Cee Lo may be a judge on "The Voice"

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Ever since 2009, NBC has been revamping its programming, due to the low ratings. The network has been steadily losing viewers for nearly eight years. In order to bring more viewers to the network, NBC's new programs have been featuring more black characters. This spring, NBC has plans of bringing more shows to the network.

NBC is preparing to begin airing a singing competition show later this spring. The show will be called "The Voice" and it will feature people singing songs. These singers will be judged by music industry insiders and casting is still taking place for judges. Among the people being cast as a judge is Cee Lo.

After being overlooked for years, Cee Lo rose to the top of the game last year. His single, "Fuck You," grabbed listeners ears with the aggressive title. But, after it was censored to "Forget You," the song won over pop culture and made Cee Lo a pop icon. He had been recording for years, but he never had much recognition outside of the R&B community. With one song, this has all changed.

Aside from Cee Lo, NBC has also approached Mary J. Blige, Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, and others. The show is being compared to the FOX hit, "American Idol." But, instead of winning a record deal, the winner of the contestant will win $100,000 in cash. On "The Voice," the judges must listen to the contestants while their back is facing them, so they only judge based on their voice. Adam Levine, of Maroon 5, has already agreed to join the cast of the series, along with an unnamed female singer.