Before ‘American Idol’ was considered the ‘juggernaut’ of singing competitions, its “granddaddy” – ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ – was the stage virtual unknowns took to if and when they wanted to be superstars. Helping build the careers of music icons James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson to Lauryn Hill, Destiny’s Child, and more, the Apollo stage is etched in history for its contributions to R&B, rap, and music overall.
Airing as a television show from 1987 to 2008 (featuring music, comedy, dance, poetry, etc.), ‘Apollo’ welcomed comedian/actor/radio and television host Steve Harvey as its host from 1993-2000. Now, some 16 years later, Harvey and the series are set to be reunited thanks to FOX: