Little Mix The Search Explained

Genre:Reality competition
Presenter:Chris Ramsey (live shows only)
Country:United Kingdom
Language:English
Num Series:1
Num Episodes:9
Editor:Amy Boyle
Runtime:59–86 minutes
Composer:Rob Derbyshire
Company:ModestTV
Network:BBC One

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.[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 2021, later rescheduled to 2022.

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 due to the announcement of new COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in England, 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; she would ultimately quit the band just over a month after the series had concluded.[16] [17]

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.[18]

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:

    Band! scope="col"
    OrderSong(s)Score[20] LeaderboardResult
    Since September1"I Knew You Were Trouble"[21] 84%4thAdvanced
    Nostalia2"Case of the Ex"/"Try Again"[22] 90%2ndAdvanced
    New Priority3"Can't Feel My Face"[23] 87%3rdAdvanced
    Jasper Blue4"Just Got Paid"[24] 79%5thBottom two
    YChange5"West Ten"[25] 94%1stAdvanced
    Melladaze6"Sucker"/"Get Right"[26] 77%6thBottom two
    Sing-off details
    Jasper Blue1"Walk Me Home"Eliminated
    Melladaze2"We Got Love"Saved (4 Votes)
    Little Mix's votes to send through to the semi-final[27] [28]

    "Semi-Final" (6 November 2020)

    Special Performances:

    Band! scope="col"
    OrderSong(s)[31] Score[32] LeaderboardResult
    Melladaze1"Kings & Queens"/"Where Have You Been"[33] 92%2ndAdvanced
    YChange2"Gotta Get Thru This"[34] 90%3rdAdvanced
    New Priority3"Into You"[35] 78%5thBottom two
    Since September4"Watermelon Sugar"[36] 89%4thBottom two
    Nostalia5"As"[37] 95%1stAdvanced
    Sing-off details
    New Priority1"Lose Somebody"Eliminated
    Since September2"Before You Go"Saved (Tie - Majority of panel later agreed)
    Little Mix's votes to send through to the final[38]

    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
    YChange1"All of the Lights"/"Never Forget You"284/3005"Runnin' (Lose It All)" 300/300Joint 1stTop Four
    Since September2"Don't Look Back in Anger"/"Survivor"280/3006"Drag Me Down"/"Old Town Road"300/3003rdWinners
    Melladaze3"Confident"/"Kill This Love"279/3007"Get Lucky"284/3004thTop Four
    Nostalia4"No Scrubs"/"Shackles (Praise You)"284/3008"When the Party's Over"/"Diamonds"300/300Joint 1stTop 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 NameBand TypeBattle of the BandsSemi-FinalThe Final
    Score RankingScoreRanking
    Since SeptemberVocal & Instruments84%4th89%4thWinner
    NostaliaGirl Vocal90%2nd95%1stRunner-up
    MelladazeGirl Dance77%6th92%2ndRunner-up
    YChange Rap R&B94%1st90%3rdRunner-up
    New PriorityBoyband87%3rd78%5thEliminated
    (Semi-Final)
    Jasper BlueMixed Group79%5th (6th in the show)Eliminated
    (Battle of the Bands)

    Awards and nominations

    YearAwardCategoryResult
    2020I Talk Telly AwardsBest Talent Show[39]
    2021National Television AwardsBest Talent Show[40]

    Notes and References

    1. News: Little Mix to create new bands for BBC TV talent show. BBC News. 3 March 2020. 19 October 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191019195147/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/newsbeat-50093588. live.
    2. News: 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. 3 March 2020. 3 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200303133440/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-01-29/little-mix-the-search-air-date-how-to-apply/. live.
    3. News: BBC to host Little Mix's new talent show in order to find a support band - here's how to apply. Nottingham Post. 4 March 2020. 7 January 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200107042802/https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/uk-world-news/bbc-host-little-mixs-new-3537994.amp. live.
    4. News: When Does Little Mix's The Search Start?. Capital. 3 March 2020. 6 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200206214946/https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/little-mix/the-search-announcement-tour-apply-2020/. live.
    5. News: Little Mix finally begin The Search as they share sneak glimpse from behind-the-scenes. Metro. 4 March 2020. 3 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200303003438/https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/01/little-mix-finally-begin-search-share-sneak-glimpse-behind-scenes-12330548/. live.
    6. News: South Shields comedian Chris Ramsey announced as host of Little Mix The Search talent show. Shields Gazette. 13 March 2020. 24 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200724102141/https://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/people/south-shields-comedian-chris-ramsey-announced-host-little-mix-search-talent-show-2446451?amp. live.
    7. News: Little Mix reveals what's different about their new X Factor-style show The Search. Digital Spy. 4 March 2020. 29 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200329021525/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a30192744/little-mix-x-factor-style-show-different-the-search/. live.
    8. News: Little Mix The Search talent show 'postponed amid coronavirus pandemic'. Metro. 30 March 2020. 24 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200324185643/https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/19/little-mix-search-talent-show-postponed-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-12426930/. live.
    9. News: Perrie Edwards On How Coronavirus Will Impact Little Mix's New Reality Show 'The Search'. KIIS 106.5. 18 May 2020. 15 May 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200515203052/https://www.kiis1065.com.au/entertainment/perrie-edwards-on-how-coronavirus-will-impact-little-mixs-new-reality-show-the-search/. live.
    10. News: Little Mix's X Factor rival The Search will debut this autumn, BBC confirms. Metro. 20 July 2020. 20 July 2020. 20 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200720173559/https://metro.co.uk/2020/07/20/little-mixs-x-factor-rival-search-will-debut-autumn-bbc-confirms-13014370/amp/. live.
    11. News: Why Little Mix: The Search Won't Be On TV This Weekend. Capital. 14 October 2020. 16 October 2020. 17 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201017174231/https://www.capitalfm.com/news/why-little-mix-the-search-isnt-on-cancelled-coronavirus/. live.
    12. News: Little Mix The Search: BBC talent show halted by positive Covid tests. BBC News. 16 October 2020. 15 October 2020. 15 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201015015802/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-54537761. live.
    13. lmthesearch. 1318990452486451200. 21 October 2020. 22 October 2020. A statement from production. #LittleMixTheSearch.
    14. Web site: @Little Mix kick off Battle of the Bands with Sweet Melody! - Little Mix The Search - BBC. BBC. YouTube. 24 October 2020. 24 October 2020. 24 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201024173624/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdauzSPBmFk&gl=US&hl=en. live.
    15. LMTheSearch. 1322582385335193602. 31 October 2020. 31 October 2020. A statement on tonight's show. #LittleMixTheSearch.
    16. News: Jesy Nelson out of Little Mix: The Search final . BBC News . 7 November 2020 . 7 November 2020 . 7 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201107135347/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54854029 . live .
    17. News: Jesy Nelson leaves Little Mix: 'The constant pressure is very hard' . BBC News . 14 December 2020 . 14 December 2020 .
    18. Web site: Davies . Matilda . Little Mix's BBC show The Search is being shelved . . 26 August 2021 . 20 October 2021.
    19. LMTheSearch. 1320067214846865409. 24 October 2020. 25 October 2020. Obsessed with this futuristic performance of 'i miss u' from @JaxJones and @heyitsau_ra #LittleMixTheSearch.
    20. LMTheSearch. 1320066461604392961. 24 October 2020. 25 October 2020. First leaderboard of the series klaxon Tonight's scores mean Jasper Blue and Melladaze will be in the sing off... #LittleMixTheSearch.
    21. Web site: We knew Since September were trouble when they walked in (sorry) @Little Mix The Search - BBC. 24 October 2020. 25 October 2020. BBC. YouTube. 25 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201025050051/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXN5IavQLSY. live.
    22. Web site: Nostalia's harmonies! Those silouhettes! Everything!!! @Little Mix The Search - BBC. 24 October 2020. 25 October 2020. BBC. YouTube. 26 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201026130444/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eso4gqzY1BY&gl=US&hl=en. live.
    23. Web site: The moves ✅ The vocals ✅ The vibe ✅ New Priority ✅ @Little Mix The Search - BBC. 24 October 2020. 25 October 2020. BBC. YouTube. 2 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201102170934/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nflaH0hAF1A&feature=youtu.be. live.
    24. Web site: Jasper Blue's energy was next level @Little Mix The Search - BBC. 24 October 2020. 25 October 2020. BBC. YouTube. 1 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201101234012/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heojUTHrs9g&ab_channel=BBC. live.
    25. Web site: YChange give an unreal performance! @Little Mix The Search - BBC. 24 October 2020. 25 October 2020. BBC. YouTube. 24 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201024191456/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G5aJwNzaEc&gl=US&hl=en. live.
    26. Web site: We're a sucker for Melladaze!! @Little Mix The Search - BBC. 24 October 2020. 25 October 2020. BBC. YouTube. 28 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201028212006/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_55F71CXclU. live.
    27. LittleMix. 1320069191878266880. 24 October 2020. 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.
    28. Web site: It's time to say goodbye in the Battle of the Bands @Little Mix The Search - BBC. 24 October 2020. 25 October 2020. BBC. YouTube.
    29. LMTheSearch. 1324789961284091905. 6 November 2020. 6 November 2020. Holiday + Touch = A @LittleMix mash up only dreams are made of! #LittleMixTheSearch.
    30. Web site: @Official McFly perform 'Tonight Is The Night'! @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube. www.youtube.com. 6 November 2020 . 6 November 2020. 6 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201106200147/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8EIAtFPxcc&feature=youtu.be. live.
    31. LMThesearch. 1324751086704537600. 6 November 2020. 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.
    32. Web site: 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" . 6 November 2020 . 6 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201106195144/https://twitter.com/LMTheSearch/status/1324801438845947906 . live .
    33. Web site: Where have Melladaze been all our life!! @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube. www.youtube.com. 6 November 2020 . 6 November 2020. 6 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201106192114/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6JjeFOy8Mg&feature=youtu.be. live.
    34. Web site: YChange's energy levels: too excited to even compute rn @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube. www.youtube.com. 6 November 2020 . 6 November 2020. 6 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201106195415/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECLZ6IiitL0&feature=youtu.be. live.
    35. Web site: Feeling ultimate boyband vibes from New Priority @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube. www.youtube.com. 6 November 2020 . 6 November 2020. 6 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201106194626/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1sGr-zlTvA&feature=youtu.be. live.
    36. Web site: Anyone else manifest a Since September x Harry Styles moment? @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube. www.youtube.com. 6 November 2020 . 6 November 2020. 6 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201106195549/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AblbfpiQiT8&feature=youtu.be. live.
    37. Web site: Nostalia back with smooth harmonies and we are forever grateful @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube. www.youtube.com. 6 November 2020 . 6 November 2020. 6 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201106205031/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agqXFG1Xr-0. live.
    38. Web site: It's time to say goodbye Semifinal @Little Mix The Search - BBC - YouTube. YouTube. 6 November 2020 . 8 November 2020. 17 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210117231149/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=XSBvlSaC4sw. live.
    39. Web site: I Talk Telly Awards 2020 Winners . I Talk Telly . 22 June 2021.
    40. Web site: Best Talent Show - National Television Awards . . 25 May 2021.

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