Vivendi Entertainment can announce that its new primetime entertainment show “Celebrity Song Challenge” has been optioned in Italy by EndemolShine and Germany by Tower Productions (the joint venture between All3Media and BBC Studios), just as the format launches globally at MIPCOM this week.

The format is the latest creation of DMLS TV for TF1, following the success of “The Secret Song”. The shiny floor format premiered on the network in August, in a Saturday primetime slot and recorded strong ratings: best performance for a Saturday primetime across the summer with +42% on the main commercial target (Women < 50) and +35% on 15-34, versus the slot’s average (source: Mediametrie). The format was ultimately re-commissioned for 2020 by TF1.

In “Celebrity Song Challenge”, everything starts online, as A-List celebrities (singers, actors, athletes, etc.) challenge each other through video messages via social networks in order to perform a given song. But it’s not just about singing… It’s about tackling a new musical genre that’s completely at the opposite of the performer’s repertoire, taking celebrities outside of their comfort zone!

Matthieu Porte, EVP International and Development at Vivendi Entertainment, says: “For the first time, a broadcaster can take advantage of the millions of fans following the biggest celebrities, in order to build-up momentum from the time the challenges are set, all the way down to the airing date and the mind blowing performances, in front of a live audience.”

Orsetta Violante Balsamo, Head of Acquisitions and International Endemol Shine Italy adds: “Vivendi Entertainment is presenting a great slate of formats at MIPCOM and we’re glad they have chosen us to adapt “Celebrity Song Challenge” for Italy. “Celebrity Song Challenge” is a simple and effective shiny floor competition that definitely fits our needs.”

Dietlinde Stroh, Managing Diretor at Tower Productions, tells: “I am enthusiastic about the creative power of artists and musicians and looking forward to fresh and new unique live show events with strong unique performances. I especially like the new twist and fun the challenges will have in social media beforehand. There is the special thing about linear television combined with a huge social media activity you only get when you are live on air. That’s linear TV at its best. ”Celebrity Song Challenge” fits perfectly into the portfolio of Tower Productions. Challenge accepted!”