Universal backs new X-Factor riva

Posted January 31, 201213 yr

Universal backs new X-Factor rival

Source: MW

14:48 | Monday January 30, 2012

Universal Music Group (UMG) has joined forced with John de Mol’s Talpa Holding to launch a singing-based game show called 'The Winner Is…'.

The label has signed a global recording and artist services agreement for the weekly, 90-minute television programme.

According to a Universal release, the show "features exceptionally talented singers who are given the unique opportunity to earn money each week by using their vocal talent - but first they must beat their opponents in a series of die-hard vocal duels".

Contestants will be grouped into eight talent categories: male soloists, female soloists, duos, groups, seniors (over 40), youth (under 17), families and professionals (comeback acts). Over an eight episode arch including seven regular episodes and one live finale, the contestants will be judged by a panel of 100 people and one well known expert.

Every duel is worth a large sum of money. Winning a duel means instant cash and a guarantee to go to the next round. The contest begins with 2.500 in cash and doubles each round, with a grand prize of one million dollars.

There is a twist, howver: under the supervision of the presenter, contestants can negotiate with each other to determine who goes through to the next round, thereby forcing the artists to question how confident they are in their own talent.

In the live finale, eight finalists compete to decide who becomes the overall winner. Once the field is narrowed to two performers, they each get a suitcase filled with 100.000 in cash. It’s theirs to keep… if they willingly step out of the contest. The difficult decision they must face is – take the money or let the verdict of the jury decide.

John de Mol, owner of Talpa, stated: "Each episode of ‘The Winner Is…' consists of eight exciting little stories around first class singing talent. In my view it's for 75% a singing contest and for 25% a game show, which makes it a completely new combination of two highly appreciated TV genres."

Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Universal Music Group, commented: “UMG is about breaking and nurturing new artists and their music. Our partnership with John and his team has provided the right combination of innovation, platform and talent to do just that in dynamic new way."

Tony Berk, President, Global Music & Talent Agency, added: "This show, with all its different artist categories, gives all kinds of talents from all walks of life a great opportunity to present themselves in a very exciting way, not seen in a talent show before. Next to this, for me it feels great to continue our cooperation with the Universal Music Group which we are enjoying since we teamed up working together with talents from 'The Voice'."

Max Hole, Chief Operating Officer, Universal Music Group International, said: " 'The Winner Is...' is a brilliant programme concept, and we are looking forward to utilising Universal Music's global artist development skills to make it a worldwide success."

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hmmm... interesting

January 31, 201213 yr

This sounds like it will be a cheap Don't Stop Beliving-esque version of The Voice :drama:

Interested to see who the 'professionals' might be though!

January 31, 201213 yr

I think that sounds potentially brilliant. Hopefully won't take itself as seriously as the likes of X Factor since it's also a game show. I can imagine numerous moments of facepalm when big amounts of money are gambled and lost. :D

January 31, 201213 yr

It sounds AWFUL. I like to watch people's development, and see some real talent. Not just watch two wannabes who I don't give two shits about wallowing in a pit of money.