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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Voice’ vs. ‘X-Factor:’ Musical face-off

Chuck Barney Mcclatchy-Tribune

Don’t miss

“THE VOICE” AND “THE X FACTOR” – Have we finally reached the point of singing-show overload? We’re about to find out as two “American Idol” wannabes spark a musical smackdown. Back to spin their chairs on “The Voice” are judges Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, CeeLo Green and Adam Levine. Meanwhile, “The X-Factor” has undergone a major reboot with Britney Spears and Demi Lovato bringing their star power and youth to the judges table alongside Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid. Which show will generate the most buzz and produce the best talent? “The Voice” 8 p.m. Monday, NBC; “The X Factor” 8 p.m. Wednesday, Fox.

Other bets

Today: We certainly give our regards to “Broadway or Bust.” It’s an inspiring documentary that follows some of the nation’s top high-school musical performers as they participate in a “theatrical boot camp.” 7 p.m., KSPS; 8 p.m., KCDT.

Today: Kenneth Branagh returns to his Emmy-nominated role in “Wallander III.” The “Masterpiece Mystery!” series follows a soul-searching Swedish detective created by Henning Mankell, father of the Nordic noir craze. 8 p.m., KSPS; 9 p.m., KCDT.

Today: Big changes are in store during the season finale of “Army Wives.” The tribe learns that Fort Marshall is merging with an Air Force base, and the troops are being redeployed to Afghanistan. 10 p.m., Lifetime.

MONDAY: It’s the attack of the chatterboxes! Katie Couric, Jeff Probst and Ricki Lake stake their claim to Oprah’s vacated throne today as they launch their own syndicated daytime talk shows. For times and channels, consult your local listings.

TUESDAY: Tune out the controversy and just watch “The New Normal” if you want to see a hilarious and heartfelt sitcom. It follows a gay couple (Andrew Rannells, Justin Bartha) that enlists a surrogate (Georgia King) to have their baby, much to the chagrin of her outspoken grandmother (Ellen Barkin). 9:30 p.m., NBC.

TUESDAY: We don’t know if everyone will love Ray Romano’s character in the new season of “Parenthood.” But we have a feeling that Sarah (Lauren Graham) might eventually. 10 p.m., NBC.

TUESDAY: Jimmy Smits makes a very memorable debut in the Season 5 opener of “Sons of Anarchy.” He plays a former gang banger who becomes an unlikely ally to Jax (Charlie Hunnam) and something much more to Gemma (Katey Sagal). 10 p.m., FX.

THURSDAY: “America’s Got Talent” announces its winner tonight, but not before an overbloated two-hour finale that includes a performance by Justin Bieber. 8 p.m., NBC.

THURSDAY: “Glee” launches its post-graduation season with a split personality, jumping between Ohio and New York, where Rachel (Lea Michele) meets a hunky upperclassman (Dean Geyer) who catches her eye. 9 p.m., Fox.

FRIDAY: All you need to know about tonight’s photo shoot on “America’s Next Top Model” is one word: Zombies. 8 p.m., The CW.

SATURDAY: Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”; “Ted”), known for his rude and crude humor, should fit right in as host of “Saturday Night Live.” Frank Ocean is the musical guest. 11:35 p.m., NBC.