Star Search is back. This time, viewers are not just watching. They are deciding. Netflix has revived the classic competition show and made it live and interactive. For the first time ever, audiences at home get a real say in who moves forward and who goes home.
The new version premiered live on Tuesday, January 20. Anthony Anderson kicked things off as host with his usual energy. He reminded everyone that this was happening in real time. Around the world. Right now. The judging panel includes Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Chrissy Teigen. Each brought a very different vibe to the table.
The episode opened with performers walking out to “Blinded by the Lights.” All of them were chasing the same dream. A $500,000 prize and a shot at stardom.
Each judge explained why they were there. Jelly Roll said he knows what it feels like to be judged. Gellar shared that she once failed on Star Search herself. She clearly turned out fine. Teigen promised honesty. Anderson made it clear that viewers at home were the fourth judge. Voting was open on Netflix through the remote or app.
The first battle came in the junior music category. Eric Adrien Williams faced Blair Kudelka. Eric walked out confident and charming. He sang “I’ll Be There” by the Jackson 5. He wore a sienna suit and Converse. The crowd loved him. The judges smiled the entire time. Gellar said his soul was shocking for his age. Teigen got emotional. Jelly Roll said the performance moved him deeply. Eric thanked everyone with grace.
Blair followed with “Blue” by LeAnn Rimes. She leaned fully into her country roots. Jelly Roll praised her big Texas voice. Teigen called it beautiful. Gellar could not believe she was only 10. Both kids scored well. Eric edged out the win after viewer votes.
Next came dance. Movement 55 from Los Angeles faced Ladymetry from France. Movement 55 performed first. Dressed in black leather, they delivered a sharp and intense routine. Gellar called the synchronized choreography magical. Teigen said they fit together perfectly. Jelly Roll admitted he knows nothing about dance but still felt moved. They earned solid scores.
Ladymetry followed with a highly controlled routine. Every movement matched. Lights and symmetry stood out. Teigen was impressed by the complexity. Jelly Roll praised their dedication. Gellar wanted a little more. Movement 55 won the round after the final vote.
In the variety category, magician TJ Salto faced illusionist Fernando Velasco. TJ shared that he was the youngest magician to perform on the Las Vegas Strip. He focused on connection and music. The audience became part of the act. Envelopes. Numbers. Balloons. Chrissy Teigen joined him on stage. Somehow, everything lined up. Even the final reveal. Gellar openly admitted she was completely confused.
Fernando went big with a dramatic stage illusion. Platforms. Disappearances. Assistants appearing out of nowhere. The judges liked it but wanted more impact. TJ took the win thanks to higher viewer scores.
The final round featured music groups. 2BYG went up against H3RIZON. 2BYG performed “It’s Gonna Be Me” by *NSYNC. Matching outfits. Tight choreography. Big energy. Jelly Roll jumped to his feet. He praised their personalities and instincts. Gellar liked them but wanted more originality. Teigen felt they already made it their own.
H3RIZON closed the night with “Espresso.” Clean vocals. Smooth choreography. Strong stage presence. The acapella moment stood out. Confetti fell. The judges were impressed. Teigen said they looked ready for the world. Jelly Roll called it tasteful. Gellar said they stepped it up like true stars.
When voting closed, H3RIZON won their round. Eric, Movement 55, TJ, and H3RIZON advanced. They will all return next week.
Star Search is officially back. And now, the audience is in charge.
