CBS announces host and panel of experts for 'Live To Dance' with Paula Abdul

CBS has announced the host and panel of experts for the new reality-competition series, "Live To Dance" with Paula Abdul. Executive producer, lead expert and mentor Paula Abdul will be joined by host Andrew Günsberg and fellow experts, choreographer Travis Payne and singer/dancer Kimberly Wyatt. "Live To Dance" represents one of the most inclusive talent searches on television, searching for dancers with raw ability from any age group across the nation performing either solo or in a group.   

Recently, Günsberg served as co-host of "Australian Idol," as well as host of the nationally syndicated radio countdown, "Take 40 Australia." Additionally, Günsberg was host of Australia's Network Ten quiz show series, "The ConTest." 

Payne and Wyatt, both of whom bring an extensive dance and choreography resume to the series, will join Abdul on the panel of experts. All three experts will give their input to contestants during the audition, performance and elimination process. 

Most recently, Travis Payne was featured as choreographer/associate director to Kenny Ortega on "This Is It," as well as associate producer for the documentary, which chronicled Michael Jackson's last days as he prepared for his worldwide concert tour. He is a multiple Emmy Award nominee who has worked with such acts as Michael Jackson, Usher, Madonna, Miley Cyrus and Janet Jackson. Payne has also received three American Choreography awards and numerous MTV Video Music Awards for outstanding choreography.

Wyatt was an original member of the recording group The Pussycat Dolls. Most recently, she served as one of the judges on the UK series, "Got to Dance," upon which "Live To Dance" is based. Wyatt's extensive dance career includes working with such acts as the Black Eyed Peas and Nick Lachey. She is also a recipient of an MTV VMA Award for Best Dancing in a Video and Best Dance Video.

Dancers who are eager to demonstrate their talents will have an opportunity during the series' two upcoming open casting calls. The first takes place Thursday, Oct. 14, in New York City at the Jacob Javits Center. The second open casting call will be held in Los Angeles on Oct. 28 (location TBD). The most talented dancers who receive call backs will be asked to attend another round of auditions at the series' "Dance Domes" in New York and Los Angeles, which will be held on the weekends following the open casting call dates. Dancers are encouraged to visit www.cbs.com prior to attending the open calls for registration information.

"Live To Dance" is based on a format created by Princess Productions and Shine TV, and is produced by Reveille. Elisabeth Murdoch, Howard T. Owens, James Sunderland, Robin Ashbrook, Anthony Dominici and Abdul are executive producers. Distribution is handled by Shine International.