There's a new singing competition in town, and ABC's upcoming summer show "Duets" puts a fresh spin on the celebrity-mentor relationship.

ABC announced the new show on Thursday.

Kelly Clarkson, Robin Thicke, Lionel Ritchie, and Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles will individually search the country for undiscovered singers, choosing two to be their duet partners on the show. Instead of sitting behind a judges table, the mentors will perform duets every week with the contestants, something that current competition shows like American Idol, The X Factor, and The Voice don't include in their format.

"The format is unlike anything that's out there right now and the opportunity to work with such talent, both the other artists and contestants, is definitely going to make for an exciting competition," said Thicke in a released statement.

Nettles said the concept of Duets "is so fresh because its mentoring is active and participatory."

One duet will be crowned the winner, with the fresh face receiving a record contract from Disney's Hollywood Records label.

"The simple fact that I get to go out and find two people that I believe in, sing with them every week, and help them accomplish their dream is an amazing thing that I can't wait to be a part of!" Clarkson said.

Lionel Ritchie is looking forward to passing on tricks of the trade.

"My goal will be to focus on developing true artistry and giving them the tools necessary to be creative artists instead of created artists," he says. "I am eager to pass along a few of the nuggets of wisdom that I have received throughout my 40-year career."

Check out ABC's trailer for Duets here:

Tags: ABC Kelly Clarkson