Rei Ami Breaks into US TV Hosting ABC’s ‘Who’s In The Band?’ Show

# Rei Ami Will Host ABC’s New Music Battle 'Who's In The Band?' ABC’s newest musical showdown, “Who’s In The Band?”, has officially broken ground after the Disney‑owned network gave the project a full series order.

The concept, born from the creative minds of Richard Bacon, Simon Cowell and Savan Kotecha, is set to become the first major broadcast music format in years. With a mix of high‑energy production and industry insider strategy, the show promises to shake up the genre for both audiences and aspiring performers alike.

Fans of contemporary pop are already buzzing, as the program’s debut is slated for the summer of 2027 on both ABC and Hulu, bringing fresh talent and fierce competition to the season.

Launching in the same era as Fox’s reimagining of the X‑Factor, ABC’s decision signals a broader industry shift toward reinvigorating televised music contests.

The show’s pilot, filmed in London last year, showcased a unique format that pits singers against each other in sound‑proof tubes while judges isolate and eliminate performances in real time.

The production drew on a roster of heavyweight names, including Joe Jonas, Mel B, and Kotecha himself, creating buzz before the network ever approved a full‑series commitment.

By positioning itself at the intersection of live competition and behind‑the‑scenes production, “Who’s In The Band?” offers viewers an unprecedented glimpse into how pop groups are engineered today for the global audience. ## Background & Context The show’s origins trace back to Richard Bacon’s Yes Yes Media, a production company that has long flirted with hybrid formats blending education, entertainment, and talent scouting.

Bacon, known for hosting the BBC’s *Blue Peter* and *The Big Breakfast*, shifted gears into production in the early 2010s, producing ABC’s game show *The Hustler* and British reality staples like *This Is My House*.

His collaboration with Syco Entertainment and Publicis Media Content Innovation anchors the project in a blend of creative vision and marketing prowess.

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell’s partnership brings a decade of franchise experience from *The X‑Factor* to his own Syco Records, ensuring the show’s mechanics align with hit‑making formulas.

Adding depth to the creative core, Elisabeth Murdoch joins as executive producer, bringing her extensive background in film and television production to the fold.

Matt Banks and Ashley Edens, seasoned showrunners with experience on high‑profile reality programs, will oversee day‑to‑day operations, ensuring the format’s pace remains razor‑sharp.

The collaboration also includes Walt Disney Television Alternative, whose strategic push for original, binge‑worthy content dovetails neatly with ABC’s ambition to recapture audiences in a fragmented media landscape.

Together, these talent pools promise a production that is as polished behind the scenes as it is exhilarating on screen, setting the stage for an industry‑first broadcast music competition. ## What People Are Saying The pilot’s most talked‑about element is the host, Rei Ami, known from *KPop Demon Hunters*.

In the proof‑of‑concept, Ami guided contestants through a 60‑second showcase inside a color‑coded tube, while a panel of industry veterans dissected each performance in real time.

Although the judging roster is slated to shift before the series launch, sources indicate Ami will remain as the show’s anchor, providing continuity as the format evolves.

Rumors suggest Joe Jonas and Mel B, who sat on the original panel, may depart, but the decision underscores ABC’s commitment to a fresh, star‑packed lineup that balances mainstream appeal with credibility among pop aficionados for the global audience in 2027.

Industry insiders point out that Joe Jonas’s recent commitment to a celebrity edition of *The Voice* could explain his absence, while Mel B’s continued relevance as a pop icon keeps her name on the radar for future iterations.

Meanwhile, Savan Kotecha’s presence as an executive producer ensures the songwriting backbone remains intact; the renowned writer has credits on hits for Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, and Ed Sheeran.

By blending contemporary chart‑topters with seasoned mentors, the show aims to create a hybrid talent platform that appeals to older and younger demographics.

The format’s real‑time elimination process also offers a narrative hook that keeps viewers glued, promising drama in each episode’s turnarounds. ## What Happens Next Production is slated to kick off in January, with a full cast of contestants rehearsing.

The first season will air through the summer of 2027, aligning with ABC’s strategy to fill its mid‑season lineup with fresh, high‑energy programming. The series will also stream on Hulu, reflecting the network’s dual‑distribution model.

Victory will come with a record‑making contract: the winning girl and boy bands will record an album executive‑produced by Kotecha, whose résumé boasts songwriting for Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Lizzo, Britney Spears, Ed Sheeran, and One Direction.

The program also highlights mentorship dynamics, with each judge serving as a mentor figure guiding contestants through the intricacies of pop production and stagecraft. The upcoming season promises to blend high‑octane competition with an inside look at pop‑group creation.

Fans will get front‑row access to the creative process while rooting for their favorite performers. As ABC and Hulu gear up for the 2027 launch, the industry watches closely to see if this fresh approach can recapture the excitement that once made music talent shows a cultural staple.