Jennifer Lopez will not only executive produce the new NBC dance competition series “World of Dance,” but will also serve as one of its judges.
NBC announced Wednesday that Lopez is joining the series in front of the camera to help mentor young dancers looking for their big break.
“I identify with the struggles, passion, discipline, competition and exhilaration of dance,” Lopez said. “I am excited that with this show we can skyrocket a dancer’s career and help guide them to success.”
In partnership with global dance brand World of Dance, the series will see solo artists compete against duos and crews in an unlimited range of dance, including hip-hop, krumping, popping, locking, tap, ballet, break dancing, ballroom, clogging, stomping and more.
Handpicked from qualifying events around the nation and thousands of online submissions, competitors are divided into three divisions: Junior (any size act under 16 years old), Upper (groups of 1- 4, over 16 years) and Team (groups of 5+, over 16 years).
After an initial audition round, divisions face off in duels, until only one of each is left standing. A panel of experts score the acts using a precise point system developed by World of Dance, using the following criteria: routine, execution, presentation, and crowd appeal. The finale sees the winners from each division duke it out for $1 million and the title “Best in the World.”
Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina will executive produce through Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions banner. Kris Curry, Matilda Zoltowski, David Gonzalez, Matthew Everitt and Al Hassas will also executive produce. The series will be produced by Universal Television Alternative Studios in association with Nuyorican Productions.