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Little Mix The Search
GenreReality competition
Creative directors
  • Paul Newton
  • Rob Davies
Presented byChris Ramsey (live shows only)
Judges
ComposerRob Derbyshire
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series1
No. of episodes9
Production
Executive producers
  • Andrea Hamilton
  • Leanne Witcoop
EditorAmy Boyle
Running time59–86 minutes
Production companyModestTV
Original release
NetworkBBC One
Release26 September (2020-09-26) –
7 November 2020 (2020-11-07)

Little Mix The Search is a British reality television music competition that was announced in October 2019, and began airing on BBC One on 26 September 2020, concluding with the final on 7 November 2020. The series was judged by British girl group Little Mix, with the winning act from the series joining them on The Confetti Tour (2022). In August 2021 it was announced that the show had been put on an "indefinite hold" after one series.

History

The premise for Little Mix The Search was announced in October 2019, when applications for the show were opened.[1][2] The premise of The Search was for British girl group Little Mix to find singers to form a new group.[3] It was confirmed that the members of Little Mix, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson, would act as judges. Applications closed on 10 January 2020,[4] and filming commenced later that month.[4][5] In March 2020, it was announced that comedian Chris Ramsey would be presenting The Search.[6]

The auditions and group formation episodes had been filmed and were set to air on BBC One in April 2020 with the live shows following shortly afterwards.[7] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their Summer 2020 Tour was cancelled and the series was postponed while the production team debated how to proceed under lockdown guidelines.[8] When asked about the effect of the pandemic on The Search, Edwards said: "The live shows bit is coming, obviously we don’t know when but everything else before the live shows we’ve already filmed. So everything’s good to go, we’re basically just waiting for lockdown."[9] On 20 July 2020, it was announced that the series would premiere later in the year, later confirmed to be on 26 September 2020, beginning with the pre-filmed auditions and group formation episodes, before commencing the live shows under social distancing guidelines.[10] The groups competed for a chance to support Little Mix on their Confetti Tour in 2022.[1]

On 14 October 2020, it was announced via Twitter that the first live episode, originally set for broadcast on 17 October, had been postponed to 24 October due to several members of the production crew having been tested positive for COVID-19 and entering self-isolation.[11] The showrunners and producers confirmed that none of the members of Little Mix tested positive for the virus.[12] On 21 October, it was announced that Thirlwall, who had decided to self-isolate at home as a precaution, would appear during the first live episode solely via video link.[13] On 24 October, Little Mix performed "Sweet Melody" as part of the "Battle of the Bands" episode, a performance that Thirlwall was absent for.[14] On 31 October, the semi-final was postponed to 6 November in favour of a BBC news special, with the final following it on 7 November.[15] On 7 November, it was announced that Nelson would be unable to appear during the final due to an illness.[16]

Cancellation

On 26 August 2021 it was announced that the show would not be returning for a second series and had been put on an "indefinite hold", with the head of BBC Entertainment citing Edwards' and Pinnock's pregnancies as a factor.[17]

Episodes

No.EpisodeOriginal air date
1"Boyband"26 September 2020 (2020-09-26)[19]

Little Mix kick off the series by searching for a boyband.

Boyband line-up (New Priority): Adam, Kaci, Lee, Talis and Zeekay.[18]
2"Mixed Group"27 September 2020 (2020-09-27)[21]

The search continues as Little Mix look for singers to form a mixed group.

Mixed group line-up (Jasper Blue): Jordan, Rosie, Liam and Melina.[20]
3"Girl Vocal"3 October 2020 (2020-10-03)[23]

Little Mix search for a girl vocal group.

Girl vocal group line-up (Nostalia): Tamara, Mya-Louise, Esther, Shanice and Tyler.[22]
4"Vocal & Instruments"4 October 2020 (2020-10-04)[25]

Three bands have been established, and Little Mix search for singers and instrumentalists for their vocal & instruments group.

Vocal & instruments group line-up (Since September): Matthew, Jacob, Harry and Patrick.[24]
5"Girl Dance"10 October 2020 (2020-10-10)[27]

Little Mix search for a girl dance group.

Girl dance group line-up (Melladaze): Megan, Ellie, Liv, Aislí and Lauren.[26]
6"Rap R&B"11 October 2020 (2020-10-11)[29]

Little Mix search for singers and rappers to form a rap R&B group.

Rap R&B line-up (YChange): Romina, VerSay, Eden and Ashley.[28]
7"Battle of the Bands"24 October 2020 (2020-10-24)[31]
With the band names revealed for the first time, all the bands perform in front of Little Mix and a live audience for a place in the semi-final.[30]
8"Semi-Final"6 November 2020 (2020-11-06)[15]
The remaining five bands perform in front of Little Mix and a live audience for a place in the final.
9"The Final"7 November 2020 (2020-11-07)[32]
The finalists perform twice in front of a live audience, with a public vote to determine the winner of Little Mix The Search.

Live performances

Colour key
  Indicates that the group was in the bottom two and had to perform again in the sing off
  Indicates that the group was eliminated
  Indicates that the group won the competition

"Battle of the Bands" (24 October 2020)

Special Performances:

Contestants' performances on the first live show
Band Order Song(s) Score[34] Leaderboard Result
Since September 1 "I Knew You Were Trouble"[35] 84% 4th Advanced
Nostalia 2 "Case of the Ex"/"Try Again"[36] 90% 2nd Advanced
New Priority 3 "Can't Feel My Face"[37] 87% 3rd Advanced
Jasper Blue 4 "Just Got Paid"[38] 79% 5th Bottom two
YChange 5 "West Ten"[39] 94% 1st Advanced
Melladaze 6 "Sucker"/"Get Right"[40] 77% 6th Bottom two
Sing-off details
Jasper Blue 1 "Walk Me Home" Eliminated[41]
Melladaze 2 "We Got Love" Saved (4 Votes)
Little Mix's votes to send through to the semi-final[41][42]

"Semi-Final" (6 November 2020)

Special Performances:

Contestants' performances on the second live show
Band Order Song(s)[45] Score[46] Leaderboard Result
Melladaze 1 "Kings & Queens"/"Where Have You Been"[47] 92% 2nd Advanced
YChange 2 "Gotta Get Thru This"[48] 90% 3rd Advanced
New Priority 3 "Into You"[49] 78% 5th Bottom two
Since September 4 "Watermelon Sugar"[50] 89% 4th Bottom two
Nostalia 5 "As"[51] 95% 1st Advanced
Sing-off details
New Priority 1 "Lose Somebody" Eliminated
Since September 2 "Before You Go" Saved (Tie - Majority of panel later agreed)
Little Mix's votes to send through to the final[52]

With the acts in the bottom two receiving two votes each, the girls had to deliberate with each other to decide whom to send through to the final. Pinnock was given the casting vote and eventually chose to send Since September through to the final.

"Final" (7 November 2020)

Special Performances:

Contestants' performances on the third and final live show
Band Order First song Score Order Second song Score Leaderboard Place on Little Mix: The Search
YChange 1 "All of the Lights"/"Never Forget You" 284/300 5 "Runnin' (Lose It All)" 300/300 Joint 1st Top Four
Since September 2 "Don't Look Back in Anger"/"Survivor" 280/300 6 "Drag Me Down"/"Old Town Road" 300/300 3rd Winners
Melladaze 3 "Confident"/"Kill This Love" 279/300 7 "Get Lucky" 284/300 4th Top Four
Nostalia 4 "No Scrubs"/"Shackles (Praise You)" 284/300 8 "When the Party's Over"/"Diamonds" 300/300 Joint 1st Top Four

Results summary

Colour key
  Indicates that the group had the highest score and won the episode
  Indicates that the group was in the bottom two and had to perform again in the sing-off
  Indicates that the group was eliminated from the competition
  Indicates that the group won Little Mix The Search
  Indicates that the group was a runner-up
Band Name Band Type Battle of the Bands[34] Semi-Final The Final
Score Ranking Score Ranking
Since September Vocal & Instruments 84% 4th 89% 4th Winner
Nostalia Girl Vocal 90% 2nd 95% 1st Runner-up
Melladaze Girl Dance 77% 6th 92% 2nd Runner-up
YChange Rap R&B 94% 1st 90% 3rd Runner-up
New Priority Boyband 87% 3rd 78% 5th Eliminated
(Semi-Final)
Jasper Blue Mixed Group 79% 5th (6th in the show) Eliminated[41]
(Battle of the Bands)

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Result Ref.
2020 I Talk Telly Awards Best Talent Show Won [53]
2021 National Television Awards Best Talent Show Nominated [54]

References

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  2. ^ "When is Little Mix: The Search on TV? What is it about? How do you apply? Is it a rival to The X Factor: The Band?". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 3 March 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  3. ^ "BBC to host Little Mix's new talent show in order to find a support band - here's how to apply". Nottingham Post. Archived from the original on 7 January 2020. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  4. ^ a b "When Does Little Mix's The Search Start?". Capital. Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  5. ^ "Little Mix finally begin The Search as they share sneak glimpse from behind-the-scenes". Metro. Archived from the original on 3 March 2020. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  6. ^ "South Shields comedian Chris Ramsey announced as host of Little Mix The Search talent show". Shields Gazette. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  7. ^ "Little Mix reveals what's different about their new X Factor-style show The Search". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
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  14. ^ a b BBC (24 October 2020). "@Little Mix kick off Battle of the Bands with Sweet Melody! - Little Mix The Search - BBC". Archived from the original on 24 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020 – via YouTube.
  15. ^ a b @LMTheSearch (31 October 2020). "A statement on tonight's show. #LittleMixTheSearch" (Tweet). Retrieved 31 October 2020 – via Twitter.
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  21. ^ Executive Producers: Andrea Hamilton and Leanne Witcoop (27 September 2020). "Mixed Group". Little Mix The Search. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 27 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  22. ^ "Little Mix reveal our Girl Vocal band". BBC One. 3 October 2020. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  23. ^ Executive Producers: Andrea Hamilton and Leanne Witcoop (3 October 2020). "Girl Vocal". Little Mix The Search. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  24. ^ "Little Mix reveal our final Vocal and Instruments line-up!". BBC One. 4 October 2020. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  25. ^ Executive Producers: Andrea Hamilton and Leanne Witcoop (4 October 2020). "Vocal and Instruments". Little Mix The Search. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 4 October 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  26. ^ "Little Mix reveal our Girl Dance group!". BBC One. 10 October 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  27. ^ Executive Producers: Andrea Hamilton and Leanne Witcoop (10 October 2020). "Girl Dance". Little Mix The Search. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 17 January 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  28. ^ "Little Mix reveal our final Rap R&B line-up!". BBC One. 11 October 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  29. ^ Executive Producers: Andrea Hamilton and Leanne Witcoop (11 October 2020). "Rap R&B". Little Mix The Search. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  30. ^ @LMTheSearch (24 October 2020). "Time to reveal those band names!! 🙋‍♂️ Boyband: New Priority 👫 Mixed Group: Jasper Blue 💃 Girl Dance: Melladaze 🎶 Girl Vocal: Nostalia 🎤 Rap R&B: YChange 🎸 Vocal + Instrument: Since September #LittleMixTheSearch" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 October 2020 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ Executive Producers: Andrea Hamilton and Leanne Witcoop (24 October 2020). "Battle Of The Bands". Little Mix The Search. BBC. BBC One.
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  33. ^ @LMTheSearch (24 October 2020). "Obsessed with this futuristic performance of 'i miss u' from @JaxJones and @heyitsau_ra 🙌 #LittleMixTheSearch" (Tweet). Retrieved 25 October 2020 – via Twitter.
  34. ^ a b @LMTheSearch (24 October 2020). "🚨 First leaderboard of the series klaxon 🚨 Tonight's scores mean Jasper Blue and Melladaze will be in the sing off... #LittleMixTheSearch" (Tweet). Retrieved 25 October 2020 – via Twitter.
  35. ^ BBC (24 October 2020). "We knew Since September were trouble when they walked in (sorry 😬) 🎉 @Little Mix The Search - BBC". Archived from the original on 25 October 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2020 – via YouTube.
  36. ^ BBC (24 October 2020). "Nostalia's harmonies! Those silouhettes! Everything!!! 👏😍 @Little Mix The Search - BBC". Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2020 – via YouTube.
  37. ^ BBC (24 October 2020). "The moves ✅ The vocals ✅ The vibe ✅ New Priority ✅ @Little Mix The Search - BBC". Archived from the original on 2 November 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2020 – via YouTube.
  38. ^ BBC (24 October 2020). "Jasper Blue's energy was next level 👏 @Little Mix The Search - BBC". Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2020 – via YouTube.
  39. ^ BBC (24 October 2020). "YChange give an unreal performance! 🤯 @Little Mix The Search - BBC". Archived from the original on 24 October 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2020 – via YouTube.
  40. ^ BBC (24 October 2020). "We're a sucker for Melladaze!! @Little Mix The Search - BBC". Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2020 – via YouTube.
  41. ^ a b c @LittleMix (24 October 2020). "Jasper Blue 💙 This was such a difficult decision as you guys are incredible. We loved meeting and working with you, you've got such bright futures ahead of you! The girls x" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 October 2020 – via Twitter.
  42. ^ BBC (24 October 2020). "It's time to say goodbye in the Battle of the Bands @Little Mix The Search - BBC". Retrieved 25 October 2020 – via YouTube.
  43. ^ @LMTheSearch (6 November 2020). "Holiday + Touch = 🤯 A @LittleMix mash up only dreams are made of! #LittleMixTheSearch" (Tweet). Retrieved 6 November 2020 – via Twitter.
  44. ^ "@Official McFly perform 'Tonight Is The Night'! 💕 @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  45. ^ @LMThesearch (6 November 2020). "The wait is over! Here's what our five bands are singing on tonight's show ⬇️ See you at 7:00pm on @BBCOne + @BBCiPlayer! #LittleMixTheSearch" (Tweet). Retrieved 6 November 2020 – via Twitter.
  46. ^ "Little Mix the Search auf Twitter: "✨ Leaderboard ✨ Tonight's scores mean Since September and New Priority will be in the sing-off... #LittleMixTheSearch… https://T.co/Hi2z84teqy"". Archived from the original on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020. ((cite web)): External link in |title= (help)
  47. ^ "Where have Melladaze been all our life!! 🔥 @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  48. ^ "YChange's energy levels: too excited to even compute rn 🙌 @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  49. ^ "Feeling ultimate boyband vibes from New Priority 👏 @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  50. ^ "Anyone else manifest a Since September x Harry Styles moment? 🍉 @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  51. ^ "Nostalia back with smooth harmonies and we are forever grateful 🙏 @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  52. ^ "It's time to say goodbye 😯 Semifinal @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on 17 January 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  53. ^ "I Talk Telly Awards 2020 Winners". I Talk Telly. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  54. ^ "Best Talent Show - National Television Awards". National Television Awards. Retrieved 25 May 2021.

External links

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