Lip-synching can be considered controversial, even though some singers do it to ensure their live concert performances will go smoothly. In most cases, lip-synching performances are usually condemned by fans as they are after all paying to catch the artiste sing live.
However, it can be fun watching Hollywood A-listers or musicians as they battle each other in rounds of lip sync performances. Titled “Lip Sync Battle”, the highly-anticipated Viacom original series will finally make its debut in Asia on weekdays via Comedy Central next month.
Based on the pop culture phenomenon of lip sync battling, “Lip Sync Battle” is an American musical comedy TV programme based on an idea introduced to “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” by “The Office” star John Krasinski. It premiered on 2nd April 2015 on Viacom’s SpikeTV in the US.
The Viacom original series features celebrities going head to head, lip-syncing the song of their choice, and battling for the coolest bragging rights on the planet. It was used (and is still used) as a recurring segment on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” before being developed as a separate show.
Entertainment icon and 2-time GRAMMY Award-winner LL COOL J is hosting the show alongside pop culture sensation Chrissy Teigen, who serves a play-by-play commentator. The show is executive produced by Casey Patterson, Jay Peterson of Matador Content, John Krasinski, Stephen Merchant, and Eight Million Plus Productions.
“Like the rest of the world, I’m a big fan of these battles, but this show is going to bring it to a whole new level. I’m thrilled to be working with Jimmy Fallon, John Krasinski, Stephen Merchant, and the entire team to host the show and can’t wait for the fans at home to join in!!” said LL COOL J.
Casey Patterson, Executive Producer/Executive Vice President Talent Development and Production of Viacom Entertainment Group, said in a statement:
Icon, Grammy Winner and one of the best hosts in the game, LL COOL J will bring a whole new fan base of music lovers to the show. We have the dream team in front of and behind the camera on Lip Sync Battle and we’re ready to BRING IT for our fans.
The first season comprises 10 episodes with an extended 8 episodes. The first 3 episodes to air in Asia will feature Jimmy Fallon vs. Dwayne Johnson, Anna Kendrick vs. John Krasinski, and Anne Hathaway vs. Emily Blunt.
Among the other talents who appeared in Season 1 includes John Legend, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Mike Tyson, and Queen Latifah. The series is a ratings and multiplatform superstar for Spike. It is also the most-watched original series in network history, averaging at 3 million viewers.
Lip Sync Battle has also delivered a staggering 177 million cross-platform streams across Spike’s owned and operated properties as well as Facebook and YouTube, with Anne Hathaway’s rendition of Miley Cyrus‘ “Wrecking Ball” clip alone garnering 15 million.
It was announced in April that the show has been renewed for a 2nd season. It will consist of 20 episodes and will premiere in 2016.
“Lip Sync Battle” will premiere in Asia on 28th July (Tuesday) on Comedy Central at 7:30pm (TH/WIB), 8:30pm (HK/PH/SG/TW) and 9:30pm (MY).
For more information, visit the show’s official Facebook page and Comedy Central’s official website.
