BET hosted a special screening for its newest competition show The Next Big Thing on Monday, June 8th at the AMC Empire Theatre in Times Square. Charlamagne tha God hosted the screening and a panel discussion that included music producer and NBT judge Zaytoven, and A&R Tina Davis who is also a judge on the series. Although, entertainment mogul Damon Dash, was missing in action, his strong presence was felt during the screening of the intense pilot where he also judges the competition.
The Next Big Thing is a music competition series that follows the lives of twelve contestants as they participate in an immersive artist development bootcamp. This bootcamp highlights the importance of authenticity, passion, skill and all things necessary to thrive in the music industry. The show also provides contestants with guest mentors including Tamar Braxton, Keyshia Cole, Nipsey Hussle, Lil’ Kim and more. The Next Big Thing is designed to create an artist of quality that will withstand the hardships faced in the industry. By the end of the series, the last two artists standing will get to meet and perform in front of four major record labels.
The Knockturnal got a chance to catch up with hit-making producer, Zaytoven about his feelings on the upcoming series:
The Knockturnal: You’re usually working behind the scenes what was your experience like being in front of the camera and being a judge for the show?
Zaytoven: I feel born again I feel like a whole new person… I’m so excited to see myself on the screen
The Knockturnal: What was the best part of being on the show?
Zaytoven: One of the best parts is seeing new talent…seeing different artist pass all of these different challenges they had to go through that’s special for me.
The Knockturnal: What was the preparation like to be a judge on this show?
Zaytoven: It was really no preparation, I was just ready to jump in the fire.
The Knockturnal: You spoke about the importance of an IT factor? How would you describe that?
Zaytoven: It’s hard to say, the game has changed so much with social media and everything but for me, it’s still a feeling!… I got to see the person, watch the person and be able to say he or she got that it factor.
Make sure you tune into The Next Big thing Tuesdays at 10PM/9PM CT.
