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Talented children rejoice as primetime television network NBC plans a kid’s version of popular singing competition, The Voice.
A source close to the musical series said that the network is hoping to begin production by the end of the year. Casting calls were even announced last week in New York, LA and Dallas for children aged eight-to-14, but the network put the project on hold just days later.
The plan, insiders say, is to film the show at the same time and on the same stage as the adult contest. The insider added: “There wasn’t enough time to get it together before the upcoming fifth cycle.”
The Voice Kids has already been tried and proved a hit in Germany, Holland and Finland. The show was initially a Dutch production, which NBC bought. A bilingual version of the show will debut on NBC-owned Spanish network Telemundo next month.
Hopefully The Voice Kids goes over better than American Juniors, a kid’s version of American Idol which premiered in 2003 but was cancelled after one season due to low ratings.
Meanwhile, the coaches for season four of The Voice are Rhythm & Blues mogul Usher, singing sensation Shakira, soulful Adam Levine and country singer Blake Shelton.
