Mary J. Blige Joins 'Opening Act' Reality Show

ESSENCE Music Festival headliner Mary J. Blige is searching for America’s next big singing sensation. Together, American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, Rock Mafia producer Antonina Armato and Blige will comb the internet looking for amateur singers for E!’s new reality show “Opening Act,” according to Deadline.

The series will follow the trio as they take several lucky musicians and put them through the wringer to make them stage ready.

Each contestant will be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open for a major artist on tour. So far, Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, Brad Paisley, Rod Stewart, Jason Aldean, Jason Maraz and Gym Class Heroes have all agreed to let an unknown act open for them.

Opening Act is set to premiere July 9 on E!, just days after Blige takes the stage in New Orleans.