Cowell's newest reality 'Celebrity Duets'

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Simon Cowell, creator of "American Idol," has come up with a new U.S. reality show concept -- pairing a professional singer with another performer for duets.

The Fox series, which debuts Tuesday, puts together vocalists such as Gladys Knight, Aaron Neville and Smokey Robinson with non-singers including "Xena: Warrior Princess" Lucy Lawless and comedian Cheech Marin, the New York Daily News reported.

"There were so many celebrities who wanted to come on this show who genuinely could not sing a note," Cowell said.

The three show judges are music producer David Foster, Little Richard and a female recording artist who has not yet been named. Little Richard was chosen for his offbeat personality.

"I've seen so many of these shows where the panelists are so dull," Cowell said.

Cowell tells "Idol" contestants to be unique and original. On "Celebrity Duets," however, it will be "Shut your eyes. Hold your breath. And hope for the best," Cowell said in a conference call with reporters.

The celebrity winner gets to choose a charity to receive the cash prize. But Cowell also says some of them will also find a new career path -- recording.