ABC confirmed Friday that Kesha, Brad Paisley, and Ludacris are rounding out the judging panel for their upcoming singing competition “Rising Star” that the Alphabet network hopes will be a “Voice” killer.
Crooner Josh Groban was also confirmed as the host of the new competition, based on a wildly successful Israeli format that has already sold in more than 20 territories.
So, in an age when “Idol” is showing its age and “The Voice” is dominating the singing competition landscape, what makes “Rising Star” stand out?
Real-time engagement.
When singers perform, they’re hidden from the audience by a giant video screen—which shows the singer exactly how they’re doing based on votes from viewers at home via a “Rising Star” app. Once the votes pass a certain threshold, the screen will rise and reveal the singer to the audience. Viewers’ photos will also appear on the screen as the hopefuls perform.
ABC’s entry into the crowded singing competition field comes as the genre is fading in some places, and soaring in others. NBC entered upfronts week on a high this year thanks in part to the dominance of its singing show “The Voice.” But Fox, the traditional home of the singing juggernaut, has seen its fortunes wane as of late. Although the granddaddy of them all—“American Idol"—is returning next season, it is no longer the No.-1 Most Watched show on television. It’s sister show “The X Factor” was cancelled back in February.
Read More: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
Brief Take: As ABC works to lift itself out of the basement of broadcast ratings, it’s hoping a new twist on an old favorite can propel it over the top. But like all such shows, success will rest largely on this panel’s chemistry and ability to keep viewers interested.
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