Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell Hosts Christian Talent Show

The Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell is set to look for Christian music’s next star through hosting a talent show that follows the form of “American Idol.” The show will air on Trinity Broadcasting Network in March.

|PIC1|Commenting that most popular singers such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Whitney Houston started in gospel music, Littrell expects plenty of interest from America's churches.

The talent search, called “Gifted,” will proceed for two months, starting in Phoenix and continuing on at large churches in Nashville, Seattle, Kansas City, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Hollywood, Calif., Charlotte, N.C. and several other cities.

The contestants will sing a cappella versions of classic hymns such as "How Great Thou Art," "Blessed Assurance" and "Amazing Grace," with local winners advancing to regional contests. Eight finalists will be chosen from the regions for the television show, where a panel of celebrity judges will pick the overall winner.

The grand prize is a major-label recording contract and career management services by Wright Entertainment Group, whose clients include the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Boys II Men and Janet Jackson. In addition, a $10,000 donation also will be made to the church where the winner originally auditioned.

|AD|Philip McIntyre, producer of "Gifted," said the two-hour TV special will be a one-time event, but plans are in the works for a full, 12-episode season.

"I think there are thousands and thousands of kids out there who will jump at this chance," Littrell said Wednesday from Japan, where he was performing with the Backstreet Boys. "I grew up singing in church but I never had the opportunity to audition for a show like this."

Littrell, who had a hit song, "In Christ Alone," on the Christian charts last year as a solo artist, thinks the timing is right for a Christian-themed talent show given the crossover success of Christian artists such as Switchfoot.

"It's a huge movement happening not only in the United States but also in Europe," he said. "This may be the catalyst that drives gospel music over to mainstream radio."