Simon Cowell & Star Judges Eye ABC's 'Who's In The Band' Pilot

Get ready for some serious pop music potential! ABC is quietly working on a new music competition show, "Who's In The Band," and it's bringing some seriously big names to the table for a special test run. Think Simon Cowell, Joe Jonas, and Mel B all on one panel!

TL;DR: Here's the Lowdown on ABC's Potential New Music Competition

• ABC is taping a "proof-of-concept" for a new music competition called "Who's In The Band," aiming to find the next global pop group like One Direction or Little Mix.
• The judging panel for this test shoot is stacked with Simon Cowell, Joe Jonas, Mel B (Spice Girl!), and songwriter Savan Kotecha, with Rei Ami ("KPop Demon Hunters") hosting.
• The pilot taping, happening October 30, 2025, in London, won't air, but it's a key step in ABC's search for a new reality hit, possibly joining "American Idol" on the network.

Is ABC Looking for TV's Next Big Global Pop Group Sensation?

Alright, music fans, buckle up because something exciting is brewing over at ABC! The network that brings us "American Idol" is reportedly looking to shake things up with a brand-new music competition series. It’s called "Who's In The Band," and if the early buzz is any indication, it could be the search for the next global pop phenomenon along the lines of a One Direction or Little Mix.

While it's just a "proof-of-concept" taping for now – meaning you won't see it on your screens just yet – the lineup of talent involved is enough to make any music lover's ears perk up. We're talking about a dream team of industry heavyweights and fresh faces all coming together to potentially discover the next big thing. Let's dive into all the juicy details we've gathered!

A Legendary Judging Panel and an Electrifying Host Are Assembled

When you're trying to find the "next One Direction," you need judges who know a thing or two about creating pop superstars. And "Who's In The Band" definitely delivers on that front for its test run. Leading the charge is none other than the "maestro of the genre" himself, Simon Cowell. This is pretty significant, as Cowell hasn't sat on the judging panel for an ABC reality series before, famously skipping the network's "American Idol" reboot. He did, however, produce "American Inventor" for ABC back in 2006, so there's a history there!

But he's not alone! Joining Cowell on the panel for this pilot are:

• Joe Jonas: A certified pop star from the Jonas Brothers and DNCE, bringing his own experience from being in a hugely successful band.
• Mel B: The one and only Scary Spice! As a member of the iconic Spice Girls, she knows a thing or two about global girl power. She's also a frequent collaborator with Cowell, having judged on "America's Got Talent" and "The X Factor UK."
• Savan Kotecha: If you don't know his name, you definitely know his work! Kotecha is a powerhouse songwriter behind massive hits for artists like Ariana Grande ("One Last Time," "Into You"), The Weeknd ("Can't Feel My Face"), and, crucially, One Direction ("What Makes You Beautiful," "Kiss You"). His expertise will be invaluable in spotting raw talent and potential hit-makers.

And who's keeping all these stars in line and the show moving? The host for this exciting pilot is Rei Ami. You might recognize her as the singing voice for Zoey in Netflix's hit animated film, "KPop Demon Hunters," giving her instant cred with a younger, pop-savvy audience.

"You're officially invited to the biggest new TV event of the year, searching for the next One Direction or Little Mix! Join host REI AMI – Zoey from KPop Demon Hunters, and judges: SIMON COWELL, MEL B, JOE JONAS, & SAVAN KOTECHA live in the studio as they audition insanely talented teens from the UK & US to form the next global pop phenomenon! So grab your FREE tickets now for you and all your mates and get ready for: Non-stop hit songs! Big vibes! Real A-Listers! Next-level performances! From the creators and label behind One Direction and the year’s biggest hit K-Pop Demon Hunters, this is pop culture history in the making! Don’t sleep on it – tickets are super limited! Be there, be loud, and witness the birth of the world’s next big thing!"

— Official Casting/Taping Description for "Who's In The Band"

A Fresh Twist: The "Colored Tubes" Format and What It Means

So, we've got the judges and host, but what about the actual show? Music competition series centered around forming groups aren't new – think "Popstars," "Making the Band," or even Netflix's "Building the Band." However, "Who's In The Band" is cooking up a unique twist to keep things fresh.

Casting materials suggest that contestants will perform the same song, at the same time, but while inside different "colored tubes." Now, that sounds intriguing! It immediately conjures images of vibrant visuals and a potentially unique way to highlight individual vocal strengths and stage presence before artists are combined into a group. It could offer a visually distinctive element that sets it apart from traditional audition rooms or stage performances, giving it a modern, almost futuristic feel.

Peeking Behind the Curtains: The Masterminds Bringing This Show to Life

Behind every potential hit show is a team of innovative creators. "Who's In The Band" is being developed by Yes Yes Media, a London and LA-based production company. This company was founded by Richard Bacon, a former television presenter who has pivoted into a "format guru" role. They launched in 2023 with some impressive backers, including actress Courteney Cox. Savan Kotecha, one of the judges, and Johnny McDaid (Cox's partner) are also listed as backers by some sources, showing a tight-knit creative circle.

Mark Sidaway, who served as a showrunner for "The X Factor" and is now Yes Yes Media's head of entertainment, is also heavily involved in producing this pilot. This depth of experience in producing large-scale music competitions is definitely a good sign for the show's potential quality and execution.

Understanding the "Proof-of-Concept" Phase: Why You Can't Watch It Yet

It's super important to understand that this "Who's In The Band" taping on October 30, 2025, isn't actually a TV episode that will air. This is what the industry calls a "proof-of-concept" or a "test shoot." Think of it like a dress rehearsal or a pilot for a pilot!

ABC has ordered this taping to see if the format, the chemistry between the judges and host, and the overall concept "works" on screen. It allows the network and production team to test out ideas, make any necessary tweaks or changes, and basically figure out if they have a real winner on their hands before committing to a full series greenlight. So, while we can't tune in for this particular event, it's a crucial step toward potentially seeing "Who's In The Band" become a full-fledged show on ABC in the future!

ABC's Strategy: Why Another Music Competition Alongside "American Idol"?

You might be wondering why ABC, which already hosts the veteran reality series "American Idol" (returning for a new season in early 2026!), would be looking for another music competition. The answer likely lies in diversifying its reality TV offerings and tapping into different audience segments.

"American Idol" focuses on individual singers, while "Who's In The Band" is explicitly looking to form groups. This allows ABC to target the enduring appeal of pop groups, a format that has consistently produced global sensations. The network clearly has a successful track record with music talent shows, and expanding that portfolio with a fresh, group-focused approach could be a smart move to capture new viewers and keep existing ones engaged.

For Simon Cowell, this new venture with ABC for "Who's In The Band" also adds to his busy slate. He's currently a judge and executive producer on NBC's "America's Got Talent," and he also has a new Netflix docuseries, "Simon Cowell: The Next Act," dropping in December. That Netflix show will follow him as he sets out to create another global boy band sensation, proving he's still all about finding the next big thing in pop music!

What's Next for "Who's In The Band" and Aspiring Pop Stars?

So, for now, all eyes are on that October 30 test shoot in London. If it goes well, we could be looking at a potential new addition to ABC's lineup, possibly streaming on Hulu and Disney+ down the line. The allure of forming the next chart-topping group is undeniable, and with such an experienced and exciting panel, "Who's In The Band" definitely has the ingredients for success.

It’s a clear signal that the appetite for music reality shows is still strong, and networks are always on the hunt for innovative ways to connect with audiences. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates, because if this pilot takes off, we could be witnessing the start of something truly special for pop music and television!

Frequently Asked Questions About "Who's In The Band" When and where is the "Who's In The Band" pilot taping? The proof-of-concept taping is scheduled for October 30, 2025, at Eastbrook Studios in London, UK. Will the "Who's In The Band" pilot episode air on ABC? No, this is a test shoot and will not be broadcast. It's an internal step for ABC to evaluate the show's concept before deciding on a full series. Who are the confirmed judges and host for the test shoot? The judging panel includes Simon Cowell, Joe Jonas, Mel B, and songwriter Savan Kotecha. Rei Ami, known for "KPop Demon Hunters," will host. What's unique about the format of "Who's In The Band"? Casting materials suggest a twist where singers perform the same song simultaneously while inside different colored tubes, offering a fresh visual and performance element.

Sources:

• ABC Orders New Music Competition Series "Who's In The Band" - WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com
• Music Competition Show ‘Who’s In The Band’ In Works At ABC With Simon Cowell, Joe Jonas, Mel B & ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Star Rei Ami - Deadline.com
• Simon Cowell Developing Music-Competition Show With ABC in Search of ‘Next One Direction’ - TheWrap.com
• Music Competition Series ‘Who’s in the Band’ in Development at ABC: Report - TVInsider.com
• Music Competition Show ‘Who’s In The Band’ In Works At ABC With Simon Cowell, Joe Jonas, Mel B & ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Star Rei Ami - TheMainStreetMouse.com
• Simon Cowell 'The Next Act' details (indirect mention of ABC show pilot) - TheSun.co.uk