Nick Lachey Talks Winter Return for NBC's The Sing-Off, Reveals New Judges

The Showbizz 411

New Kids, Boyz II Men & 98 Degrees Talk 'Package Tour'

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ByJohn Carucci

For Donnie Wahlberg it's not a matter of why now, rather "why not?" The recording artist-turned-actor was referring to the news of a major tour with his New Kids on the Block, who'll be joined this summer on "The Package Tour" by 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men.

 The tour kicks off May 31 in Uncasville, Conn. and ends July 13 in Minneapolis.

 "The state of the boy band union is strong," Wahlberg joked Tuesday. "Even though technically we're not really boy bands, but we're OK with that, so we'll accept it."

 The three bands sold millions of records in the 1980s and '90s and helped usher in a wave of vocal groups that continues today.

 The Boston-based NKOTB formed in 1984 and amassed ten Top 20 hits. They broke up in 1994 but got back together after a 14-year hiatus. Wahlberg said he feels the break coincided with the maturation of their fan base.

 "They needed time to have families and husbands and children and get jobs and live their life," Wahlberg said.

 But now he sees his band's music as a complement to the fans' adult lives.

 "We created an outlet for them to feel good about themselves and tap into that youthfulness that had been put to bed for a long time ... you may be 40, but the euphoria of it makes you feel 14 all over again," Wahlberg said.

 The band also announced a new single, "Remix (I Like The)," which will be released Jan. 28, and a new album, "10," which is out April 2.

 That music will be a bit more mature than some of the band's previous material, member Joey McIntyre said.

 "It is about the decisions that a grown man makes and goes through, as opposed to singing songs like 'Popsicle,'" he said.

 Nathan Morris, one of the members of Boyz II Men, known since the early 1990s for such hits as "I'll Make Love to You" and "End of the Road," said the tour is going to be all about performing.

 "If the boy band thing is attached, it's wonderful, but for all of us in here, we're ready to get out there and sing and perform," he said. "That's just what we do."

 Though 98 Degrees is the youngest group on the bill, it has been apart the longest, 12 years.

 "So we're excited to get back together and doing what we do," member Nick Lachey said. "We feel reinvigorated by our bond and by our group, so we're very excited by that."

 Wahlberg, who stars as Detective Danny Reagan on the CBS television series "Blue Bloods," about several generations of a family of New York City police officers, said the boy bands' tour, kicking off May 31 in Uncasville, Connecticut, and continuing into July with more than 30 dates, is going to be "great."

 "You have three acts that have lots of records, lots of fans," he said. "Fans that are anxious to sing those records and anxious to sing other bands' records, too."

New Kids On The Block Special Announcement

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More pics can be found at the above link

New Kids On The Block, 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men team up for ‘The Package’ tour this summer

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New Kids on the Block, 98 Degrees & BoyzIIMen OMG Interview

The View NKOTB 98 Boyz II Men

98 Degrees, NKOTB & BoyzllMen Private Event NYC

Thanks to @Meldiv75 

Nick Lachey, Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman's holiday must-haves

There's a reason that iReporter Chris Morrow is considered a superstar around these parts. Not only does she file sumptuous reports from all over the country - she also scores interviews with tip-top talent like the hosts of NBC's "The Sing Off."
Morrow asked Nick Lachey, Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman our favorite question at this time of year, "Finish the sentence, 'It's not the holidays without...'" and got answers ranging from eggnog to...well, you'll just have to watch. And drool. And go make chicken. (You'll see.)

Nick Lachey Talks About the Inspirational Atmosphere of 'The Sing-Off' (VIDEO)

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NBC's A cappella talent competition 'The Sing-Off' returns for a new season tonight at 9PM ET. Host Nick Lachey made an appearance on 'Today' (9AM ET on NBC) to talk about the judging changes the show has made this season, and the inspiring musical atmosphere the show fosters. It's so contagious that Lachey has been working in the studio on a new project of his own.

'The Sing-Off' will have a new judges this year, as Sara Bareilles joins Ben Folds and rest of the crew. It will also have a longer season, as its moving to 16 episodes. Lachey said the new judges bring a wealth of energy, and experience, to a set that's already brimming with its own unique vibe. The show has struck such a nerve that not only is it creating A cappella groups as part of the competition, but singers are starting to form their own groups to compete for a spot in the competition.

All the energy has inspired Lachey to get back to his own musical roots, which started in the boy-band 98 Degrees. He's venturing back into the studio to work on a new musical project of his own, and credited the show's electric atmosphere with inspiring him. It probably doesn't hurt that 'The Sing-Off' has allowed him to cultivate a new, rabid fan-base who make a perfect audience for his vocal talents.

The Sing-off premieres Good Squeaky clean Fun

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NBC’s The Sing-Off premiered last night, in all of its cheesy glory and sans instruments, as host Nick Lachey will not allow you to forget. The little music competition show that could has been rewarded by NBC with afull season pick-up, which means one new judge, additional contenders to charm the family audience and larger prizes at stake. Yes, Nicole Scherzinger, known for her confounding statements that fall somewhere between criticism flirtation, has jumped ship to Fox’s The X Factor—check back on Thursday to see if that’s a good fit for her and her two friends—ushering in the Sara Bareilles Era, which puts the former UCLA a cappella performer alongside veteran judges Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman, thus adding a little bit more technical knowledge and legitimacy to the panel itself. Lachey is still Lachey, mind you, but did we get a fleeting sense that he’s feeling more relaxed the third time around? Guess the second televised marriage will do that to you.

To start things off, eight groups were broken into two groups of four to perform for the judges. Among them: three college groups, a family-sized brood from Wisconsin—enter your variousPartridge Family jokes now, but don’t forget to call Emma Stone!—and a super group consisting ofSing-Off contenders of yore, which really emphasizes both the love for the craft and the desperation that can take hold of humans when it comes to televised singing competitions. Yes, they’re all talented, but some of these ladies in Delilah will just not let their early exits go. The lack of versatility seemed to be the biggest threat to any group’s potential for success, as with each impending round they’ll be asked to perform genre-specific numbers instead of their familiar, foolproof set list. Of the two group’s sent home, The Cat’s Pajamas, the pride of Branson, Missouri by way of New Jersey, couldn’t make their ’60/’70s sound on Grand Funk Railroad’s “Some Kind of Wonderful” translate to the Sing-Off stage, despite playing 200 shows a year in their hometown. At least the people of the Midwest are experiencing no shortage of a cappella these days. The Fannin Family’s eight children will likely each have one stellar college entrance essay, but their approach to Selena Gomez’s “Who Says,” age-appropriate for 14-year-old lead Maria, seemed too safe, and the sibling group unwilling to ever rise above anything rated PG. Did we mention BYU’s Vocal Point changed Brian Setzer’s “can of ale” lyric to “ginger ale”? We know this is a family show, but c’mon. Live on the edge!

As four our favorites of the night? Afro-Blue, the co-ed group from Howard University (it’s always wise to give a shout-out to Diddy), whose jazzy take on “Put Your Records On” not only showcased lead singer Christie’s control, but also Reggie’s powerful bass which slowed down the Corrine Bailey Rae original to something truly soulful. Denver’s own Urban Method made a slightly overdramatic plea for stardom by explaining that they were “born to do this,” a sentiment truly unique to anyone ever making a run at stardom or doing anything they are truly passionate about in the history of the world. Rapper Mike explained his arduous quest to remove white MCs as the punchline of the music industry, one which makes him lose precious beauty sleep—so obviously he should be rewarded, right? For all the drama, the “rap-cappella” group delivered, making their rendition of Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love The Way You Lie” huge and theatrical, second only to the fiery performances by the famous faces in Em’s music video. There will be eight more groups to get to know next week, so get adjusted to this season’s changes by watching our early favorites, below

NICK LACHEY LOVES “CONTAGIOUS” ATMOSPHERE OF ‘THE SING-OFF’

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The Sing-Off kicks off season three tonight (NBC, 8 pm et/pt), as 16 a capella groups compete for a Sony recording contract and a $200,000 cash prize. Celebrity judges on the show include returnees Ben Folds, Shawn Stockman, and newbie Sara Bareilles.

“This show has such a contagious atmosphere to be around,” says The Sing-Off host Nick Lachey, who years ago fronted the boy band 98 Degrees. “And you see how passionate these groups and the joy that they have performing on stage each and every show. It’s contagious. It makes you want to get out there, and do it. And certainly, I miss my guys, and there’s nothing but good memories there (with 98 Degrees).”

Click on the media bar and listen to Lachey talk about catching New Kids on the Block in concert:

As for the possibility of a 98 Degrees reunion, Lachey simply said, “Maybe in the future, we’ll see that happen.”

The Sing-Off various Pics

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Shawn Stockman and Nick Lachey attend NBC’s 2011 TCA summer press tour at The Bazaar at the SLS Hotel in Los Angeles, California on August 1, 2011

Check out the judges and host for this year’s show. Ben Folds, Sara Bareilles, Shawn Stockman, and Nick Lachey

The Sing-Off Set Visit: Returns for an Extended Third Season

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Matt DeGroot

Get those ears of yours in tune, America, because another televised singing competition is about to start but this time its all a cappella. That’s right, The Sing-Off is back for a third season of vocal powerhouses and I got the chance to visit the set for a taping of one of their new episodes and have a brief chat with host Nick Lachey and judge Ben Folds.

Nestled into Stage 15 on the Sony Pictures lot in Los Angeles, the set of The Sing-Off is an absolute joy to walk onto with vocal groups warming up all around you to make their wildly versatile voices primed to impress the judges and advance to the next round of competition. And this year, there are a whole lot more of those voices to go around with the series more than doubling its number of episodes from its first two years on the air.

“We’re bigger and we’re better!” boasted host Nick Lachey. “We’re up to 11 episodes from 5 last year so we’re like the little show that could and we’re able to showcase even more unbelievable talent, which I think is great.”

With so many music competition shows on the air right now I asked Lachey and Ben Folds, who acts as one of the show’s three judges, how they distinguish themselves to stand out from the crowd. “Well that’s pretty easy,” said Folds, “our show is rooted in a cappella competition and that engine is what makes us extremely different.”

“The structure and competition symbols of the show might be similar to other shows out there but the a cappella aspect gives it a whole different feeling that makes it really special,” continued Folds.

In a world of pop music dominated by auto-tune and electronic sounds I asked Folds if there was even a place for a cappella music on the scene and if the winners of their show have any hope of topping the charts in a such a climate. And to put it simply, he absolutely thinks there is. “A cappella is really a huge cultural movement and there is always room for it in the music industry. If anything, I think the hardest thing about this show is keeping the competition tense. The music is just so powerful that it creates an enormous generosity between the competing groups that they’re just happy for each other no matter what happens.”

And after sitting through a taping of an episode I can certainly vouch for that statement. They really do revel in the other groups’ performances and it is almost as fun to watch them watch each other perform as it is to see the performances themselves.

Since what I watched was actually the season’s 10th episode I can’t reveal much about what I saw but I will say that the talent on display is remarkable! After watching the final four teams perform I had absolutely zero envy for the judges who had to decide who should be sent home.

“That is of course the really hard part,” said Lachey, “as the host I find myself constantly encouraging and embracing them along the way so its hard to see them go.”

On top of more episodes the show also boasts a new judge this season to sit alongside Folds and Shawn Stockman of Boys II Men fame. Recording artist Sara Bareilles has joined the panel to replace Nicole Scherzinger who has moved on to be a judge on FOX’s The X-Factor. Together, the three judges bring a wealth of knowledge and experience as a cappella artists and can act as true mentors to the competing teams.

On a personal note Lachey confirmed that he has just returned to the recording booth to start work on his upcoming third solo album called ‘Soundtrack of My Life’ featuring cover songs from all of the movies that have touched him over the years and Folds will be releasing a compilation album of his greatest hits next month called ‘The Best Imitation of Myself’ that encompasses his solo work along with that of his trio Ben Folds Five.

The Sing-Off begins this Monday, September 19 at 8/7c on NBC.

Images courtesy of NBC.

Nick Lachey recycles and conserves, Shawn Stockman cleans green

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By Gerri Miller

'The Sing-Off' stars have their own music plans.

Photo: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC

"Obviously recycling is the one thing you can do. Trying to conserve water and turn the lights off, just being conscious of it — you don't have to make yourself miserable trying to do it but every little bit helps," says Nick Lachey, host of NBC's a capella group competition "The Sing-Off," which has its season premiere Sept. 19. "Not taking anything away from the previous season, but the groups are so talented, I can't even imagine how hard the judges' jobs will be," he says, noting that a cappella "more than any other kind of music takes a lot of practice and dedication before you go out there. You have to practice, practice, practice, and hone your sound."

The 98 Degrees alumnus' solo career is coming off the back burner, as he's gearing up to record a new album. "It's a long time coming for me and I'm excited to get back to it. It's tentatively called 'The Soundtrack Of My Life,' but that isn't a done deal yet." He has fond memories of his boy band days, acknowledging, "I certainly wouldn't be doing anything I'm doing now if it hadn't been for that opportunity." A reunion might happen someday, he confirms. "We talk about it all the time and I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't get back together at some point," he says.

In July, Lachey married actress Vanessa Minnillo, who'll host the next edition of ABC's "Wipeout." "We're a two-host household now," he says.

"This is just another element of what I already do in the business," says Shawn Stockman of his role as a judge on "The Sing-Off," serving on the panel with Ben Folds and Sara Bareilles (replacing Nicole Scherzinger, who defected to "The X Factor"). The Boyz II Men singer still does 150 shows a year with the group, so he's juggling TV tapings with his tour schedule. The trio is also readying a 20th anniversary album of ten new, ten re-recorded tracks that will be released exclusively at Wal-Mart in October. At home, he uses eco-friendly cleaning products and recycles. "We try to do our part," he says.

The Sing Off : Premiere - Nick Lachey Interview

MEET THE HOST OF THE SING-OFF NICK LACHEY

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Nick grew up in Ohio and attended Cincinnati’s well-regarded public School for Creative and Performing Arts, where he developed his vocal talent and aspirations to become an entertainer.

Nick is well-known for his band 98 Degrees, where he sang along with his brother Drew Lachey, friend Justine Jeffre and Jeff Timmons. Unlike other boy bands, 98 Degrees was started independently by Jeff Timmons and was later picked up by a record label. The band got its big break when they performed during a radio broadcast of a Boys II Men concert and Paris D’Jon, manager of Montel Jordan, arranged for 98 Degrees to open for Jordan on his tour. Shortly after, the band was signed to Motown. Over the years, they have sold over 10 million records and earned eight top 40 singles.

Nick is also known for the hit reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica with his then-wife Jessica Simpson. The show was on for four seasons. Recently, Nick has been working on a new album entitled “Coming Up for Air.” He has done other television appearances as Leslie St. Claire in Charmed, and has appeared on Hope and Faith and Twins.