Ep 1. Welcome to Hollywood

The Next Big Thing is a reality competition series that follows aspiring musicians as they compete for a chance to win a recording contract with Republic Records and the opportunity to become the next biggest music sensation. Season 1 episode 1, "Welcome to Hollywood," kicks off the competition with the top 30 contestants arriving in Los Angeles and getting their first taste of the music industry.

The episode opens with a montage of the contestants as they arrive in Los Angeles, excited and eager to showcase their talents. The contestants come from all walks of life, ranging in ages from 16 to 30, and with a wide range of musical styles and backgrounds. Some come with instruments in hand, while others bring only their voices and their passion for music.

Once the contestants arrive at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the nerve center for the competition, they're greeted by the judges, Republic Records executives and renowned music producer Timbaland. The judges explain the rules of the competition and share their expectations for the contestants. The challenges the contestants will face include writing and performing original songs, collaborating with other musicians, and producing a music video.

After the initial introductions, the contestants are split into three groups, each with a different challenge to complete. Group A is tasked with writing and performing an original song in just two days. Many of the contestants are intimidated by the challenge but are excited to showcase their writing skills. Group B is given the task of collaborating with other musicians to produce a new song. Many of the contestants have never worked with other musicians before, so this challenge is especially daunting for them. Group C is assigned to produce a music video, and they have three days to plan, shoot, and edit the video.

As the contestants get down to work, tensions rise as they compete with one another. Some contestants break down under the pressure, while others excel and show their true talents. Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to several standout contestants including Jessie, a 16-year-old singer-songwriter from Georgia, and Joss, a 26-year-old rapper from New York.

The episode concludes with a performance showcase, where the contestants showcase their original songs and music videos to the judges. The judges are impressed with the talent on display but also note that there's room for improvement. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, as the judges announce that only 21 contestants will be moving on to the next round, causing anxiety and nervousness among the contestants.

Overall, Season 1 Episode 1 of The Next Big Thing provides an exciting and fast-paced introduction to the competition. With a diverse array of contestants and a variety of challenges, viewers are sure to keep tuning in to see which contestants will rise to the top and who will ultimately become the next big thing in the music industry.