NBC is getting into the idol-making business.
The network announced Monday it will work with reality show producers John de Mol and Mark Burnett on the new singing show "Voice of America" — the working title — for Spring 2011 (the timing is significant in that it gets "Voice" out in front of "The X Factor," Fox's new home for "American Idol" alum Simon Cowell.)
The Dutch original, “The Voice of Holland,” has displaced the Dutch version of “The X Factor” and “American Idol” as the top talent competition show in the Netherlands, NBC said.
De Mol (“Big Brother,” “Fear Factor”) created the format and produces the Dutch show, in which celebrity artists will form teams of singers they will coach and mentor through the competition.
Singers will be eliminated — with the audience getting a say — until each celebrity has only one team member left to compete to be named “The Voice of America” in a live finale.
To make sure no one sneaks by on their looks, the initial audition process will be blind, with coaches able to hear the singer's voice — but not see his or her face..
Also, contestants will not be allowed to sing "Total Eclipse of the Heart" or "Don't Stop Believin'." (Kidding: Of course they will.)
