*This month, Centric will premiere its new talent show “Apollo Live,” an update of the “Amateur Night” portion of the syndicated “Showtime at the Apollo” series – where the audience is encouraged to boo an act that’s not on point.
Filmed inside of the world famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, “Apollo Live” will give its amateurs more than just bragging rights. Contestants can walk away with cash and prizes in addition to the respect of the toughest crowd in showbiz.
“I’ve been booed at the Apollo,” says Jamie Foxx, the executive producer of “Apollo Live” along with Marcus King and Don Weiner. “When I first went to New York as a young comedian and Sinbad brought me out, I think he kind of set me up, too, because he said, ‘We’ve got a West Coast comedian.’ Immediately they started booing before I even got on the stage.”
Executive produced by Jamie Foxx, Marcus King, and Don Weiner, the show features soul legend, Gladys Knight; veteran emcee Doug E. Fresh, and New Edition’s Michael Bivins as judges, while comedian Tony Rock will serve as host.
Below, Foxx explains why he wanted to “reboot” the Apollo.
“Apollo Live” premieres on Nov. 25 at 11 p.m. following the 2012 Soul Train Awards. Watch a preview below.
