MOLINE — The television-watching world is about to get a taste of the talented Miguel Rosas.
Mr. Rosas, a Rock Island native and longtime owner of NewStyle Barber Shop, 101 5th Ave., Moline, is one of the barbering stars who will be featured in “Cedric’s Barber Battle,” a new reality-TV competition hosted by actor and comedian Cedric the Entertainer.
The first installment of the 10-episode series will air at 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, locally on the CW Network.
“Cedric’s Barber Battle’’ sets out to capture the unique culture in barbering communities across the country, aiming to showcase craftsmanship blended with comedy in shops across America.
The series, which was filmed last summer, pits barbers going head to head in an unfiltered, no-holds-barred arena. They were challenged to create hair sculptures featuring elaborate designs, ranging from images of a person’s face to amazing cityscapes. The barbers used only clippers and a few coloring tools to create intricate works of art.
A press release from the CW says episodes contain two challenges: a “buzz-cut” challenge, set inside an iconic barbershop, and an outdoor “cut-down” challenge, located at a regional landmark in each city. At the end of each episode, a champion is crowned.
Mr. Rosas’ rise to worldwide acclaim began in July 2014 when he cleverly — and with a free hand — cut a likeness of Col. Harlan Sanders, of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame, into the hair of an associate’s son. The image went viral, and news outlets from across the globe sought out Mr. Rosas.
“The person who pitched the show to the CW knows me, and he encouraged me to seek the producers and follow their application process,’’ said Mr. Rosas, who holds many national titles for his work. “I also had a friend help me with my video presentation, and I had a lengthy phone interview with producers. I’m glad they saw something they liked and allowed me the chance they did.’’
The show’s producers refuse to allow Mr. Rosas to divulge much about what happened while filming, where the show was shot, and his salary.
“I can tell it was shot last summer, and that I represent Chicago — it was geared to major cities — and I had a great time doing it,’’ Mr. Rosas said. “There are some things I don’t know.’’
What Mr. Rosas does know for sure is that Cedric the Entertainer is what you see on the big and small screen — a wonderful, funny man.
“Great man with a great, great sense of humor,’’ Mr. Rosas said. ‘’He has tremendous (comedic) timing and great energy. During breaks, he busted us all up making jokes. What really was cool was that Cedric had an assistant — because it was hot and there was makeup involved — who followed him around with a hand-held fan to keep him cool.’’
Already a viral sensation with his work, Mr. Rosas hopes his work on the show expands his network.
“I’d love to have representation to get my name out there,’’ Mr. Rosas said. “It’s always been a goal to be that guy that gets a call to fly in and do some big star’s hair. It would be great if this opened that door.’’
Photo by Todd Mizener
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