Unless you’ve been living under a rock, then you are probably familiar with the shows American Idol, The Voice and The X-Factor. Each show is out on a search for the next big superstar, while using an A-list panel of superstar judges themselves.

A little over a decade ago, American Idol debuted on FOX, becoming the first reality TV show singing competition to air on national television. For years Idol topped television ratings with its unforgettable panel of judges; Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. They’re also known for their popular winners, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen and Scotty McCreery.

However, as the seasons progressed, changes took place, including the biggest change; Cowell’s departure from Idol.

Cowell had a new project in the works, (The X-Factor) a show similar to Idol, except instead of the judges only critiquing contestants, each judge mentors its contestants in particular categories, fitting to their personal song styling.

This show is known for creating the now famous boy band One Direction. The five boys were mentored by Cowell on season seven in August 2010. Even though the boys placed third in the competition, they are now one of the most famous boy bands in the world.

However, just as Simon was getting ready to showcase his new project, NBC too had a similar show under wraps, The Voice.

The Voice became NBC’s new big hit reality singing competition. Just like The X-Factor, The Voice’s judges form teams and mentor the competitors they had chosen, except this show has its own unique aspects to it as well.

The Voice gives aspiring artists the opportunity to have an audition without physically being seen. The show calls this a “blind audition,” this way, the artists can win over the judges solely with their voice and not mattering about appearance.

The judges are turned around facing the audience while the singer takes the stage. When the judges like what they hear, they push their button and their chair turns around. If two or more judges turn, the artist must pick who’s team they want to go on. If one chair turns, the artist is automatically on that team, and if none turn, then that artists dream’s end there. In the end, each judge can only have 16 people per team.

With three similar shows with the same concept premiering around the same time, it becomes a problem for some.

When The Voice debuted on NBC, viewers were drawn to their choice of judges. Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton. All very successful entertainers that are still very active and popular today.

Idol began to up its ante on its own judges after Cowell parted ways. Since then they had signed Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, Tyler has recently parted ways with Idol as well. In the past days, Idol has decided to take on pop star Nicki Minaj and country rocker Keith Urban as the newest addition to the Idol judges team.

The X-Factor has just signed their two newest judges, Demi Lovato and Britney Spears, both well-known pop singers in todays world. The pop stars are joining returning judges Simon Cowell and LA Reed. Lovato and Spears have replaced Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger after being fired by Cowell himself.

It seems that the competition between these three shows has gotten serious and is not over. With the shows premiering in the next few weeks, the stakes are high and each show will be fighting for the top ratings. Which show will you watch? We suggest watching The Voice, not only does it seem to have better performers, but better judges and a better style of picking contestants.