VH1’s five-time Emmy Award-nominated documentary series “Behind The Music” returns to focus on eight of today’s most influential icons in the music world. The series launches its landmark 15th year since inception with a roster of top artists including: NE-YO , Nicole Scherzinger , Gym Class Heroes , Toni Braxton , T.I. (updated), P!nk (updated) and the previously announced Carrie Underwood and Train .
The franchise is also expanding on VH1.com with the addition of “Behind the Song,” a companion series of original, standalone mini episodes where select artists discuss the inspiration behind a signature song. The new season will premiere Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 9pm ET/PT.
“Behind The Music: NE-YO” Airs Sunday, September 23 at 9pm ET/PT. “Behind The Music: NE-YO” will show exclusive footage of the young singer/songwriter performing on Showtime at the Apollo as a member of the boy band Envy. The band opened up for then up-and-coming R&B girl group Destiny’s Child. Years later, after getting career-making breaks from Jay-Z and LA Reid (who is interviewed in the episode), NE-YO would go-on to write one of Beyonce’s biggest hits, (“Irreplaceable”) as well as write and/or produce for Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Rihanna and others. He is one of the last artists to work with Michael Jackson, his idol. Additional topics in the episode include past heartbreaks, his current relationship and his love of fatherhood.
“Behind The Music: Nicole Scherzinger” Airs Sunday, October 7 at 9pm ET/PT. On “Behind The Music: Nicole Scherzinger,” the singer discusses the road to stardom and the struggles along the way, including her relentless lifelong drive to be successful. She will open up for the first time about the behind-the-scenes tension that came with the mega success of the Pussycat Dolls. She also shares how her relationship with current boyfriend, race car driver Lewis Hamilton has changed her life.
“Behind The Music: Gym Class Heroes” Airs Sunday, October 14 at 9pm ET/PT. In “Behind The Music: Gym Class Heroes” Alternative/hip-hop group Gym Class Heroes first catapulted to international stardom in 2007 with their #1 hit “Cupid’s Chokehold/Breakfast In America,” which set the record for holding the top spot on the Top 40 radio charts for the most consecutive weeks by a band, and helped earn them the “Best New Artist” award at the MTV Video Awards that same year. As a solo artist, Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy was responsible for one of the biggest songs of 2010 with his smash single “Billionaire (featuring Bruno Mars).” Last year, Gym Class Heroes scored their second #1 hit with “Stereo Hearts” (featuring Adam Levine), the lead single from their fourth Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen release, The Papercut Chronicles II. The album also spawned the Top 5 smash “Ass Back Home (featuring Neon Hitch)” and their current single “The Fighter (featuring Ryan Tedder)” whose companion music video features Olympic gymnast John Orozco.
Behind The Music: Toni Braxton” Airs Sunday, October 28 at 9pm ET/PT. In “Behind The Music: Toni Braxton,” the ultimate R&B icon and survivor speaks candidly and openly for the first time about her roller coaster career journey: her health struggles, including her diagnosis with lupus and her son’s autism, and sets the record straight on her two bankruptcy filings. Despite the setbacks, her career accomplishments are phenomenal and this compelling, eye-opening story will be one that viewers will never forget.
“Behind the Music: T.I.” (Updated) Airs Sunday, November 4 at 9pm ET/PT. In “Behind the Music: T.I.” (aka Clifford Harris Jr.) will catch up with the prolific rapper in the eventful 3 years since his last “Behind the Music” special. T.I. ‘s update will include the artist and wife Tiny discussing both stints in prison and lessons learned. He also discusses his wedding to Tiny, their hit reality show, “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle,” (returning to VH1 September 3 at 9pm ), his life as a husband and father, as well as his growing acting career, the publication of his book and the upcoming release of his highly anticipated 8th studio album.
“Behind The Music: P!nk” (Updated) Airs Tuesday, November 13 at 10pm ET/PT. In “Behind The Music: P!nk” will discuss how motherhood has changed her life as well as her continued career success since her previous “Behind the Music” special. The show will also include new interviews with P!nk and her husband, Carey Hart.
VH1.com will also be home to extended interviews and footage from each episode, including “Behind the Song,” a series of stand-alone webisodes and interviews that tell the story behind the making and/or meaning of specific songs by select artists. Follow @VH1 on Twitter and use hashtag #BehindTheMusic to discuss the series. “Like” VH1 on Facebook for updates, bonus video and other exclusives.