TOP 12 BANDS REVEALED ON TONIGHT'S PREMIERE OF "THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND"

First Performances by Top 12 Semifinalist Bands Friday, Oct. 26, on FOX

Tonight, the producers behind mega-hit phenomenon AMERICAN IDOL took the musical reality genre to a whole new performance level with a mission to find the most talented undiscovered groups on the premiere of THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND, hosted by Dominic Bowden. After reviewing auditions from around the nation, the show's judges � singer/songwriter John Rzeznik, legendary percussionist and performer Sheila E. and Australian TV personality Ian "Dicko" Dickson � narrowed down thousands of hopefuls to the Top 12 semifinalist bands.

Next week, the Top 12 bands will vie for America's vote as they perform before a live studio audience on Friday, Oct. 26 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Each band will perform two songs: an original composition and a song by legendary artist Bob Dylan. On Friday, Nov. 2 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PM), the two bands with the lowest vote totals will be eliminated from the competition, and each of the Top 10 bands will perform an original composition as well as a David Bowie song.

From hair bands to big bands and classic rockers to country crooners, every genre of music is represented, and each week the bands will perform in the varied styles. Then it's up to the viewers to determine with their votes who will secure a contract with 19 Recordings and the title of "The Next Great American Band."

Meet the Top 12 bands (Alpha Order):

The Clark Brothers, a Bluegrass/Country band from Nashville, TN.

Cliff Wagner and the Old #7, a Bluegrass Band from San Pedro, CA.

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, a Big Band/Swing Band from Nashville, TN.

Dot Dot Dot, a Modern Rock band from Chicago, IL.

Franklin Bridge, an R&B/Soul band from Philadelphia, PA.

The Hatch, a Pop/Rock band from Brooklyn, NY.

Light of Doom, a Heavy Metal band from San Marcos, CA.

The Likes of You, a Pop/Rock band from Los Angeles, CA.

The Muggs, a Classic Rock band from Detroit, MI.

Rocket, a Pop/Punk band from Los Angeles, CA.

Sixwire, a Country band from Nashville, TN.

Tr�s Bien, a Retro Pop/Rock band from Clearwater, FL.

MSN, the exclusive online partner for THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND, has created http://nextgreatband.msn.com where fans can get the latest information on the show, their favorite contestants, judges and much more.

THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND, created by Simon Fuller, is produced by 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia North America. Simon Fuller (19 Entertainment), Nigel Lythgoe (19 Entertainment), Ken Warwick (FremantleMedia North America) and Cecile Frot-Coutaz (FremantleMedia North America) are executive producers. Charles Boyd is co-executive producer.