Problem: talent shows emphasize, the show, not the competition. This leads to fake and boring shows. 

Solution: a sport-inspired show

Some principles: 

1. Let competitors actually compete against each other. It can be even in duels or between winners of individual series. This will create the emotions naturally. 
2. Let fans watch and support in real time. This could attract friends and families and even create a potential for their various spending. 
3. Better communication. Let the competitors communicate with fans in real time on social media or a custom app. This will strengthen the closeness between the competitors and their fans, making fans real fans, not just show viewers. 
4. Save money on the "big show", put more money into organization. Can be scaled to various leagues or rounds.
5. Hire talent experts and commentators instead of celebrity judges. Fans will be the only judges and they will be advised by the experts. They will like their power over the competitors. 
6. Instead of making contracts with competitors, make the show interesting and fun for them. This kind of motivation will make the best artists more likely to compete. 

The main thing I am presenting here is the way of thinking: instead of fake, make it more real. It could be successful. I think there is a big potential for profit, as I mentioned: fans, families and friends will give more money to the show running company than just viewers would, especially in real time. Betting on competitors. Fans paying for tribune seats instead of being a paid TV audience.

Why I think this hasn't been done before:

1. Producers are used to the old formats
2. the shows have to be big from their start to attract millions of TV viewers to be profitable. Innovating on big things is risky.

Eager to hear what you have to say!