How the New Competition Show 'Second Chance Stage' Compares to 'Idol'

Magnolia Network is debuting a new series filled with "a lot of humanity" and "gratitude" in time for the holidays. Second Chance Stage, from executive producers Chip and Joanna Gaines, is a new talent competition that offers individuals a second chance at their dream after years of putting it aside.

Hours before shooting the finale at the historic Midland Theater in Kansas City, Missouri, host Emmanuel Acho and judges Taye Diggs, Martina McBride and Heidi Gardner sat down with Parade to discuss the inspiring program.

"Depth," Acho tells Parade is what sets the series apart from other competition shows like American Idol and The Voice.

"I think this show has so much depth to it. Obviously Idol is incredibly big, and all these other shows are so big and so talent-rich, etcetera, but not only is this show talent-rich, but the stories will move you," Acho says. "They'll make you laugh, they'll make you cry, they'll make you smile, they'll tug on your emotional heart strings."

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The host notes it's "a show about humanity that features talent," not "a show about talent." Though, there's plenty of talent showcased on it, from dancing and singing to stand-up comedy.

Related: 50 Thankful Quotes for Practicing Gratitude All Year Long

Diggs believes "the stakes" on Second Chance Stage are higher because contestants are being given a second chance. "Everything means a lot more, I think, to them," the actor shares. "And even for us."

For McBride, the series feels like "less of a machine." She reveals, "There's a lot of kindness, a lot of humanity, a lot of gratitude, a lot of giving. It's a sweet show."

"It's just different from anything that people have seen before," she added. "I think it's just very human. You're just going to be rooting for everybody."

Keep reading for more about the series.

Who is the host of Second Chance Stage?

Second Chance Stage is hosted by former NFL player Emmanuel Acho.

Who are the judges on Second Chance Stage?

Actor Taye Diggs, country singer Martina McBride and SNL star Heidi Gardner are seated at the judge's table in the show.

Acho tells Parade, "What Chip and Joe did, even from the casting perspective, the compilation, it's perfect because you have the hug, the human [referring to Gardner], then you have Martina, who's like the elegance, and then you have Taye—he makes you laugh."

According to Acho, the job of the three judges on Second Chance Stage is unique to other programs. "Because in other shows, Idol and the other shows, these artists have EPs, they have albums, they have this, they have that. They're just trying to get bigger, but this show, it's like, this could be it," he says. "Like, you can't just say 'You suck,' it has to be like, 'Hey, thank you for even being here. Now, I'm gonna offer you a note, but don't let that undermine my gratitude for your willingness to even be here.' So the judges are incredibly unique compared to other shows as well, because their job is much more nuanced than typical judging, analysis, criticism. They literally have to be constructive with criticism."

Related: Parade Rewind with Taye Diggs

Gardner agrees, adding there is a "sensitivity around the whole show" that they all honor. The SNL star points out, "These are fully-realized humans that have lived a whole life, and so, I want to be sensitive when I do give a note that's like, I don't want to change your identity. This is who you've been. I do want you to be digestible to a big audience, if that's what you want. And here's my little piece of advice that might help that. And you can take it or leave it as the adult you stand here as today."

What is the release date for Second Chance Stage?

The 8-episodes series premieres Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28, 2024) with two episodes, followed by weekly two-episode drops.

How to watch Second Chance Stage?

The show, which is part of Magnolia Network's "watch together" programming, will be available on Max.

What is the prize on Second Chance Stage?

The winner of Second Chance Stage will receive a $100,000 cash prize and perform in front of an audience that includes talent scouts, agents and producers.

Related: Martina McBride Shares Holiday Traditions While Decorating Christmas Tree