured as the Artist Development Team prepares them for their shot at fame. The search consisted of fun and talented musicians from across the entire music spectrum, including R&B, pop, rock, dance and country, among others. The headliners and the venues where they’re playing include:
-Nicki Minaj – James L. Knight Center, Miami, Florida
-Rod Stewart – Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
-LMFAO – Amway Center, Orlando, Florida (Part of the ‘Sorry for Party Rocking’ Tour presented by Redfoo and Cherrytree Records)
-Brad Paisley — Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, California
-Jason Aldean – Oak Mountain Ampitheatre, Birmingham, Alabama
-Jason Mraz – Waikiki Shell, Honolulu, Hawaii
-Gym Class Heroes – El Paso, Texas
Here’s a look at what’s to come on tonight’s first episode: