Before American Idol and America's Got Talent, there was Star Search.
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Singers, dancers, comedians, and models flocked to Hollywood to impress a panel of judges. The show's first run, hosted by Ed McMahon, lasted 12 years. It launched the careers of a number of today's stars, including Sawyer Brown, Bill Engvall, and Britney Spears.
While the original show would rotate its judges week to week, this year's planned Netflix revival has announced that the panel will be fixed.
The streamer has announced the three judges for the five-week live event, and one of them includes a major country music star. Details are below.
Jelly Roll Is Searching for the Brightest Stars
The first judge knows "what it takes to have a career that slays."
That's a pretty good pun coming from Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress Sarah Michelle Gellar. The child actress promises to offer "constructive" criticism to the contestants taking the stage.
Model and influencer Chrissy Teigen says she "may be opinionated," but that's because she "knows a legend" when she sees one. Considering that her husband is R&B star John Legend, we can't argue with her claim.
Rounding out the panel is someone "searching for the brightest and most audacious stars." That would be Jelly Roll. If there's anyone who knows the work and hustle it takes to achieve stardom, it's the Grammy-nominated "Save Me" singer.
What Else Do We Know About the "Star Search" Reboot?
Star Search will be hosted by actor Anthony Anderson. The show will premiere on Netflix at 9 p.m. Eastern time on Jan. 20. While the original show was prerecorded, this version will run live every Tuesday and Wednesday for five weeks.
Just like the original show, there will be a number of acts participating, including singers, comedians, magicians, and junior performers.
But Jelly Roll and the other judges aren't the only ones who get to decide to move on. Viewers can vote for their favorite contestants using their TV remote or the Netflix mobile app.
Star Search is going to give interactive television a whole new meaning. You can check out the show's judge announcement below.
