NBC's vocal contest, 'The Winner Is,' offers cash prize of up to $1 million

Dueling contestants to be judged by in-studio panel; before hearing their fate, singers must decide to negotiate a cash prize and step out of the competition or continue the game

NBC has green-lighted "The Winner Is," a new vocal game show that showcases talented singers of all ages - soloists and groups that include adults, kids, teens, seniors, families and professionals - all of whom will compete in head-to-head singing duels.

The contestants will be judged by a special in-studio panel led by one celebrity judge (to be announced) as they compete for an ultimate cash prize of $1 million. In a unique twist, they will have the chance to negotiate a deal with their opponent. Before hearing their fate, the contestants can choose to step out of the competition in exchange for a predetermined cash prize or continue on in the game.

The show comes from Talpa Media USA Inc. (NBC's "The Voice").

Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming at NBC, made the announcement.

"We are thrilled to be working with John de Mol, the creator and one of the producers of 'The Voice,' on this original singing game show that will feature a broad range of talent, dueling performers and the surprise of in-the-moment negotiations and decisions," Telegdy said. "Talented singers and the show's surprising competitive twist, with the possibility of negotiating a deal to step out of the game, will have viewers engaged and entertained."

The show's competing singers will be given the chance to become rich in record time. After each singing duel, both opposing performances will be judged. The contestants will then have the option of making a deal. If they have doubts about how they have measured up against their opponent, they can leave the show - in exchange for the instant cash that round is worth. But if they're confident they performed better than their opponent, they can await the jury results to see if they've made it to the next round and a step closer to the $1 million in ultimate prize money.

Singing contestants need to be confident of their own talent, but shouldn't underestimate their opponents. There's a lot at stake: the amount of money each duel is worth increases with every round, right up until the finale.

In the finale, eight singers will duel and negotiate. They continue to compete until just two amazing singing contestants remain. Then the two finalists must make a crucial decision. After their performance, they each get the chance to walk away with $100,000 - or they can risk losing that huge amount of cash by awaiting the jury vote and the votes from the viewers for the chance to win the $1 million prize.