Release Date, Cast, Episodes, Recap

Ever since the launch of ‘American Idol‘ in 2002, multiple reality TV shows, based on the same theme, have been vying to become a part of this cultural phenomenon, with varying degrees of success, and an aim to be labeled as the next big thing in music. Adding to this list is BET’s foray into the vast repertoire of talented musicians. ‘The Next Big Thing’ is a singing contest that puts 21 aspiring R&B and hip-hop artists through a grueling artist development boot camp, exclusively curated to groom the next superstar. Co-produced by a powerful trio of African-American female bosses, Rikki Hughes, Holly Carter, and Tina Davis, the show was announced in April 2019.

The Next Big Thing Cast: Who is in it?

‘The Next Big Thing’ features a judges panel comprising Tina Davis (Chris Brown’s former manager), Grammy-winning producer Zaytoven and Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder Damon Dash. Davis, the founder of Phase Too, Inc., has held prominent positions at Def Jam and Empire. She is the primary on-screen show-lead, who works alongside Zaytoven to guide the up-and-coming artists. Xavier Lamar Dotson, aka Zaytoven, is a renowned keyboardist and a record producer who has collaborated with some of the top names, including Usher, Future, Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, Lecrae, Young Scooter, Young Dolph, and Shy Glizzy. Record executive, film producer, director and actor Dash is primarily known for co-founding Roc-A-Fella along with Jay-Z and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. Apart from the trio, Lil’ Kim, Tamar Braxton, and radio personality Joe Budden feature among the celebrity guest stars and mentors. The series is hosted by radio presenter, TV personality, and author Charlamagne Tha God.

The Next Big Thing Plot: What is it about?

‘The Next Big Thing’ features 21 shortlisted and exceptionally talented hip-hop and R&B artists from across the country. They are pitted against each other in a demanding boot camp where the contestants need to compete every week in a line-up of the toughest survival-of-the-fittest challenges. The final showdown between the last two finalists gives the winner a one-in-a-million chance to secure a record deal on the spot from A&R executives — Serge Durand (Capitol Records), Erika Coulter (Epic Records), Tuo Clark (Def Jam Records), and CEO Ghazi (EMPIRE Records). As per Dame Dash, “We have reinvented the stale singing competition show for our audience.” Tina Davis added that this approach is a first of its kind and has been implemented on a massive scale. The finale comes with the option to transform someone’s life.

‘The Next Big Thing’ also adopts a novel concept. It is mainly aimed for skilled yet undiscovered artists who do not have the means to access the best vocal coaches, trainers, choreographers, writers, producers, and glam squads. Hence, they struggle a lot in order to take their career to the next level. And if someone wants to reach the top, he or she has to train himself or herself to compete against the biggest names in the industry. It is proper development and grooming that separate the good artists from the best. With a platform that offers the chance to compete with yourself, this is an ideal opportunity for talents to be recognized and appreciated by the masses.

The Next Big Thing Season 1 Release Date: When will it premiere?

‘The Next Big Thing’ Season 1 releases on BET on July 9, 2019, Tuesday, at 10/9C. The complete run consists of 10 episodes. After so many TV franchises that have been instrumental towards discovering music artists who progressed to become major international stars, there is no doubt that the premise of the show holds great promise. However, it is still a bit early to predict how the audiences will react to BET’s concept or what will be the end of the contestants of ‘The Next Big Thing’.

Yes, there are challenges, but the ultimate decision for another renewal depends a lot on the approval ratings and viewership. Now as far as the next season goes, we don’t have an official announcement yet. But if another part is commissioned, our best guess for ‘The Next Big Thing’ Season 2 release date would be sometime in July 2020. We will update this section as soon as we hear more.