In one of the "biggest challenges" yet to FOX's ratings juggernaut, "American Idol," NBC has announced plans for a new reality sing-off called "The Voice of America" to air in spring 2011. Based on a top Dutch reality series known as "The Voice of Holland," NBC's effort will feature celebrity coaches who mentor teams of singers and an elimination process that winnows each team down to a single finalist. In what NBC is calling a "unique twist," the audition process will be blind to ensure singers are initially judged solely on vocal talent. Can this formula seduce viewers who've tired of "Idol"? (See more about the new show)
No, it's not a worthy rival: "This isn't going to work," says Charlie Toft at Film.com. The differences between "Idol" and NBC's show are "trivial." I don't think viewers will particularly appreciate the value of a blind audition process. "Good looks have always been part of the pop music formula and always will be."
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