Joey Fatone Games That Tune

Wed., Jun. 27, 2007 1:21 PM PDT by Gina Serpe

Every boy bander worth his salt has claimed to be a song-and-dance man. Joey Fatone now has the credentials to back it up.

The erstwhile 'N Syncer turned Dancing with the Stars runner-up has signed on to take center stage for yet another televised talent competition, this time serving as host of NBC's upcoming variety game show The Singing Bee.

Fatone, a Dancing fan favorite who ultimately placed second to Apolo Anton Ohno last month, will host the fam-friendly sing-along, which will test audience and viewer mettle to not only carry a tune but remember verbatim the lyrics to classic songs.

According to NBC, each episode of the summer series will kick off with the studio audience joining in song, during which eight competitors will be selected. The contenders will then compete in a series of karaoke-like challenges in which lyrics to popular songs must be sung to the letter, lest the contestant get the boot.

The last one standing—or singing—in the showdowns will be declared the show's winner. Exactly what sort of booty that entitles the victor to not yet been revealed, though would-be contestants should probably not set their sights on any American Idol-like contracts.

"This fun-filled family show is going to have viewers singing along with their TV sets," said Craig Plestis, executive vice president of NBC Entertainment. "We are also thrilled to have Joey on board to host. He brings an added burst of energy and a legion of fans with his musical talent and infectious personality."

The Fatone-powered reality competition, the first in a long while not to have been imported from overseas, will be partnered with America's Got Talent and debuts July 10—just one day after Fox launches its own amateur sing-along competition hosted by Wayne Brady, Forget the Lyrics.

As for Fatone, while he's taking on a new role as host of the series, he has yet to hang up his dancing shoes.

The 30-year-old triple threat is also hitting the road this summer as part of the Dancing with the Stars—The Tour lineup, joining Ohno, Drew Lachey, Joey Lawrence and Joey McIntyre, along with a host of pros.

The tour kicks off Thursday in Columbia, South Carolina, and runs through July 24, when it wraps up in Vancouver.