BBC One search for the ultimate tribute

Endemol owned Initial has been commissioned by BBC Entertainment to produce a new prime time BBC One Saturday night series. Presented by Graham Norton, The Ultimate Tribute (working title) is a brand new talent show that will leave viewers amazed… and wondering if seeing really is believing.

They’re looking for Tribute Acts who think they’re the best. Performers don’t have to just sing like a superstar, they have to look like them, dress like them, and act like them. In fact they have to live, breathe and actually turn themselves into the superstar of their dreams.

Imagine Madonna battling it out against Cher, or Frank Sinatra going head to head with Elton John.

Each week, our tribute artists will be put through their paces as they try to capture the performing essence of an established superstar. They’ll be given performance tips by a host of top professionals, from vocal coaches to choreographers, make-up artists to costume makers.

And it all leads up to weekly live shows on BBC ONE, in front of a studio audience of friends and their icons’ Superfans, to win those all-important viewers’ votes. Who can combine their looks, voice and acting talents into a complete package that suspends the audience’s disbelief and perform as a star? Who will the nation choose as their greatest superstar double?

For the winner there’s a once in a lifetime opportunity - a three month performing contract in Las Vegas with the renowned “Legends in Concert”, the longest-running celebrity impersonator shows in the world.

Louise Rainbow, Executive Producer at Initial, an Endemol company comments: “It’s hard enough to sing live on TV but with the added pressure to be as good as your musical icon this could be a tough talent show – we don’t just want the best singers, we’re looking for the ultimate tribute act. And with such a great prize for the winner, we expect the battle to be intense.”

The series has been commissioned by Peter Fincham, Controller BBC One and Elaine Bedell, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning. The Executive Editor will be Mark Lindsey.

Member’s of the public have the chance to be uniquely showcased on national television by downloading an application form from Bbc.co.uk/ultimatetribute, the deadline is midnight Sunday 21st October.