Legend replaces Richie on 'Duets'

LOS ANGELES, April 30 (UPI) -- Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend has joined the cast of the U.S. singing competition series "Duets," ABC said Monday.

Legend and fellow recording stars Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles and Robin Thicke will individually search the country for two singers each thinks is worthy of being their duet partners. The stars will then compete alongside the newcomers each week before a live studio audience. The winning duet partner will be awarded a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

Lionel Richie initially was announced as a cast member of "Duets," but his name wasn't mentioned in a news release ABC issued Monday and no explanation was given for the casting change.

The show is to premiere on the network May 24, with TV personality Quddus serving as host.

"I'm thrilled to be part of 'Duets' and I'm looking forward to finding an undiscovered gem out there. This is going be a lot of fun," Legend said in a statement Monday.