ABC is getting back into the singing competition arena with “Rising Star,” a network representative told TheWrap.
Set to air in Summer 2014 with a 10-episode order, the singing competition comes from Israel where it’s a huge success — almost half of that country’s TV audiences are tuning in across all demographics.
It will be produced by the recently launched company from Keshet International — the company behind the drama “Prisoners of War” (the original “Homeland”) — and DC Media (owner of Dick Clark Productions), Keshet DCP.
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The show is expected to launch in the UK in January 2015 with versions being produced in France, Germany, Italy and Russia, as well.
“Rising Star” uses real-time voting through an app that’s fully integrated into the series. It is aired live from auditions through finale. Notably, the performers stand in a room surrounded by floor-to-ceiling screens showing the home voters’ Facebook photos.
After becoming a hit in Israel in the fall, “Rising Star” is being adapted in France, Germany, Italy and Russia. UK’s ITV is reportedly eyeing its own adaptation.
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ABC recently tried its hand in the singing competition genre with summer series “Duets.”
Although its judge-mentors were high profile (Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Robin Thicke, and Jennifer Nettles), the series failed to get much buzz. It was ultimately canceled after averaging a 1.2 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and 4.93 million total viewers over its nine-episode season.