MTV's Top Pop Group competition series starts Sept. 11

MTV welcomes some of the best in the music industry – Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child), Taboo (Black Eyed Peas) and Brian Friedman (choreographer to the stars) – to offer expert critiques for the new music competition series “MTV’s Top Pop Group,” premiering Thursday, September 11 at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Hosted by Mario Lopez, “MTV’s Top Pop Group” sets out to find the next pop group sensation to join the likes of the Jonas Brothers, Pussycat Dolls and Danity Kane. As previously announced, joining Mario in the studio will be backstage correspondent Marianela Pereyra. Celebrity mentors for “MTV’s Top Pop Group” to be announced at a later date.

Following a nationwide search in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Miami and Los Angeles, MTV will welcome nine of the greatest undiscovered music groups to the stage for a chance to win $100,000. Each week, a new celebrity coach will come in to mentor the groups on everything from choreography and harmony to style and stage presence. And with dreams of stardom on the line, the groups will not only need to impress the mentors and expert panel of judges in the studio, but more importantly, the viewers at home, as the viewers decide who makes it to the next round.

Viewers can get info on the contestants, judges and hosts, as well as view last night’s casting special on demand at http://toppop.mtv.com. Beginning with the premiere episode on September 11, viewers from around the country will have their chance to vote for their favorite groups via text messaging, phone and online. The two weakest groups as determined by voting will give what may be their final performance in a fight to stay another week. At the end of each show, one group will be eliminated, until the last group standing can claim the title of “MTV’s Top Pop Group”

No stranger to success, Michelle Williams’ powerhouse vocals launched her into superstardom when she joined what was to become the best-selling female group of all time – the phenomenal Destiny’s Child. Williams began her remarkable singing career in her church’s choir before joining Destiny’s Child in 2000. Along with her bandmates, Beyonce and Kelly, the trio took their groundbreaking fusion of gospel harmonies, R&B rhythms and “bootylicious” dance moves to an explosive level. Over the next few years they sold more than 60 million albums, won three Grammy Awards, had a string of #1 hits such as “Survivor,” “Say My Name” and “Independent Women, Pt.1” and became one of the best-loved female bands in the world. Williams’ most recent exploits lie in the electrifying new pop/dance album “Unexpected.” Due to release October 7, 2008, the lead single, "We Break the Dawn," has already set the club scene alight hitting the #1 spot on the Billboard Dance Charts.

Bringing a unique insight into the life of an international superstar, the multi-talented and exceptionally stylish Taboo will lend his eye for imaginative sound, style and spirit. Taboo is a rapper, dancer, song-writer, recently-turned-actor and a member of the three-time Grammy award winning group The Black-Eyed Peas. Having sold over a staggering 27 million albums and singles worldwide, the Black Eyed Peas have brought their enigmatic fusion of pop, hip hop and dance music to a global audience with hits such as “Don’t Phunk With My Heart,” “Where Is The Love” and “My Humps.”

Brian Friedman is one of the music industry's hottest creative directors and choreographers. Having worked with numerous pop icons, his extensive experience spans over all genres of music production from concert tours and videos to TV and film. Friedman has choreographed some of the most popular and groundbreaking music videos and performances for superstars such as Britney Spears, Mya,\ N*SYNC, Prince, Beyonce, Usher, Pink and Brittany Murphy. As a dancer, he has worked with such artists as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Celine Dion, George Michael, Salt N Pepa and Patti LaBelle.

“MTV’s Top Pop Group” is produced by BBC Worldwide America. The show is executive produced by Allison Wallach of BBC Worldwide America, Richard Hopkins of Fever Media, and co-executive produced by Adam Paul. Liz Gateley, Maira Suro, Lauren Dolgen and Maitee Cueva are the executives overseeing the project for MTV.