The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep

Did You Know?

• Cricket Wireless was the main presenter of the competition, and the show interacted with Cricket smartphones using Muve Music.
• The semifinals were broadcast live from the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles on September 27.
• In each episode, four mentors visited four up-and-coming local musicians, then the groomed artists competed at a local venue, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.

Mentors

Gloria Estefan accepted a role on the show because she would help contestants with their stage presentation rather than judge them. Joe Jonas initially declined due to a busy schedule, but after a meeting with producers who explained the show's direction and its focus on giving new artists opportunities, he changed his mind. Rapper Nelly was personally invited by producer Dave Broome; he was hesitant at first but was persuaded by the show's original approach, which differed from other music competitions.

John Rich, a country singer, songwriter, producer, and member of Big & Rich, brought much of the show's personality through his offbeat mentorship, and his mentee ultimately won the competition. Rich performed more than any other mentor, appearing in three of the five performance segments: he sang and played lead guitar with Nelly on "American Woman," performed "Superstition" with Gloria Estefan, and in the finale sang "That's Why I Pray" with his Big & Rich partner Kenny Alphin.

Finals

Semifinalist Michael Ray, mentored by John Rich, had already been voted to perform on the final night, and Iliana, mentored by Gloria Estefan, was chosen as the second finalist. Jordan Baird, mentored by Joe Jonas, received the most public votes among the remaining candidates to join them. Michael sang "Barefoot Blue Jean Night" by Jake Owen, sounding ready for an album release. Iliana chose the older song "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," a gamble that the mentors appreciated. Jordan impressed Joe with a Ne-Yo song and drew screams from the audience. Before the winner was announced, bloopers from previous weeks were shown, and all seven contestants returned to sing "Good Life" together. The mentors performed "Tell Me Something Good." After the votes were counted, Michael Ray was declared the winner and received the recording contract with Atlantic Records.