FOX premiered its new reality TV music competition on Friday. The series, entitled The Next Great American Band, is hosted by Dominic Bowden of New Zealand Idol and judged by Goo Goo Dolls frontman, Johnny Rzeznik, former Prince protégé, Sheila E, and Australian Idol’s Simon Cowell, Ian “Dicko” Dickson.

Thus far, we’ve seen two hours of auditions that led to twelve final bands. A few bands had good back stories such as The Muggs. This trio stayed together after a member had a paralyzing stroke. Northmont gave it their last shot – and got two chances to do it. The front man was amazing and we felt that the guitarist from New Zealand was very talented, but apparently the judges saw or heard something we didn’t. They passed on this group who is going back home to their families and getting real 9-to-5 jobs.

The horror!

Dot Dot Dot looked and sounded like a real band. They made it through easily to the top twelve as did the cute yet very religious Clark Brothers. Tres Bien and Denver & the Mile High Orchestra also moved on. Denver, a self-professed geek, was told that he had the sex appeal of ‘Ned Flanders’ by Dicko. Ouch!

Franklin Bridge totally impressed with their R&B soul rock. They were one of our favorites. Just fun to watch and groove to. Rocket, an all-girl band, made it for their chutzpah as well as their totally punk homage to punk gods, the Ramones.

The remaining finalists are Light of Doom, The Hatch, Sixwire, Cliff Wagner & the Ol’ #7, and The Likes of You. As for the show itself, we don’t have a real opinion yet. It’s interesting enough to give a second look to especially now that “bands” like ZolarX, a band who seems to believe they come from another planet and sound totally as if they’re onto something there, and Fifi LaRue, the Gothic killer clown, are gone. We’ll check out the competition before we pass our judgment.

For more info on the series, check out what one of the producers has to say: