Janet Jackson is getting into the reality TV business, developing a music competition with 25/7 Prods. for MTV.

Untitled project, which has already started casting, will feature Jackson as she mentors a group of aspiring singers and dancers. Project will be shot in the coming months as Jackson prepares for her world tour, which launches on Sept. 10.

“It’s really about finding who’s the next Janet Jackson or Justin Timberlake or Usher,” said exec producer Dave Broome. “And we’ll find it from a pool of people who you wouldn’t typically find it from. We’ll go to YMCAs, church groups, local community centers and try to cast the show.”

Show will also take place in various street locales, rather than on a studio soundstage. Producers are still ironing out the prize – but it could potentially relate to Jackson’s tour.

Deal also reps the latest chapter in the recent turbulent relationship between the channel and Jackson. MTV produced the infamous Super Bowl halftime show that featured Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction.” After that, fans accused MTV of blackballing the singer from the channel.

But Jackson has been seen more often on MTV lately, having appeared on TRL to promote her latest CD in February. She also starred in a series of shorts spoofing MTV series like “The Real World” as part of MTV’s “52 Artists/52 Weeks Total MTV Takeover.”

Broome’s credits include “The Biggest Loser,” “The Radio Music Awards” and NBC’s Tsunami benefit.

Gil Duldulao and Jackson are behind the show’s concept; Jackson, Duldulao, Broome, Kenneth Crear and Johnny Wright are all exec prodcers.

It’s good to see Janet on her grind, despite her much publicized issues with label Island Def Jam. It’s even better to see that her relationship with MTV is back on track, as there’s no doubt the show – the concept of which sounds pretty interesting – will help ‘re-sell her’ to her what, undoubtedly, is one of her key audiences.

What do you think of the pics?

An updated list of performers and presenters for the 2008 BET Awards received from this morning did not include Mariah. According to BET, “Since it’s a live show, there are always lots of last minute changes and updates.” We’ll let you know if we hear differently. Mariah is, however, expected to attend the awards proceedings.

It’s anyone’s guess why the performance was cancelled. At the risk of sound ‘a hater’, perhaps it was for the best, as Mariah’s recent performances have left a lot to be desired. Here’s hoping she can get her live performance game up to par once again.