Today and Access Hollywood correspondent Maria Menounos will host NBC's first ever four-night live competition series, Clash of the Choirs. Menounos joins superstar choirmasters -- Michael Bolton, Patti LaBelle, Nick Lachey, Kelly Rowland and Blake Shelton -- on stage live in New York as they lead their hometown choirs in a musical battle for the title of America's best choir. This live event will premiere on December 17th and continue through December 20th as choirs are voted off by viewers at home.

"I'm delighted to be a part of such a great show, it's just what the holidays are all about - family-fun and giving. I use to be in a choir myself growing up and I can't wait to see these hometown choirs come to life on stage," said Menounos.

From the producers of Dancing with the Stars, Clash of the Choirs, will have its two-hour premiere on Monday, December 17 (8-10 p.m. ET) and will air Tuesday, December 18 (8-9 p.m. ET), Wednesday, December 19 (also a two-hour episode from 8-10 p.m. ET) with the final competition and naming of the "greatest choir" on Thursday, December 20 (8-9 p.m. ET).

Bright, articulate, engaging, and one of People Magazine's '50 Most Beautiful 2004,' Maria Menounos is one of the hottest up and coming talents in Hollywood. Menounos has played the roles of actress, journalist, entertainment reporter, filmmaker, singer and humanitarian; she is the industry's total package!

Menounos most recently filmed a cameo in the upcoming Ben Stiller comedy, "Tropic of Thunder." She has also recently starred in the romantic comedy "Kickin It Old Skool" opposite Jamie Kennedy for the Yari Film Group co-produced with Jamie Kennedy's Jizzy Entertainment and Hi-Def Entertainment.

Choirs will be eliminated one by one, until the competition comes down to three choirs on the last evening. Following each choir performance, the alternate celebrity choirmasters and a musical expert will provide commentary critiquing each choir's performance. Ultimately, the fate of the choirs rest with viewers watching at home as they judge the choir hopefuls each night. Viewers will have the opportunity to vote via phone or at www.nbc.com.

Michael Bolton traveled back to his hometown of New Haven, CT; Patti LaBelle to Philadelphia, PA; Nick Lachey returned to Cincinnati, OH; Kelly Rowland to Houston, TX; and Blake Shelton went back to Oklahoma City, OK.
executive produces. The show is based on a format acquired from Scandinavian-based Friday TV.