There are now so many singing competitions on television, it’s easy to get them confused. While “American Idol” is still the ratings and visibility juggernaut, other shows have made their claim to producing superstars as well.
With popular “Idol” judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul decamping to yet another show, it’s getting hard to figure out what vocalists are going to end up truly sticking once the TV cameras go dark. And it’s easy to get baffled by the sheer number of shows.
So, here, for your viewing pleasure, is our quick guide to TV’s singing competitions – at least the ones you’re actually watching.
“AMERICAN IDOL”
The Fox TV show is the most popular singing competition in TV history, making Grammy (and Oscar) winning stars out of Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and more. The show now boasts Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez among its judges, a panel that still includes “Idol” lifer Randy Jackson. While it’s still the most popular singing competition on TV, the other shows may be creeping into its territory. On the other hand, name a winner of any of the other competitions aside from Susan Boyle.
“Idol” with host Ryan Seacrest, returns January 22, 2012 on Tuesday and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox.
“THE SING-OFF”
“The Sing-Off” does have a pretty unique premise among reality singing shows – it’s only open to a capella singers. With its third season underway and almost ready to wrap up, the next great group of a capella singers is about to be unleashed onto the world. Among the singing competitions, “The Sing-Off” really is great fun, especially when you consider just how many different and creative ways people can come up with to sing without accompaniment.
Boyz II Men singer Shawn Stockman is a natural choice for one of the judges, while former 98 Degrees (and reality TV) star Nick Lachey is an amiable host.
Interestingly enough, thus far, every winner has been a group of color. The first year’s winner, Nota, was from Puerto Rico, and the second, Committed, is a group of young black men from Oakwood University, the Christian college where Take 6 was formed. This year, Howard University’s Afro Blue are prime contenders now that the show is down to the last five groups.
“The Sing-Off airs on NBC Mondays at 8 p.m. The finals show airs on Nov. 28th.
“THE X FACTOR”
Simon Cowell’s name and mark is on three reality shows: “Idol” of course, “America’s Got Talent” and “The X Factor,” which began in his native U.K. Former “Idol” judge Paula Abdul joined him on this competition among competitions, which pits “Idol” against “X Factor” for who will be best known for the top artists. So far, “Idol” has the edge, but “X Factor” is just in its first season in the U.S. Both shows air on the Fox Network.
“X Factor” unlike “Idol,” includes groups and younger and older act categories, while “Idol” focuses on solo singers. The show’s best known winner so far is “Bleeding Love” singer Leona Lewis, a victor on the U.K. show. (There are several “X Factor” editions around the world from Albania to the Ukraine.) L.A. Reid and “Pussycat Dolls” singer Nicole Sherzinger round out the judges in this first U.S incarnation, while former Sex Pistol Steve Jones hosts. The first season continues through Dec. 22nd when the winner will be announced.
“The X Factor” airs Wednesday and Thursdays at 8 p.m. on Fox.
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