When Fox announced plans to air “Don’t Forget the Lyrics” in July, NBC scrambled to get its version, “The Singing Bee,” on air two months earlier than planned. “Lyrics!” debuts at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, one night after “Bee” premiered. (It repeats at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.) It’s hard to tell which show will triumph, but one thing’s certain: Karaoke fans will be singing a happy tune.
HOST
“BEE”
Joey Fatone of “Dancing with the Stars” and the long-gone ‘N Sync.
“LYRICS”
Wayne Brady of “Whose Line Is It Anyway” and the long-gone “The Wayne Brady Show.”
CONTEST
“BEE”
Six contestants from the studio audience compete in singing games. They must get every word right or lose a cash prize of $50,000.
“LYRICS”
Players perform songs from different genres, decades and artists as the lyrics are displayed. The words disappear when the music stops, but the contestants continue singing. Get it right or lose up to $1 million.
EXTRAS
“BEE”
Dancers dubbed “The Honeybees.”
“LYRICS”
A chance at $950,000 more in prize money.
