The Cut (MTV)

Infobox Television
show_name = The Cut


caption =
genre = Reality / Game Show
creator = Adam Tyler
presenter = Lisa Lopes
starring =
judges =
country = United States
executive_producer = Adam Tyler
Kathy Cotter
producer = Ifeanyi Njoku
num_seasons =
num_episodes =
first_aired = September 28, 1998
last_aired = February 4, 1999
runtime = 22-26 approx. without commercials
related = American Idol
network = MTV
imdb_id = 0196240
tv_com_id = 12633

"The Cut" was a 1998 MTV talent series hosted by late TLC member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. MTV's "The Cut", was a precursor of sorts to "American Idol". A handful of would-be pop stars, rappers, and rock bands competed against each other and were judged. The show's final winner, which ended up being a male-female rap duo named Silky, was promised a record deal and MTV's funding to produce a music video, which would enter MTV's heavy rotation.

A then-unknown Anastacia came in 3rd place in the competition, but scored herself a record deal anyway.