MTV’s Top Pop Group gets Mario Lopez as host

Mario Lopez has secured another hosting gig for MTV. 05/21/2008 - Mario Lopez - Mario Lopez Signs Copies of His Book

05/21/2008 - Mario Lopez - Mario Lopez Signs Copies of His Book "The Mario Lopez Workout" at Borders Books in Chicago - May 21, 2008 - Borders Books on State Street - Chicago, IL, USA © Adam Bielawski / PR PhotosMTV sets out to find the next pop sensation to join today's music superstars with Mario Lopez (host of MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew”) serving as host for the new live music competition series “MTV’s Top Pop Group” premiering Thursday, September 11 at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Joining Mario will be correspondent Marianela Pereyra. Celebrity judges and mentors for “MTV’s Top Pop Group” to be announced at a later date.The network set up casting band camps in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Miami and Los Angeles, and will welcome nine of the greatest undiscovered music groups to the stage for a chance to win $100,000 and the title of “MTV’s Top Pop Group.” Each week, a new celebrity coach will come in to mentor the groups on choreography and harmony to style and stage presence. The groups will not only need to impress the mentors and panel of judges in the studio, but also the voting viewers at home.For a sneak peek at the nine talented groups from across the U.S., MTV will offer “MTV’s Top Pop Group: The Casting Special” on Thursday, August 28 at 9pm ET/PT before they head to Hollywood to compete. The one-hour special features host Mario Lopez as he introduces each of the groups providing viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at their audition and their personal lives.Shot on location in Los Angeles, each group will rehearse and demonstrate their unique sounds and skills as their personal life stories unfold within the show in front of a live studio audience. Concurrently, Lopez will continue his hosting duties on one of MTV’s highest rated shows, “America’s Best Dance Crew.” Lopez has taken his love for sports, specifically boxing, to the next level as a recurring commentator on HBO Boxing. This summer, and Mario successfully completed his first run on Broadway starring in the hit musical, "A Chorus Line".“MTV’s Top Pop Group” is produced by BBC Worldwide America.