Many of these series helped launch household names.

The 6 best singing competition shows that hit all the right notes

Many of these series helped launch household names.

By Declan Gallagher

March 12, 2026 6:00 p.m. ET

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The Afghan Hound (obvs), Ed McMahon, and Carrie Underwood. Credit:

Michael Becker/fox, courtesy everett, Ray Mickshaw/WireImage

America’s love affair with singing shows runs deep, and it’s easy to see why: They blend raw talent with big emotions, and the thrill of discovery makes for irresistible television.

From the star-making power of *American Idol* to the high-energy spectacle of *The Masked Singer* and the singular format of *The Voice*, these beloved series turn ordinary performers into household names while giving viewers a front-row seat.

Singing competitions tap into the joy of music, the excitement of competition, and the hope that anyone, from anywhere, can break through. Each show on this list shaped pop culture, launched careers, and kept audiences cheering episode after episode.

These are **’s picks for the six best singing shows to stream now.

American Idol (2002–present)

Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan judge 'American Idol'.

Disney/Eric McCandless

Arguably television’s premier singing competition show, this cultural institution has given America many idols over its 24 seasons, including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood — the latter of whom has returned as a judge. That’s to say nothing of the non-winners who’ve gone on to big things, such as Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken.

By scouring the nation for its contestants and instituting a revolutionary audience-voting system, *American Idol* became a hot topic in its early seasons and continues to exert influence on music today. Along with *Survivor*, it’s one of those tried and true reality franchises that helped define early aughts pop culture.

Where to watch *American Idol*: Hulu

The Masked Singer (2019–present)

If you don't know who this is... well, I'm beginning to question your commitment to 'The Masked Singer'.

Michael Becker/FOX

*The Masked Singer *is a gleeful, genuinely unexpected addition to the reality singing genre, and its popularity with fans is intense. Celebrities flaunt their singing abilities while disguised in increasingly elaborate costumes and masks. Panelists then have to guess the identities of a taco, a banana, an ice cream cone, a robot, you name it. The contestants get voted off one by one, at which point the celebs are literally unmasked as fans squeal in delight.

It’s an absurd, hallucinatory fever dream. With singing. EW accurately described the experience as “*Donnie Darko* + *Pan's Labyrinth* x Las Vegas.” What are you waiting for?

Where to watch *The Masked Singer*: Hulu

Rhythm + Flow (2019–present)

T.I. Cardi B, and Chance the Rapper on Netflix's 'Rhythm + Flow'. Adam Rose/Netflix

Netflix’s hip-hop competition series is on a nationwide hunt for talented, undiscovered rappers. The winner gets a $250,000 cash prize and a foot in the door of the industry. T.I., Chance the Rapper, and Cardi B hosted the first season; in the second, DJ Khaled, Latto, and Ludacris stepped in, while Eminem and Big Sean number among the guests.

*Rhythm + Flow* is a highly watchable competition show that will make you wish there were more hip-hop competition shows. It’s infectious fun featuring a few unshakeable earworms.

Where to watch *Rhythm + Flow*: Netflix

Sing On! (2020)

Tituss Burgess emcees the group singing competition, 'Sing On!' (Spoiler: The theme for this one is "love."). Netflix

Hosted by Tituss Burgess (*The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt*), *Sing On! *asks contestants to collaborate to win a hefty payday. Each team of six participants must sing five songs that share a common theme. The team members are assigned separate verses, and they have to carefully match the correct pitch and note or risk their team losing out on a $60,000 prize.

*Sing On!* is ebullient, joyous fun. Along with other staples like *Nailed It!*, this one joins a pantheon of emphatically punctuated Netflix game shows that find the joy and inherent silliness in competition.

Where to watch *Sing On!*: Netflix

Star Search (1983–1995; 2003–2004; 2026–present)

Ed McMahon takes a break from Johnny Carson to usher in a new generation of stars in 'Star Search'.

Courtesy Everett

Recently revived by Netflix in the form of live episodes with *American Idol*-style audience voting, *Star Search* had its heyday in the ‘80s and ‘90s, when it was hosted by Ed McMahon, elevating now-household names such as Beyoncé, Martin Lawrence, Britney Spears, and Adam Sandler.

*Star Search* was the first program of its kind, with a format imitated by just about every subsequent talent competition program since. It was also one of the first shows that made fame seem attainable, profiling everyday folks who happened to possess exceptional talent. As fresh episodes unroll on Netflix, new generations of talent are waiting to be discovered.

Where to watch *Star Search*: Netflix

The Voice (2011–present)

Snoop! Niall! Reba! Carson! Michael! Also a snowman. This is 'The Voice'.

Trae Patton/NBC

Recording stars (currently Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, and John Legend) go head-to-head mentoring groups of prospective singers to see who has what it takes to succeed in the music industry. The twist? The judges don’t see the contestant during the audition and selection process — all they have to go on is their voice.

This clever inversion of the* American Idol* format is still paying dividends as it nears its 30th season. There’s a seemingly pure intention behind *The Voice* that makes it one of television’s most consistent feel-good enterprises.

Where to watch *The Voice*: Peacock

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW Reality”