TV News

By Bret Federigan
MSN TV

The phenomenal success of the "High School Musical" franchise has spawned "High School Musical: Get in the Picture," a new ABC reality series that features teens from across the country competing for a chance to appear in a music video in the closing credits of the upcoming "High School Musical 3." Hosted by reality TV veteran and recording artist Nick Lachey, the show follows teenage Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens wannabes, as they hone their skills at an intense summer music program. MSN TV caught up with Lachey to talk about the upcoming series, the performing arts at the high school level and the future of 98 Degrees.

MSN TV: Your new show seems to marry two things that the American public loves: song and dance competitions and the "High School Musical" franchise. What is it about singing competitions that we can't get enough of?

Nick Lachey: Honestly, it's more than just singing with this particular show. These young kids need to be able to move and dance and act, as well. So, it's kind of a combination of all those things.

Can you tell us a little bit about the role you'll be playing on the show? I imagine that, with your background, you'll be pretty involved.

I kind of view my role as a two-part thing. First, I'm the host of the show. So, I take the TV audience through this whole process. But, in addition to that, I really look at my role as a mentor to these kids. You know, I went to a performing arts high school myself, so I feel like I've been through a little bit of what they're experiencing at 16 and 17 years old. So, I really wanted to bring some perspective and guidance, and really just support, to these kids who are going through this process.

It has been pretty well-documented how you and your brother Drew were standouts at the Cincinnati (High) School for the Creative and Performing Arts. So, you should know what it's like to be surrounded by a lot of young talented teenagers hoping to make it big. Nick, what does it take these days for someone in high school to break out and become a star?

Well, I think it starts with talent, obviously. And, all of these kids in the show are phenomenally talented. They came to the table with that already! But really, it's about who they are as people, their personality, their charisma and their spirit. I think that's a big part of "High School Musical." The show has a certain spirit and attitude about it. It's important for these kids to have that, as well. So, it's a combination of a lot of different things.

We've followed you along in two hit reality shows: first, with Jessica Simpson on "Newlyweds," and then with "Clash of the Choirs." What was it about this show that made you want to jump back in the reality TV arena?

I think it really goes back to my time in a performing arts-type high school. This kind of show really touched a chord with me. Promoting the performing arts is something that I'm a big fan of. You know, helping kids to realize their dreams, too, and helping them make their dreams come true through this whole experience just really appealed to me. And, again, I feel like I have a perspective that could meld really with "High School Musical." So, it just made a lot of sense to me on a lot of different levels, frankly.

On the show, you get to don the professor hat with some of the kids on campus. Is there one single piece of advice you can give to young viewers out there who want to become a star?

One, it's a lot of hard work. And I think the 12 finalists on the show really now understand how much hard work goes into being a performer, especially at a professional level. So, that's definitely the first thing: You have to work hard. Secondly, I'd say, "Be true to yourself." Talent is where it starts, but it's more than just that. You need to let your personality -- who you really are -- shine through as a person and as a performer.

Will you get to help shape and produce the song that appears in the music video?

That's a great question, but I think they've already got that song picked out. I'm not sure what it is because I haven't heard it. But, yeah, it's going to be a great opportunity. As you said, the grand prize winner is going to star in a music video that airs during the end credits of "High School Musical 3." That's a huge movie, I think, for this fall. And the opportunity to be part of that is going to put someone way out there on the map. It's a great thing.

More: "High School Musical 3" set visit

How did you get your big break, Nick?

It's funny because I would have killed for an opportunity like this. When I was 16 or 17 years old, I would have jumped at a chance to audition for this show. But, we didn't have anything like this that I remember. So, for me, it was when I was in college, finally making the decision to move out to Los Angeles and join 98 Degrees. We just really went around town and tried to make as many connections as we could until we found someone who believed in us.

You just released a new album. And I know some of the other members of that group have pursued solo projects -- some successful and some much less so. Do you think the group will ever return to the music scene like the Backstreet Boys?

You know, I don't even think the Backstreet Boys even ever took a break. They just kinda went right through.

They lost a member along the way, however.

Oh yeah. One guy did "retire," as they say. But, for us, we've left that door open. I think it's the kind of thing, given the right opportunity and the right timing, we'd go back and revisit. Those are special memories, and it was always a lot of fun. At some point, I can see it happening. But right now, there is no concrete plan, no, to get back together.

Lastly, anything in particular we should look for in these next few episodes?

If you love performing, you will love this show. The kids are phenomenally talented. I was just blown away by the level of their talent and by how polished they were. You will identify with each and every one of them, just like I did. These are great kids. They're fighting and struggling for the chance of a lifetime, trying to make their dream of being a professional performer come true. There are a lot of great stories.

"High School Musical: Get in the Picture" premieres Sunday, July 20, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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