Sara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles (sara-bareilles.com)

Fans of “The Sing Off,” get ready for a new judge!

As Nicole Scherzinger being busy with her new judge gig on “The X Factor,” there’s an empty seat to fill on “The Sing Off,” and apparently, it’s going to be filled by Sara Bareilles!

Announced Thursday by the show’s network, NBC, Bareilles is coming to the celebrity judging panel of the choir competition, and will join returning panel members Ben Folds, of Ben Folds Five, and Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men.

In a statement released by NBC, the “Love Song” singer said: “I’m extremely excited to be joining the panel of judges for ‘The Sing-Off’ this fall!”

She then continued, “A cappella music is very near and dear to my heart, and I have been a huge fan of the show from the beginning. I love the opportunity to be a part of something that celebrates a genre of music that I just adore and believe in. I can’t wait for it to start.”

NBC Executive Vice President Paul Telegdy also said in a statement; “I love the fact that on this show, the judges are each so rooted in the world they preside over.”

He added, “Simply put, they can do what the contestants are doing and that means a lot. Sara will bring a sublime technical knowledge and huge appreciation for ‘The Sing-Off – she’s a fan and we’re thrilled she’s coming on board.”

“The Sing Off” returns for its third season on NBC on September 19 at 8 PM ET/PT, and Nick Lachey will return again as host.

Welcome aboard, Sara!

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