MTV sets out to find the next pop sensation to join these music superstars and Mario Lopez (host of MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew”) is taking the hosting reins for the new live music competition series “MTV’s Top Pop Group” which premiered Thursday, September 11 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.

From MTV.com

After an extensive nationwide search, nine amazing groups hit the stage to compete for a $100,000 prize and the coveted title of MTV’s Top Pop Group. With everyone’s favorite host, Mario Lopez, at the helm, the competition is fierce!

Each week, the hopefuls are coached by megastars and supergroups who try to help them perfect their singing, dancing and overall performance skills. Then, the groups perform live in front of a panel of celebrity judges — rapper Taboo, singer Michelle Williams and choreographer Brian Friedman — knowing that one wrong move or off-key note could cause their dreams to come crashing down.

But it’s not just the judges that get a say in who stays and who goes. You — yes, you! — can vote for your favorite pop group! But this power shouldn’t be taken lightly … by casting your vote, dreams become reality and hearts are broken. After tallying the votes, one group is eliminated each week. In the end, the last group standing is crowned MTV’s Top Pop Group!

Heres a look at the casting special:

You’ll find groups pics and bios of the nine groups selected to compete here: Group Bios