Schnur, Lythgoe Create New E! Show

ANOTHER SCHNUR THING: Electronic Arts’ music chief Steve Schnur and American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe are teaming up on a new music reality series called Opening Act for E!, debuting July 9 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The twist is the show will scout talent directly from YouTube, offering their discoveries a chance to perform on an A-list artist’s tour, including Nicki Minaj in Miami, Rod Stewart in Las Vegas, LMFAO in Orlando, Brad Paisley in Mountain View, CA, Jason Aldean in Birmingham, AL, Jason Mraz in Honolulu and Gym Class Heroes in El Paso, TX. Schnur created the show and, with Lythgoe, the two will serve as co-executive producers amid talk of a recording deal for the talent through Universal Music Group. The participants will not audition, or compete, on the show, whose co-hosts include Mary J. Blige and Rock Mafia’s Antonina Armato, along with The Tonight Show's Olivia Lee. Those chosen will get a chance to develop their skills with A-level producers, songwriters and stylists to prepare them in five days to launch their career opening for some of the world’s biggest artists. We told you Schnur has been busy doing more than playing golf and creating the soundtracks for video games. (5/1p)