Saturday 10 March 2012

The War of the TV Talent Shows

We are soon to have a battle royal on our Saturday night TV screens here in the UK.

Simon Cowell's Britain's Got Talent returns for another run to ITV, whilst the BBC goes directly up against it with the UK's version of the smash US hit The Voice UK.

The Voice UK is a singing competition, based on a Dutch format, created by John de Mol. Being produced by Shed Media (who also produce the school based drama Waterloo Road for the BBC), it is a talent show with a new twist. 

The shows judges or coaches, including such stars as Sir Tom Jones, Jessie J and will.I.am, will hear the contestants sing with their backs turned to the stage. Their choice of artists to coach will depend entirely upon the performers voice and nothing else.

It is thought that the winner will receive £100,000 and a lucrative record deal with Universal Republic.

Meanwhile Britain's Got Talent returns to ITV with 2 new judges, Alesha Dixon who has defected to ITV from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and comedian David Walliams. 

The difference in the 2 shows is that BGT not only caters for singers, but welcomes anyone with any sort of talent, be it dancers. comedians, impersonators and of course singers are still welcome to apply.

Simon Cowell will be anxious that ratings are at least kept to the same level as in previous series. The last series of X-Factor suffered at the hands of Strictly Come Dancing, which had a boost in weekly viewing figures. Many believe this was due to the fact that Cowell did not act as a judge on the series and wasn't totally hands-on as before. 

For the upcoming season of BGT however he is back and will not accept seeing the BBC's upstart show make inroads into his audience figures. 

As both shows go up against each other at the same time - which will be the first to give ground and consider moving its time slot?

Are the days of Britain's Got Talent numbered?

Can the BBC really compete when it comes to reality shows?

The conflict between the two shows will be ruthless, the media coverage unrelenting and the sniping, spitting and snarling unmissable.

Bring it on - I can't wait!

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