Or, what if you had the pipes, but you were convinced that you didn’t have the “look” of a pop star? Most likely you’d steer clear of competing on reality shows like The Voice or American Idol anytime soon. But the new FOX singing competition show, Alter Ego, takes away the fear of physically showing up before a live audience and celebrity judges. Debuting on FOX Sept. 22, following the season 6 premiere of The Masked Singer, vocal artists from all walks of life, from ages 17 to 60, can become the stars of their dreams! Said to be the first singing competition of its kind, Alter Ego contestants will perform as their fantasy avatar! Yes, you read that right. The judges and live studio audience will hear the singers’ voices as they perform backstage. Morphed into their dream alter ego, the contestants get to present themselves to the world as they always longed to be. According to Matilda Zoltowski, the executive producer of Alter Ego, the show offers powerful and important messages. “When you put your mind to it, anything is possible even when you get a lot of noes in your life. Follow your dream. Be inspired to take a chance with your singing voice,” says Zoltowski. “Don’t judge a book by its cover as there are a lot of talented vocal performers who don’t fit the traditional fold of being an on-stage performer and deserve to be heard.” Plus, the singers have stellar champions in their corner. Alanis Morissette, Nick LacheyGrimes and will.i.am serve as judges with host Rocsi Diaz. The hopeful contestants will get a chance to reinvent themselves and show their light to the world in a unique way. “Alter Ego merges talent and technology to revolutionize the singing competition show in only a way FOX can do,” said Rob Wade, FOX Entertainment’s President of Alternative Entertainment and Specials. “We are so excited to bring the fantastic will.i.am, Alanis, Grimes, Nick and Rocsi together as they search for the next big singing star, allowing incredible vocalists a chance to realize their dreams and perform like never before.” Here’s what we know so far about Alter Ego.
When does Alter Ego premiere?
Alter Ego will premiere over two nights, Wednesday, Sept. 22 and Thursday, Sept. 23 on FOX. In the following weeks, the series will air on Wednesdays.
What time will Alter Ego be on?
Alter Ego will air at 9 p.m. ET.
What channel is Alter Ego on?
Alter Ego will air on FOX.
What is Alter Ego about?
Picture a singing competition show, but with a twist. Using their CGI dream avatar to perform, singers transform into the personae they always longed to be. The contestants will have the opportunity to reinvent themselves. Having avatars is key to the concept of the show. However, the idea is that by having an avatar, people can take on a new persona, overcome their limitations or perceived limitations and just showcase their talent. These limitations may be physical limitations, not having the “look” of a traditional pop star or struggling with crippling stage fright.
Who is the host of Alter Ego?
Rocsi Diaz, the Emmy Award-winning television host, best known as the former co-host of the music show, 106 & Park will host. Diaz has interviewed everyone from Lady Gaga to Barack Obama.
Who are the judges on Alter Ego?
Singer/songwriter and seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette, actor, singer and television personality Nick Lachey, Canadian producer, songwriter, singer and visual artist Grimes and multi-Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, producer, entrepreneur and actor will.i.am. It’s an impressive group!
What kind of talent is Alter Ego seeking?
“Performers who can sing but have unique, memorable and heartwarming backstories that don’t fit the mold of contestants on other singing competition shows,” shares Alter Ego Executive Producer Matilda Zoltowski. “We look for people who have a genuine reason for needing an alter ego.” Alter Ego features contestants from all around the nation, from all walks of life, who have varied reasons for being on the show.“Some are looking for a second chance at a career in music,” adds Zoltowski. “Others see the avatar as a way to overcome their stage fright and some have newfound confidence when they step into their alter ego. That allows them to leave behind the judgement of others.”
What was the selection process like for Alter Ego singers?
Contestants from across the country sent in audition tapes to be considered for Alter Ego. The list was narrowed down to the 20 contestants that will be seen in the first season.
Will Alter Ego contestants be singing live?
Yes, they will be singing live to the judges and in-studio audience.
How do Alter Ego contestants pick songs and will they be accompanied by live music?
“Working with our music producers, the songs were chosen by each singer as they found a song that spoke to them,” says Zoltowski. “It’s a collaborative process!”
When will the viewers at home be able to see the actual Alter Ego singers in human form?
According to Zoltowski, the audience is along for the ride with the contestants the whole time. Viewers have a chance to hear their backstories and the fun opportunity to see them perform, both as their avatar and as themselves in their motion capture suit back stage. “However, the judging panel doesn’t know anything about the contestants until their final elimination (or winning) moment, when they will be revealed alongside their avatar on the stage,” adds Zoltowski.
What will Alter Ego contestants win?
Alter Ego contestants are competing for $100,000 and a chance to be mentored by the four judges as they put out their first record.
Who judges Alter Ego contestants?
For the first four episodes five contestants will be judged by the judges. One person, the judges’ favorite of the night, will be placed on the “Diamond” which guarantees him/her to move to the next round.
Does the audience get to vote for Alter Ego singers?
For the four remaining contestants, the in-studio audience votes on their two favorite Alter Egos who get to continue. By the end of the episode, it will be up to the judges to pick one of the bottom two to remain in the competition. The other will be given a proper send-off and sent home after revealing their true identity to the judges.
Are there any Alter Ego spoilers?
Fox hasn’t shared any spoilers yet. But they just released the names, ages and hometowns of the contestants and their alter egos! See below for more.
Is there a trailer for Alter Ego?
Yes! Two as a matter of fact! Watch the Alter Ego trailer and preview below.
How many seasons of Alter Ego will there be?
Right now there is only one confirmed season of Alter Ego which will premiere Sept. 22. FOX hopes for more.
How to watch and stream Alter Ego on TV and online
Alter Ego airs live on FOX on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes will be available on FOX Now and Hulu after the show airs.
Meet the contestants and their alter egos!
ANTHONY FLAMMIA
Alter Ego: The Loverboy Current City and Hometown: Yonkers, New York Age: 34
CHASE PADGETT
Alter Ego: Orlando Deville Current City: Vancouver, Washington Hometown: Orlando, Florida Age: 38
DANIELLE CETANI
Alter Ego: Phoenix Embers Current City: Roseville, California Hometown: Stockton, California Age: 39
DASHARRA BRIDGES
Alter Ego: Queen Dynamite Current City: Atlanta, Georgia Hometown: Rochester, New York Age: 31
ERNY NUNEZ
Alter Ego: Bernie Burns Current City: Port Saint Lucie, Florida Hometown: New York City, New York Age: 17
ISRAA DARWICH
Alter Ego: Night Journey Current City and Hometown: Dearborn Heights, Michigan Age: 19
JACOB (JAKE) THOMSEN (CALINODA)
Alter Ego: Dipper Scott Current City and Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina Age: 28
JAMES PAEK
Alter Ego: Kingston Sol Current City and Hometown: Fullerton, California Age: 35
JAY MIAH
Alter Ego: Nevaeh King Current City: Tampa Bay, Florida Hometown: Longwood, Florida Age: 32
KALEIA AYELETT
Alter Ego: The Dawn Majesty Current City: North Hollywood, California Hometown: Orlando, Florida Age: 34
KAYLEE FRANZEN
Alter Ego: Aster Current City: Nashville, Tennessee Hometown: Flower Mound, Texas Age: 20
KOBE VANG
Alter Ego: Kai Current City: Schofield, Wisconsin Hometown: Berlin, Wisconsin Age: 23
KYARA TETREAULT
Alter Ego: Seven Current City and Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Age: 28
MAMA YAYA (YASMIN SHAWAMREH)
Alter Ego: Siren Current City and Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Age: 30
MARIAH ROSARIO (RIAH LENA)
Alter Ego: Safara Current City: Phoenix, Arizona Hometown: Tuscon, Arizona Age: 26
MATTHEW LORD
Alter Ego: Wolfgang Champagne Current City: Dallas, Texas Hometown: Napa, California Age: 60
MIA CHERISE HALL
Alter Ego: Fern Current City: Rochester, New York Hometown: Irondequoit, New York Age: 18
MILTON PATTON (YOTE)
Alter Ego: Wylie Current City: Hendersonville, Tennessee Hometown: Forrest City, Arkansas Age: 30
SAMAERA HIRSCH
Alter Ego: Misty Rose Current City: New Orleans, Louisiana Hometown: Glen Head, New York Age: 21
SARAH ISEN
Alter Ego: St. Luna Current City: Los Angeles, California Hometown: Berkeley, California Age: 21 Next, Ken Jeong reveals why The Masked Singer has been so successful.
