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! While doing some Saturday scrolling today, I came across this fun news! ABC is partaking in creating a new music competition show called Who’s in the Band. It caught my eye when I saw Simon Cowell was part of it, being that I’ve loved his special kind of snark since his American Idol Days. Joe Jonas, who I also like, is part of the new show along with Spice Girls alum Mel B & K Pop star Rei Ami.
The Who’s In The Band test shoot will take place on October 30 at Eastbrook Studios in London. Sources say the presentation will not air on ABC, and there is no series greenlight. It is believed to be part of the network’s plan to launch a new talent competition. ABC currently has veteran reality series American Idol — which made Cowell a household name in the US with its original incarnation on Fox — returning for a new season in early 2026.
Who’s In The Band hails from Yes Yes Media, the London and LA-based production company founded by Richard Bacon, the former television presenter turned format guru. Deadline was the first to divulge ABC’s involvement.
Simon Cowell has never taken a seat at the judges’ table for any of ABC’s reality shows — even skipping out on the network’s reboot of American Idol. However, this isn’t his first brush with ABC. Back in 2006, Cowell worked with the network as a producer on American Inventor. These days, though, he’s firmly rooted at NBC, where he continues to serve as both a judge and executive producer on America’s Got Talent, keeping his signature brand of sharp critiques and showbiz flair front and center on network TV.
Music competition shows centered around building the next big group are nothing new — and fans have been hooked on the format for decades. From early favorites like Popstars and Making the Band to newer takes like Netflix’s Building the Band. These fun series have given viewers a front-row seat to the making of chart-topping acts. Some of the most successful groups to come out of these competitions include One Direction and Fifth Harmony — both formed on Simon Cowell’s hit show The X-Factor. Stay tuned for more info as we see it!
With a star-powered lineup of industry veterans and a fresh spin on the classic music competition format, Who’s In The Band is already generating major buzz. While the pilot shoot hasn’t yet been greenlit to series, ABC’s continued interest in launching a new talent show—especially one featuring Simon Cowell for the first time on the network—has fans watching closely. Stay tuned to The Main Street Mouse for more updates as new details emerge and casting information becomes available.
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