NBC introducing new singing competition format

[December 14, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- NBC is banking on some reality show royalty to create a new singing competition to challenge "American Idol."

The network said Monday that it will debut "The Voice of America" in the spring. Its format is based on a popular show in Holland where celebrities are paired with amateur singers in competition. The twist is the celebrities must pick their teams based solely on hearing their voices without seeing what the contestants look like.

"Survivor" producer Mark Burnett and "Big Brother" producer John De Mol will work together on the series.

NBC says it's not yet clear whether the show will compete directly with Fox's "American Idol," which traditionally ends its season in May. NBC usually airs the popular "America's Got Talent" competition in the summer.

[Associated Press]

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