NBC Names Christina Aguilera as ‘The Voice’ Coach

Announcement comes day after police detain her for alleged intoxication

NBC's answer to "American Idol" has found its Paula Abdul: The network announced on Wednesday that Christina Aguilera will serve as a musical coach for its upcoming televised singing competition "The Voice."

Aguilera is a female pop star joining two male coaches, just as Abdul joined two male judges on "Idol," and she shares Abdul's gift of unpredictability.

“I am so excited to be part of such a wonderful project that celebrates music and the talent behind it,” Aguilera sad of her new gig. “To be given the opportunity to help shape new artists’ careers and mentor them to see their dreams come to fruition is a task I welcome with open arms."

The timing of the announcement could have been better: Aguilera was stopped and held early Tuesday morning after police said she was riding in a car while extremely intoxicated. The driver, Matt Rutler, was held on suspicion of DUI. Police said Aguilera would not be charged.

As previously reported, "Forget You" singer Cee Lo Green and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine will also be mentoring aspiring singers on the series, which will be hosted by Carson Daly and premieres on April 26.

“When I decided to produce ‘The Voice,' I immediately knew that my first choice for a female coach had to be Christina Aguilera," said series executive producer Mark Burnett.

"Christina has a perfect voice and is an undeniable force in the music business. She is the epitome of ‘The Voice.'"

Adapted from the Dutch talent show "The Voice of Holland," the series offers a twist on the "American Idol" format, eliminating singers until each celebrity coach has only one competitor left to compete in a live finale. In a further deviation from its competition, "The Voice" will employ a blind audition process, so that potential competitors will be judged on voice alone.

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