ABC is premiering its summer lineup, soon. With stiff competition from Fox’s “American Idol”, ABC is premiering its show “Duets” with a two-hour season opener, on Thursday, May 24, 2012. The show will air from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm on the night after American Idol’s season conclusion. “Duets” might get a bigger break with viewer ratings than hoped for, if “American Idol” producers decide not to renew next season, as rumors indicate. “Duets” will offer talent from all over the US, with the combined talents of Jennifer Nettles, Lionel Ritchie, Kelly Clarkson and Robin Thicke to help in the search. Each singer is to perform his or her own search separately and independently.
“Duets” offers the viewer and its contestants a unique twist from other reality singing shows. When these renowned singers find the talent they are looking for, they will pick two individuals to act as protégés. Each individual will be evaluated on weekly performances. One individual will be eliminated, leaving the lucky winner with a hit single at the top of the charts, memories and experiences that could last a lifetime, and a recording contract through Hollywood Records.
This approach differs in comparison to other hit series like “American Idol” and “The Voice” because it offers a chance for world-renowned singers to work with normal, every-day people. The one-on-one attention and approach from such accomplished singing talents is sure to be of greater benefit for aspiring singers/songwriters than the current status quo of being judged by three judges and a viewer audience, solely.
The host for this program is to be Quddus, the former host for MTVs “Total Request Live” show. His current position with “Duets” is one of several hosting spots that Quddus has landed in his career.
After the show “Duets”, ABC will air “Rookie Blue” for its second season. This can be seen from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Thursday night offerings will expand on June 28 to include 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
For the rest of the week (and season), there is an exciting lineup for reality show fans.
Starting May 14, Monday nights will offer “The Bachelorette” from 9:30 pm to 11 pm. In addition to the May 14th season premier of “The Bachelorette”, ABC will also be offering “Bachelor Pad” from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, starting on July 23.
Tuesdays will offer “Trust Us With Your Life”, from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm, starting July 10th. After “Trust Us With Your Life”, ABC is airing “Final Witness” from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm. On July 17, the Tuesday night lineup will grow to include the regular episode slot for “Trust Us With Your Life”.
During the 2011-2012 winter season, Fox and CBS dominated the viewer ratings chart. However, with “Duets”, an entirely new series, and “Trust Us With Your Life”, also new, ABC has a real chance to make a comeback in the 2012 summer season. ABC is also home to viewer favorites like “Once Upon A Time” and “Extreme Makeover Home Edition”.
