The One: Making A Music Star to Premiere July 18th  7/3/06

"THE ONE: MAKING A MUSIC STAR" WILL PREMIERE JULY 18 AND THE FIRST RESULTS SHOW PREMIERES JULY 19 ON ABC

Go Behind-the-Scenes to See Eleven Talented Performers Share the Opportunity of a Lifetime As They Learn From Successful Music Business Professionals - While Competing for a Major Recording Contract

Every singer has a dream -- and for the eleven contestants attending a state-of-the-art music academy in Los Angeles on the new series, "The One: Making a Music Star," they will now be one step closer to stardom, training with some of the most well-respected music industry professionals as they compete for a major recording contract. Based on "OperaciC3n Triunfo," the smash hit and critically-acclaimed Spanish Endemol series, "The One: Making a Music Star" premieres LIVE on TUESDAY, JULY 18 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), with the LIVE results show to air the following night, WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

For the first time, viewers will have an exclusive VIP pass to an intimate and dramatic look at a select group of up and coming singers who will learn what it really takes to be a recording star. These singers will be on camera 24/7, providing a real-life soap opera as they live and learn together. And behind the scenes, viewers will have access to all of the drama between the contestants -- including romances, rivalries and more.

To prepare for their live performances, the contestants will train with an artist development team. This group of top-notch professionals will provide invaluable instruction in vocal coaching, choreography, image consulting, fitness training and more.

The long hours of training, practices and rehearsals will lead up to a weekly live performance, where the group of singers will perform a song within their genre. They will use all that they have learned earlier in the week from the artist development team and face the immense pressures and anxieties of performing live in front of an audience. But first, they must face the Experts:

Kara DioGuardi - A much-sought after record producer, songwriter and singer, she has contributed to numerous popular songs since the 1990s. She has produced and written for artists such as Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony, Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Jewel, Enrique Iglesias, Lindsay Lohan, Ricky Martin, The Pussycat Dolls, Santana and more.

Andre Harrell - Former president of Motown Records and founder of Uptown Records, this multi-talented music and entertainment entrepreneur has established a reputation in the industry as one of the most astute, progressive and creative executives in the business. As a music and film producer, Harrell has helped launch the careers of such acclaimed artists as Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Heavy D and the Boyz, 98 Degrees and mentored Sean "Puffy" Combs.

Mark Hudson - A songwriter, vocal director, musician and record producer, he has produced some of the biggest acts in the music business, including Celine Dion, Ozzy Osbourne and the legendary Ringo Starr. He is an accomplished songwriter and along with Joe Perry and Steven Tyler, wrote Aerosmith's Grammy award-winning "Livin' on the Edge." His career as a performer began in the 1970s as one of the members of the Hudson Brothers.

On every Tuesday performance show, the contestants sing live in front of America and a studio audience. Throughout the show, viewers will also get a first-hand look at the behind-the-scenes drama of the contestants, as they live together and train with the artist development team. Immediately following this performance, America can vote for their favorite contestant by phoning in, text messaging or voting online at abc.com.

The outcome will be announced during a results show which will be televised the following evening, with one contestant being eliminated each week. "The One: Making a Music Star" results show premieres on WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET). Emotions will be high and drama is certain to ensue, as the Experts and contestants get to save two of the bottom three from elimination.

After 10 weeks and 20 episodes, the eventual winner will receive a recording contract with Interscope/Geffen/A&M Lael Group, a leader in the music industry and home to such diverse talent as Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Eminem, Nelly Furtado, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Sting and U2.

"The One: Making a Music Star" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the President of Endemol USA. The series is executive produced by Matt Kunitz, and will air with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning.

Source: ABC Press Release