From the Jonas Brothers to the Pussycat Dolls and Danity Kane, pop groups hold a special place in America's heart providing a soundtrack to our lives.

Now MTV sets out to find the next pop sensation to join these music superstars and Mario Lopez (host of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew") is taking the hosting reins for the new live music competition series "MTV's Top Pop Group" premiering Thursday, September 11 at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Joining Mario in the studio will be backstage correspondent Marianela Pereyra. Celebrity judges and mentors for "MTV's Top Pop Group" to be announced at a later date.

Following a nationwide search in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Miami and Los Angeles, MTV will welcome nine of the greatest undiscovered music groups to the stage for a chance to win $100,000 and the title of "MTV's Top Pop Group." Each week, a new celebrity coach will come in to mentor the groups on everything from choreography and harmony to style and stage presence. And with dreams of stardom on the line, the groups will not only need to impress the mentors and panel of judges in the studio, but more importantly, the viewers at home, as the viewers decide who makes it to the next round.

For a sneak peek at the nine talented groups from across the U.S., MTV will offer "MTV's Top Pop Group: The Casting Special" on Thursday, August 28 at 9pm ET/PT before they head to Hollywood to compete. The one-hour special features host Mario Lopez as he introduces each of the groups providing viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at their audition and their personal lives.