New singing competition 'Last Singer Standing' to air on RTÉ later this month

Singers are hoping to win the €25,000 grand prize

The next big Irish reality competition is kicking off this October.

The brand new RTÉ format 'Last Singer Standing' will begin airing on Saturday, October 23. The series will be hosted by Nicky Byrne and sees contestants battle it out each week in order to claim the top prize in the grand final, €25,000. The series will run for eight weeks, all culminating in a nail-biting finale this December.

A game show for all of the family to enjoy, the competition will see talented singers come up with their own tactics in order to make it to the final. Each step of the way, they'll have to test their singing ability as well as their nerve, endeavouring to impress the popstar panel, the studio audience, and even their fellow contestants.

Joining Nicky Byrne for the series on the panel of judges will be two Irish pop sensations as well as an international star from one of the biggest US boy bands from the '90s. 'Gotta Tell You' singer Samantha Mumba will be teaming up with Girls Aloud member Nadine Coyle and *NSYNC member Joey Fatone, making up the all-star judging panel for the series.

WHen the series was originally announced back in August, presenter Nicky Byrne described the competition as a quiz show with singing elements.

Nadine Coyle, who became famous for being famously ousted from another reality TV show 'Popstars', said of her involvement: "I loved the idea with this show of how quickly the participants might have to adapt to a song they are not familiar with in the original key in a high-pressured situation - it's exciting to watch. I'm just so impressed by the singing talent that there is on offer in Ireland, and I love that people are getting a chance to show that off on 'Last Singer Standing'."

While her fellow judge Samantha Mumba had this to say: "'Last Singer Standing' is just such a refreshing and fun concept and spin on a traditional type of talent show, and that's made me want to get involved. It's always a treat getting to come home from work as it ties in with getting to see family and friends as well. Not getting home much at all over the past few years has made this even more special."

'Last SInger Standing' is produced for RTÉ by ShinAwiL, with the series kicking off on Saturday, October 23. You can also watch the series on catch-up via the RTÉ Player.