Ratings watch: The Singing Bee

The Gurin Company format The Singing Bee has now rolled out in several countries, with varying degrees of success. In the show eight contestants are chosen from the audience and challenged to accurately sing the lyrics to popular songs in karaoke-style competitions.

The local adaptation of the Zeal-distributed show debuted last Sunday on Rai Uno. Known locally as Chi fermera la musica. The first episode delivered a 19.97% audience share in the 4+.

NBC launched the gameshow in the US on July 10 in 9.30pm to 10pm slot. The first episode won its timeslot with a 13% household share and a 14% share in adults 18-to-49. From July 20 to October 30, 2007, the NBC show averaged a 9% audience share in households and an 8.3% share in the 18-to-49 demo. Season to date NBC averaged a 9% audience share in household and a 9% share in adults 18-49.

In the UK on ITV1, on Saturday, July 7 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, the first episode of Sing It Back: Lyric Champion 2007, achieved a disappointing 17.3% audience share in the 4+. On Saturday, July 14, the second episode was down to a 13.1% audience share in the 4+. In 2006, ITV1 averaged a 19.6% audience share in the 4+.

In Greece, on Alpha, the local adaptation, Tha pis ki ena tragoudhi, premiered in October. From October 7 to December 9, the musical show averaged a 16.6% audience share in the 4+. From October 1 to 28, 2007, Alpha averaged a 14.4% audience share in the 4+.

In Australia on Nine, Sunday, October 7 from 9pm to 10pm, the first episode of The Singing Bee delivered 1.196 millions viewers, finishing second in its time slot. The second episode delivered 1.008 million viewers.

RATINGS FOCUS – in association with www.thewit.com