There may be multiple hit musical dramedies and innumerable singing competitions on network television, but that doesn’t mean there’s not enough room for the return of a cable favorite. CMT’s Singing Bee, approaching its 50th episode, becomes the latest music-related show to make its return and it promises to be (bee?) a good time.
Hosted by Melissa Peterman (Reba), Singing Bee is a fun, energetic bit of karaoke in a game show format. Contestants are forced to sing well-known (mostly) country songs in a bid to win $10,000, but just because they have to sing doesn’t mean they have to sing it well. It’s all about lyrical accuracy on Singing Bee, so those with a sharp ear for mumbly lyrics don’t have to worry about any sharp vocals.
During each song, the contestant has to fill in the blanks on the song they’re singing, as the rolling lyrics in front of them have been clipped and chopped to test their musical knowledge. The more accurate you are, the more you keep advancing, but bumble too much and your shot at the money vanishes. The preview for the new season, posted below, highlights the liveliness and unpredictability of a typical episode of Singing Bee; all types of people from all types of background have gone in front of the Honey Bees, so you never know what’ll happen once they get their moment in the spotlight.
Having previously aired on NBC in 2007, Singing Bee jumped to CMT (Country Music Television) in 2009, where it’s aired several successful seasons. Peterman took over for the previous host, former boy band member Joey Fatone, and has been with the show since it made the move to CMT.
Singing Bee returns Friday, April 20th at 8:00 on CMT. You can check out photos from the one-hour premiere episode right here and watch episodes from previous seasons here.
Are you looking forward to the return of Singing Bee? What songs, current or otherwise, would you like to hear on the upcoming season?