The Cut

The Cut is a 1998 MTV talent series hosted by TLC member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. MTV's The Cut, was the first in a line televised song contest that was later followed by American Idol. A handful of would-be pop stars, rappers, and rock bands competed against each other and were judged. The prizes were a record deal and MTV's funding to produce a music video, which would enter MTV's heavy rotation.