Three Tenors’ Domingo plans X Factor for opera singers

PLÁCIDO DOMINGO is bringing an X Factor- style reality television show for aspiring opera singers to the UK.

Virtuosos has become a massive success in its native Hungary since launching in 2014, making household names of its contestants.

Now the opera star, whose performances as part of the Three Tenors were seen by over a billion people, has joined the board of the British firm which owns the international rights to the format. It will be developed for UK audiences by James Corden’s production company, Fulwell 73.

Mr Domingo said: “The Virtuosos talent show, and activities that surround it, are a wonderful addition to the world of classical music, the encouragement of young musical talent and broadening the appeal of classical music.

“Since my very first involvement I have been incredibly impressed by the talent discovered in Hungary alone and am sure this will be repeated in other countries.”

He added: “I hope that by becoming an active shareholder in Virtuosos Holding Ltd I can lend further encouragement to both the talent we discover and the management of the company with my experience and connections around the world.”

Billed as a “serious” talent show with no manufactured bands or awkward auditions, Virtuosos claims to have dramatically increased applications by young people to attend music colleges in Hungary.

Alumni have performed at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Milan World Fair and at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Production firm Fulwell 73 added Mr Corden to its board last year and is also working on a spin-off, for Apple TV, of the popular “Carpool Karaoke” segment which has become a fan favourite on his late night talk show on American television.

Founder Leo Pearlman said: “Classical music has long been hugely influential for artists in many different genres of popular music and now for the first time we’ll be highlighting this fact through a popular entertainment format in the way we know best.”

The show has not been picked up by a British television channel but has history on its side when looking for suitors. Both Big Brother and The Voice were created for European markets before they found success in the UK.