MTV Gets Back to Roots to the Tune of Two New Shows

Did you stop saying "I want my MTV!" around the time that Next hit the airwaves? The network seems to be responding with the official greenlighting of several new programs that focus on its roots.Among the newbies, Rock the Cradle's rumored pickup is now official, Variety says. The American Idol-style singing competition will feature the offspring of celebrities as the contestants, and is set to include spawn of Olivia Newton-John, Kenny Loggins, Eddie Money and, my personal fave, M.C. Hammer, among others. In addition, MTV's working on Celebrity Mentor Project, the working title of another competition show that pits the protégés of celeb music mentors against each other. And if you're afraid you'll be left without your breakbeats in the months to come, AI gets yet another nod on MTV next season, with the sophomore edition of Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew. — Anna DimondRelated:• Next Idols Might Be Celeb Spawn

TV GuideNews March 10, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. PT