The Best Singing Shows You Will Be Completely Hooked On

While talking about captivating television experiences, few genres hold the power to stir emotions and create unforgettable moments, quite like singing shows. From electrifying performances that send shivers down your spine to the heartwarming stories that unfold on stage, some of the best singing shows are a harmonious blend of talent, passion, and sheer entertainment.

Singing competition shows on TV have aired for decades. These shows have captivated audiences and propelled contestants to worldwide fame, with some launching successful music careers. These competitions have been a staple in television history for years, dating back to the 1983 singing show "Star Search."

These shows have evolved in recent years, each taking a different approach. While some focus on mentoring aspiring singers with voice coaching and record deals, others take a different approach by showcasing less skilled singers, with judges providing straightforward feedback, often without any sugarcoating. Here are some of the best singing shows on TV.

'I Can See Your Voice'

"I Can See Your Voice" might seem like a regular singing competition, but its essence lies in the individuals involved. Ken Jeong and features actress Cheryl Hines, vocalist Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, and a rotating changing lineup of celebrity guests host the show.

The show revolves around predicting who possesses a strong voice without the need actually to hear them sing. This concept allows people of diverse backgrounds and varying skill levels to become potential contestants on the show.

In every episode, a contestant can win a cash prize by discerning between skilled and unskilled singers without hearing them sing a single note. Guiding the contestants through the stages of lip sync challenges, hilarious hidden hints, and true or false evidence is a panel of celebrity comedians and experts alongside a musical icon.

In the end, the singers chosen by the contestants will unveil their actual singing ability through a duet performance with the musical superstar. This pivotal moment can lead to a remarkable musical partnership or a comically entertaining mishap.

'America's Got Talent'

"America's Got Talent" is a long-running reality show based in the United States that has captivated audiences for numerous years. Interestingly, despite being a show rooted in the US, none of the current judges on the panel are originally from America.

The current panel of judges on "America's Got Talent" comes from diverse backgrounds. Howie Mandel originates from Canada, Heidi Klum was born and raised in Germany, Simon Cowell hails from the UK, and Sofía Vergara immigrated to the US from Colombia.

The show features performers from various corners of the world showcasing their singing, dancing, comedy, and unique talents to a panel of celebrity judges and a global audience. They aim to progress in the competition and ultimately win a million-dollar prize.

This acclaimed show has garnered numerous accolades, including ten Prime Time Emmy nominations and other notable awards. The show has been hosted by various celebrities, such as Regis Philbin, Jerry Springer, Nick Cannon, Tyra Banks, and Terry Crews, who took over as the host starting in season 14.

'The Masked Singer'

"The Masked Singer" is one of the best singing shows in the entertainment industry. Airing on Fox, the show is a distinctive singing competition featuring celebrities delivering extravagant musical performances enhanced by backup dancers, choreography, and elaborate lighting effects weekly.

This Emmy Award-winning show is interesting because the contestants dress in elaborate costumes that conceal their identities. The suspense builds as their true personas remain hidden until they face elimination and finally unveil themselves by removing the mask.

This element of secrecy and reveal adds a captivating dimension to the show's appeal. This hit competition show is not an American original, "The Masked Singer" is based on the Korean show, "King of Masked Singer," which began airing in 2015.

In the American version of the show, contestants dress in full-body costumes, while the Korean one predominantly features masks and oversized attires. The show's success in South Korea prompted adaptations in various countries, including Vietnam, China, and Thailand.

'Lip Sync Battle'

Although the singing show's fifth season aired in 2019, "Lip Sync Battle" hasn't been officially canceled. This unique show, inspired by a brief sketch initially featured on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," is not a regular singing competition.

Instead, two celebrities compete against each other in a battle to deliver the most captivating and entertaining lip-syncing performance. While there may be no actual singing, there's a lot of pretend singing. One person is crowned the winner at the end of the competition after the audience decides which contestant did the best lip-sync performance.

These shows have contributed to the diversity and popularity of singing competitions on television.

Celebrities who took part in the show were prompted to embrace outrageousness, allowing their playful sides to shine through on the show. This led to the portrayal of various fun personas through costumes, wigs, and performances.

The show provided an opportunity for even the most prominent superstars to dress up in costumes and adopt the identities of other celebrities. While a few participants opted for more understated performances, others fully embraced the concept and went all-in with their over-the-top portrayals.

'The Voice'

The reality singing competition, "The Voice," has music icons as judges, including John Legend, Ariana Grande, Gwen Stefani, and more. This show is one of the best singing shows, as it offers a platform for contestants to showcase their talent.

The acclaimed show features four renowned musicians on a quest to discover the finest voices across America. These musicians will then guide and mentor these talented singers and transform them into artists. Ultimately, it is the audience that will determine which singer is deserving of the coveted grand prize.

Other Popular Singing Shows over the Years

Numerous singing competition shows have left their mark on television over the years. These shows have contributed to the diversity and popularity of singing competitions on television. Some of these shows include: "American Juniors" (2003) and "The Next" (2012), which emphasize surprise mentoring sessions.

Some other shows fans have loved include, "Duets" (2012), "Rising Star" (2014), "CMT's Next Superstar" (2011), "P. Diddy's Starmaker" (2009), "Superstar USA" (2004), "Can You Duet?" (2008-2009), "Nashville Star" (2003-2008), a country competition show.

Additionally, shows like "The Sing-Off" (2009-2014), "The White Rapper Show" (2007-2008), "Miss Rap Supreme" (2007-2008), "Platinum Hit" (2011), "Redemption Song" (2008), "The X Factor USA" (2011-2013), "Make or Break: The Linda Perry Project" (2014), "The Next Great American Band" (2007), "Rock Star Supernova" (2006), and"The Glee Project" (2011-2012) are worthy of mention.