ABC's 'Rising Star' gives power to the people

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Monday, June 23, 2014
ABC's 'Rising Star' gives power to the people
ABC's newest singing competition 'Rising Star' debuts Sunday at 9 p.m.

ABC's newest reality show "Rising Star" combines performance, commentary and results all in one night.

The show gives the most power to the people. Viewers are the judges and can make or break contestants' dreams almost instantly by voting on the "Rising Star" app.

Votes are tallied on the screen immediately. If a performer receives enough votes to raise 2-ton, 3-story video monitors, he or she moves on. If not, they head home.

A trio of experts, including artists Brad Paisley, Kesha and Ludacris, are also along for the ride.

"It's going to change TV forever once people see that they can actually, in real time, influence the way one of these shows go," Paisley said.

"It's using technology to the fullest and it's instantly gratifying and that's what drew me to the show," Kesha said.

The technology may be brand new, but at its core, the show is about talent and finding a future superstar.

"Really, truly, we're talking about excellent, excellent performers and singers," said Josh Groban, who will host the show and mentor contestants.

"Rising Star" debuts Sunday night at 9 p.m. on ABC7.