London – NBCUniversal Formats has signed a deal for its successful variety format Hidden Singer in Thailand, following huge popularity in South Korea.

Channel 3 has commissioned 13X60’ episodes of the fun-filled musical talent competition show, which sees an audience of 100 judges vote across multiple rounds on the person who they think is the original singer out of a selection of five impersonators. To make their decision, the audience must rely only on their ears.

Hidden Singer originally aired on Korea’s JTBC in December 2012 and has proved to be   immensely popular across three seasons with increasingly high ratings. Audiences in Korea peaked at 9.13 million and the first episode of the show’s third season achieved the highest ratings among all programmes broadcast at the same time, including FTA and Pay-TV, winning its slot.

In Thailand the show will feature celebrity hosts Wan Thanakrit Panichwid and Peck Preamnut Suwannanon. 

Yvonne Pilkington, SVP Formats & Production, NBCUniversal International Television Production, commented, “JTBC’s Hidden Singer has been a break-out success in South Korea, and we are very happy to have found and acquired this format via our Asia Format Sales Director, Linfield Ng.  International broadcasters are keen on the format’s original concept and the ability to find new singing talent through both fun and creative competitions. We look forward to seeing the show grow into a worldwide success.”

Surin Krittayaphongphun, Vice President of Channel 3, said, “We were looking for an original singing format to introduce to the Thai market and we are excited to be the first international broadcaster to launch the series after its success in Korea. The show has mass appeal and a good mix of unique competitions and laughter. Most importantly it celebrates the great pool of singing talent Thailand has to offer.”

The deal follows other NBCUniversal variety format successes across Asia, including Hollywood Game Night, Top Chef, Dance Your Ass and How Do I Look?