Channel 4 is launching its first music talent show to rival 'The X Factor'.

Adam Levine

Adam Levine

'Songland' will see songwriting hopefuls battle it out to have their song released by a big name in pop music.

Maroon 5's Adam Levine, OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder and Eurythmics star Dave Stewart came up with the idea for the new show.

There is already a US series in the works for NBC, with a UK version reportedly due to start filming in April.

An insider told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre TV column: "The songwriters each perform to a different big music star, and each will choose one song to release as their next song.

"Industry insiders believe this is the best show since 'X Factor'.

"There's real raw talent involved and the opportunity to launch some amazing careers.

"The show will put them in front of people that they'd otherwise only dream of meeting."

The format will see the artists "negotiate" with the contestants and even put their "own stamp" on their tune.

Producers are hoping there will be some "diva behaviour" from both the hopefuls and the stars in the process, as the show gives viewers the chance to have a "fascinating insight" into how a song actually comes to be released.

The source continued: "There will also be the added entertainment of watching the songwriters negotiate with artists who are performing their songs and putting their own stamp on the tune.

"Producers are expecting some diva behaviour from both the potential songwriters and the stars.

"It's set to be a fascinating insight into what goes on behind the scenes of putting a single together before the big release date."

'Songland' is expected to land a primetime slot to give shows like Simon Cowell's and ITV's 'The Voice' a run for their money.

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