Television
December 6, 2000
The WB’s “Popstars” Set To Premiere With A One-Hour Special
(December 6, 2000 – Burbank, CA) — The WB’s “POPSTARS,” chronicling the real-life creation of an all-female pop group, will debut with a special one-hour premiere on Friday, January 12, 2001 at 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET. The series will begin airing in its regular half-hour time slot on Friday, January 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET, it was announced today by Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment for The WB.
Airing in its regular timeslot on Fridays at 8:30 p.m., “POPSTARS” will benefit from a powerful lead-in, “SABRINA, THE TEENAGE WITCH,” which ranks as The WB’s top-rated comedy and the highest-rated show ever for The WB’s Friday night. The “POPSTARS” one-hour premiere special will follow two back-to-back episodes of “SABRINA.”
A talent search that launched the No. 1 album and the No. 1 show in Australia is the inspiration behind “POPSTARS.” The series kicks off with open auditions across the country as the search unfolds for five women who can sing, dance and handle the pressures of instant celebrity. “POPSTARS” chronicles every behind-the-scenes moment – from the nationwide search, to the five potential superstars working together as a professional group recording their first CD and shooting a music video, concluding with a finale concert event.
The new group will be backed by some of music’s heaviest hitmakers, including legendary music producer David Foster, who will take an active role in the selection process and will shepherd the women through the recording of their debut album. One of the world’s most successful record producers and 14-time Grammy Award winner with an unprecedented 42 nominations to his credit, Foster has produced hits for such superstars as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Bolton, Brandy and Toni Braxton. Working with the performers’ raw talent will be renowned choreographer Travis Payne (Michael Jackson, Madonna) and powerhouse vocal coach Roger Love (Matchbox Twenty, Smashing Pumpkins, Hanson).
Also on board to pen songs for the group’s debut album is an impressive array of the music industry’s top tunesmiths, including Diane Warren, Anders Bagge, Richard Marx, Alex G. and Brad “Riprock” Daymond; Dow and Brad; Steve Kipner and David Frank and Eric Foster White. Collectively, these songwriters have written dozens of No. 1 pop hits for some of music biggest names including Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, *NSYNC, Ricky Martin, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys, Jessica Simpson, 98˚, LFO and Boyzone.
The group’s debut album is scheduled for release in April 2001 on London-Sire Records, in association with David Foster’s 143 Records, both Warner Music Group companies. London-Sire’s current roster includes All Saints, Pet Shop Boys, Mandy Barnett, Guster and Morcheeba. 143 Records (in association with Lava/Atlantic) is home to the multi-platinum Irish rock band The Corrs, Beth Hart and Plus One.
Direct Management Group, Inc., the veteran management company that currently handles acts such as Counting Crows, The B-52’s and k.d. lang will consult with Stone Stanley Entertainment on the series and will be involved in overseeing the formation and development of the group. Direct also will represent the group for management.
“POPSTARS” is a Stone Stanley Entertainment Production in association with The WB Television Network. Executive producers David G. Stanley and Scott A. Stone share a broad-based television, motion picture and home video production company, Stone Stanley Entertainment (“Loveline,” “The Man Show,” “Shop ‘til You Drop,” “Legends of the Hidden Temple”). # # #