Idol Chatter & Voice Views

How many singing competitions are TV viewers willing to watch?

We’re about to find out later this spring when ABC takes its shot at hitting ratings gold through a reality singing show.

And they’ll have the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, trying to help make it happen.

This week, ABC announced that “Duets,” featuring Kelly, Lionel Ritchie, Robin Thicke and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, will debut at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 24.

Yep, folks, that’s the night after the American Idol finale.

Here’s the concept: The four mentors head across the country looking for the perfect duet partner.

Each picks two. And then the competition is on, with the mentor and his or her partners taking the stage each week to perform.

The winner receives a recording contract, of course.

Kelly’s been practicing for the show, serving as a guest mentor on NBC’s “The Voice” this season and featuring duets during her “Stronger” tour.

In last week’s L.A. stop, she surprised fans with duets with Blake Shelton, Michelle Branch and former Idol contestant Tamyra Gray all in the same evening.

Here’s the teaser for the show.