Plot Synopsis

APOLLO LIVE is an updated version of America's original amateur competition show from the famed Apollo Theater, with funny man Tony Rock as host. Plus, Grammy Award-winner Gladys Knight, hip-hop pioneer Doug E. Fresh and R&B hit-maker Michael Bivins are expert talent advisers who give advice to each hopeful contestant as they aspire to jumpstart their careers. For nearly eight decades, the Apollo Theater has served as a launch pad for a series of successful entertainers including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, James Brown, The Jackson 5, The Isley Brothers, Luther Vandross, and Lauryn Hill. BET aired a sneak-peek episode of this series on Sunday, November 25, 2012 at 10:30pm ET, immediately following the 2012 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS, with Centric simulcasting the program. APOLLO LIVE had its official series premiere four days later on Thursday, November 29 at 8pm ET.
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The 10-episode second season of APOLLO LIVE premiered on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 10pm ET/PT on BET, with host Tony Rock and all three talent advisors -- legendary songstress Gladys Knight, hip-hop pioneer Doug E. Fresh and R&B hit maker Michael Bivins -- returning to provide guidance to each hopeful contestant. Guest appearances and star performances in Season 2 include Chrisette Michele, Jennifer Holliday, Kierra Sheard, Musiq Soulchild, Tye Tribbett, Lalah Hathaway, Marsha Ambrosius, Mint Condition, Tamia and A$AP Ferg featuring A$AP Rocky.