Apollo Live

Music

Music

"Showtime at the Apollo" is back -- sort of. The syndicated music show, taped at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York, ended a 21-year run in 2008. Along with live performances from established and rising artists, it featured an amateur night competition, and that's the segment that inspires the series' rebirth in the form of "Apollo Live." Hosted by comic-actor Tony Rock, the revival includes new elements such as a judging panel featuring R&B producer and artist Michael Bivins, hip-hop pioneer Doug E. Fresh and legendary singer Gladys Knight, plus traditions from the original amateur night show such as audience voting and the infamous "Executioner," who dispatches unsuccessful performers from the stage.