Former “American Idol” Kelly Clarkson among headliners of new music competition series “Duets”

Today, ABC announced tKelly Clarkson performinghat this summer it, too, will be entering the apparently lucrative music competition series game with its new series Duets, which will star Jennifer Nettles, Lionel Richie, Robin Thicke and Kelly Clarkson (pictured).

Clarkson, of course, became famous as the winner of the first season (2002) of the hugely popular music competition series American Idol (though ABC’s release for Duets is careful not to utter the dreaded name of its FOX rival, stating only that Clarkson has been a success “since bursting onto the music scene 10 years ago …”).

In Duets, Clarkson, Nettles, Richie and Thicke will individually set out across America looking for undiscovered talent worthy of being their protégés. Ultimately, each star will choose two singers to be his or her duet partners. Together, the singers and their protégés will take the stage each week and perform in front of a live studio audience. In the end, only one duet will be at the top of the charts, and the winning amateur will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

Amateur singers interested in auditioning for the “Superstars” as they travel the country can apply online at ABC.com/casting.

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Photo credit: Steve Fenn/ABC