NBC Announces New Vocal Competition, “THE WINNER IS”

Update: Details on casting: Send name, city, age, occupation, 2 pics & audio/video of you singing to SingingGameShow@gmail.com

Think we’ve seen every twist and take on the over-saturated vocal competition landscape? Well, think again. NBC announced, soon after the Memorial holiday, their latest vocal competition brain child. Adopted from failed European attempts, THE WINNER IS, spotlights talented singers of all ages as they negotiate their way to the top…or out of the game.

Acts can be soloists and groups that include adults, kids, teens, seniors, families and professionals – all of whom will compete in head-to-head singing duels. Per the NBC press release, contestants will be judged by a special in-studio panel led by one celebrity judge (to be announced) as they compete for an ultimate cash prize of $1 million. In a unique twist, they will have the chance to negotiate a deal with their opponent. Before hearing their fate the contestants can choose to step out of the competition in exchange for a predetermined cash prize or continue on in the game.

The show comes from the group that brings you THE VOICE, NBC’s current hit singing competition. Paul Telegdy, President of Alternative and Late Night Programming hopes that the “talented singers and the show’s surprising competitive twist, with the possibility of negotiating a deal to step out of the game, will have viewers engaged and entertained.”

NBC goes on to describe that the show’s competing singers will be given the chance to become rich in record time. After each singing duel, both opposing performances will be judged. The contestants will then have the option of making a deal. If they have doubts about how they have measured up against their opponent, they can leave the show — in exchange for the instant cash that round is worth. But if they’re confident they performed better than their opponent, they can await the jury results to see if they’ve made it to the next round and a step closer to the $1 million in ultimate prize money. There’s a lot at stake: the amount of money each duel is worth increases with every round, right up until the finale.

In the finale, eight singers will duel and negotiate. They continue to compete until just two amazing singing contestants remain. Then the two finalists must make a crucial decision. After their performance, they each get the chance to walk away with $100,000 — or they can risk losing that huge amount of cash by awaiting the jury vote and the votes from the viewers for the chance to win the $1 million prize.

Personally, if you ask me, NBC would have been better off bringing back THE SING-OFF during the holiday season than to try and further over-saturate the singing competition landscape. Will you be watching? Which celebrity would you like to see head the judge’s table? Share your thoughts with us below!