Canwest Broadcasting is developing a new reality series that builds on the popularity of U.S. import Glee, and encourages Canadians to strike a new chord with co-workers.
The show, called Canada Sings!, will travel to two Canadian workplaces to scout out talent for a glee club to eventually compete in front of a live studio audience after training from vocal coaches and choreographers.
“We’re always looking for big fresh original ideas to capture audiences,” said Barb Williams, executive vice-president, content, Canwest Broadcasting.
“We’re looking for a big reality show to have success with… We see big reality formats being very successful in Canada, whether it’s Battle of the Blades or So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Canadians are very interested in seeing themselves on TV performing or competing,” Williams said.
Last month, Canwest launched the Global Reality Channel dedicated to reality programs like Survivor, The Apprentice and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
While the premise sounds similar to the short-lived TLC reality show The Singing Office that debuted in June 2008, Williams insists the two shows are very different, specifically in how the two office teams compete.
On The Singing Office, former NSYNC performer Joey Fatone and ex-Spice Girl Mel B recruited a team of five to attend a performance “boot camp” before competing for a $50,000 prize.
A monetary prize is also up for grabs on Canada Sings!, however it will be donated to a charity of the club’s choice. An amount has yet to be determined, said Williams.
A host and judging panel will be announced closer to the show’s 2011 debut on Global Television.
Insight Productions will produce the show.
