Nick Lachey to Host NBC's Singing Competition Series 'The Winner Is' (Exclusive)

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by Lesley Goldberg

From the producers behind "The Voice," the unscripted entry will pit dueling contestants of all ages and configurations against one another to be judged by a studio audience.

Nick Lachey is returning to the musical competition series space.

The former Sing-Off host has been tapped to serve in the same capacity on NBC's upcoming singing competition series The Winner Is, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.

From Talpa Media USA with creator John de Mol (The Voice) on board as an executive producer, the hybrid singing game show will see singers of all ages and configurations battling it for a studio audience. The Voice's Stijn Bakkers andDeal or No Deal's Craig Plestis also will serve as exec producers.

For Lachey, the gig brings the multiplatinum former 98 Degrees singer back to NBC after he hosted The Sing-Off for three seasons from 2009-11.

"Nick is a versatile, seasoned host, and we are thrilled to be working him," NBC alternative late-night programming president Paul Telegdy said. "With Nick at the helm on air and an original format from Talpa that includes surprising and competitive twists, viewers are sure to be immersed and entertained."

After each singing duel on The Winner Is (working title), both performances will be judged by a panel led by a not-yet-named celebrity judge. The contestants then will have the option to cut a deal. If they have doubts about how their performance compared to that of their opponent, they can opt to leave the show in exchange for cash. If they choose to remain in the game, they await the jury results to see if they’ve made it to the next round and a step closer to the ultimate $1 million cash prize.

The hosting gig marks the latest for Lachey, who also has served in the same role on NBC's Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular and multiple episodes as a co-host on Live! With Kelly, among others. More recently, he was among the contestants on NBC's Stars Earn Stripes.

Auditions for the series will be held in Raleigh, N.C., Houston, Seattle and Philadelphia. Details: www.singinggameshow.com.