Seacrest preps YouTube talent show

Ryan Seacrest Productions and Endemol Shine North America have partnered on a talent competition series that will premiere exclusively on YouTube.

Susanne Daniels

Best.Cover.Ever will see well-known artists challenge emerging musicians from around the world to upload a cover of one of their songs to YouTube, with the winner given the chance to perform a duet with the famous singer.

It will be hosted by Ludacris and artists including Demi Lovato, Backstreet Boys and Jason Derulo have been tapped to appear when the show launches later this year. More talent will be announced in the coming weeks.

The first submission phase has begun and will run until May 19. Viewers can upload their video, follow submissions and watch the series by subscribing to the Best.Cover.Ever YouTube channel.

“YouTube is the best place for emerging musicians to be discovered, and Best.Cover.Ever. will encourage these artists to go for their dreams alongside the best in the business,” said Susanne Daniels, global head of original content, YouTube.

“Cover songs are a terrific vehicle to help discover fresh talent and YouTube is the perfect platform to do it,” said Ryan Seacrest, series executive producer and CEO of Ryan Seacrest Productions.