Format

This May, Amadeus returns to prime time on Nove as the host of Like a Star, a new singing competition based on the original format Starstruck, produced by Banijay Italia. The show features everyday people with extraordinary vocal talent who transform into some of the greatest music icons for a chance to win a cash prize, experiencing the thrill of becoming their idol on a grand stage.

Each episode includes a fixed panel of judges who select the best singer-performer of the night and send them directly to the finale. The judging panel for the first Italian edition includes Elio, Rosa Chemical, and Serena Brancale.
The series unfolds over eight episodes: seven eliminations and a grand finale that determines the season’s winner. In each episode, themed teams compete by performing as the same iconic artist, aiming to win over both the judges and the studio audience. Among the 18 contestants featured in each episode, only one will advance to the final after multiple elimination rounds, with a chance to win €50,000.

“Their talent isn’t just about singing,” Amadeus explains. “It’s about becoming their idol. They lead normal lives, but music has always been a part of them. For one night, they get to feel what it's like to be a star. They’re not impersonators—their appearance pays tribute to their idols without disguises.” He also highlights the unique qualities of the judges: Elio’s experience and wit, Serena Brancale’s powerful voice and energy, and Rosa Chemical’s fresh and bold presence.

Each contestant chooses a beloved artist and pays tribute not only through music but also through voice, appearance, and stage presence. To support this transformation, they are assisted by a team of experts who help them deliver a show-stopping performance.