A US-based Christian reality TV show 'Gifted' will air this week on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

Commonly compared with 'American Idol', the show will feature 16,000 contestants, 8 finalists, 3 judges, and 1 winner.

The two-hour prime time TBN television special, which will launch 26 January, culminates months of nationwide searching to find and present the brightest new talent in Christian music, according to a media release obtained by ANS.

According to a release, those tuning in that evening "will share the excitement of 'reality based TV' with the nationwide viewing audience witnessing one contestant being awarded the top prize of a major recording contract with the EMI Christian Music Group."

The television special will be followed by a February 20 release of Gifted, Season One, on CD/DVD from EMI/Sparrow Records. In addition to the CD featuring performances by the eight top finalists on the telecast, the companion three hour DVD will contain the entire two hour televised special with bonus behind the scenes, 'all access' content.

Brian Littrell, member of the multi-platinum selling pop group Backstreet Boys and award-winning Christian solo artist, will host the show. He commented that most popular singers such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Whitney Houston started in gospel music, and he expects plenty of interest from America's churches.