MUMBAI: US broadcaster ABC has announced a new music competition series, ?Duets?.

Utt has roped in four stars - Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles, Lionel Richie and Robin Thicke. The new series will debut this summer .

Clarkson, Nettles, Richie and Thicke will individually set out on a journey across America looking for undiscovered talent worthy of being their prot?g?s. Ultimately, each Superstar will choose two singers to be his/her duet partners. Together the Superstars and their prot?g?s will take the stage each week and perform in front of a live studio audience.

In the end, only one duet will be at the top of the charts, and the winning amateur will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

Amateur singers interested in auditioning for the Superstars as they travel the country looking for talent can apply online at www.ABC.com/Casting.

Clarkson said, "The simple fact that I get to go out and find two people that I believe in, sing with them every week, and help them accomplish their dream is an amazing thing that I can?t wait to be a part of!?

Since bursting onto the music scene 10 years ago, Kelly Clarkson has released 5 studio albums, sold over 21 million albums worldwide, 10 million albums in the U.S., and has had 10 singles in the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart.

MUMBAI: The Natpe Content First PitchCon returns to the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in the US from 7-8 June 2012 to provide independent content producers with access to influential, multi-platform media executives during two full days of clinics and educational sessions, pitch critiques and networking opportunities.

Natpe president, CEO Rick Feldman also announced that Oxygen?s The Glee Project will receive this year?s Innovator Award.

Previously known as LATV Fest and now in its second year under the PitchCon banner, the conference features a diverse lineup of speakers, hands-on sessions, workshops and master classes for those looking to advance their careers in the content business. Hot topics during the two-day event include multiplatform pitching, pitch prep, developing ideas and succeeding as an independent producer.

For five years, one of the main conference highlights has been the Innovator Award, which recognises achievement in unscripted programming. Recipients of the award showcase extraordinary passion and leadership, leveraging their platform in new, innovative and productive ways.

This year during a special luncheon and panel on 8 June, President of Oxygen Media, Jason Klarman; series Executive Producers, Michael Davies and Shauna Minoprio from Embassy Row; Casting Director and on-air mentor, Robert Ulrich; and choreographer and on-air mentor, Zach Woodlee, are confirmed to accept the award on behalf of the critically acclaimed reality competition series, The Glee Project.

The Glee Project, which averaged more than one million total viewers linearly over the course of its summer run and reached almost 45 million viewers on multiple platforms, is approaching its second season premiere on Oxygen this summer. The series serves as an audition platform for Fox?s Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning musical comedy-drama sensation, Glee, and the winner receives a seven episode arc on the show. Both shows were created and are produced by Ryan Murphy.

Feldman said, ?The Glee Project represents a truly unique and forward-thinking relationship between the worlds of unscripted and scripted programming and has delivered an exciting twist on talent discovery. Natpe is proud to honor this show and everyone associated with its early successes and bright future.?

Klarman said, ?Ryan Murphy has created a true pop culture phenomenon with Glee and The Glee Project. Oxygen is proud to be in business with him as the exclusive cable home for both series.?

Each episode of The Glee Project has an overall theme and contestants are asked to complete a series of tasks, including learning and practicing chosen songs before performing in front of a surprise guest judge; and creating a music video inspired by the famous performances on Glee. Callbacks and last chance recitals eventually reveal the contestants who will continue on to the next week of competition.