Mario Lopez Lands Another Hosting Gig

• Aug 25, 2008 06:48 PM ET
• by TV Guide News

Is Mario Lopez trying to one-up Ryan Seacrest as the host with the most?

On a quest to expand his emcee duties, the one-time A.C. Slater will host MTV's new series Top Pop Group, People reports.

The show will be similar to Lopez's other hosting gig, America's Best Dance Crew, only featuring music groups. Nine unsigned acts, who will be coached during the series, will take to the stage and do their best to impress the yet-unknown celebrity panel of judges. Viewers will vote for their favorite each week until there's one left standing. The winner receives $100,000.

Lopez, who also hosts Extra, will get some hosting help from Access Hollywood reporter Marianela Pereyra in case he spreads himself too thin.

A casting special, also hosted by Lopez, 34, airs Thursday on MTV at 9 pm/ET. The series premieres Sept. 11 at 10 pm/ET. - Joyce Eng