Talent search will debut on Oct. 19

Left off the list when FOX announced its fall premiere dates earlier this month, "The Next Great American Band" will launch in October.

The talent search, from those genre masters at 19 Entertainment, will premiere on Friday, Oct. 19 with a two-hour episode presumably including audition footage. "The Next Great American Band" (FOX keeps calling that a working title) will then move into its regular 8 p.m. hour-long format beginning the next week.

Hundreds of bands from around the country auditioned for the show, with applicants raising from hip-hop ensembles to country groups. A set of judges will narrow the hopefuls down to 10 semifinalists, at which point the American people will take on voting responsibilities, just as they do on "Idol."

Also like "Idol," each week the contestants will perform within an established genre, though unlike "Idol" the bands will have the option of either doing original music or covers. The show's finale will pit three bands against each other in a battle of the band for a contract with 19 Recordings.

Simon Fuller, Nigel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick and Cecile Frot-Coutaz will executive produce. FOX promises upcoming announcements for the show's judges and host.