Not a Joke: Mark Burnett Is Creating a Jail Idol

This morning, Investigation Discovery, a crime-based Discovery Network, told the Television Critics Association that it is developing a singing competition show set in prisons called Talent Behind Bars and a dancing competition show set in prisons called -- you guessed it -- Dancing Behind Bars with reality mega-producer Rob Burnett... and they were not kidding. Click through for more details about this crazy project.

Although it might seem a little, uh, conscienceless/bizarre/exploitative to pit prisoners as talent stars, Investigation Discovery exec Henry Schleiff denied the claim. "We're not trying to be exploitative, we're trying to be entertaining," Schleiff said. For proof that exploitation and entertainment are not mutually exclusive, Schleiff should refer to any MTV or Bravo show ever produced.

Schleiff later admitted that he was drafting off two of the biggest shows on television, saying "We're using them as a play off of the two most popular series on television." So far, Rob Burnett is attached to Dancing while the network is still searching for a producing partner for Talent Behind Bars.

As if to defend the project, Schleiff also clarified that not just any serial murderer or rapist will qualify to crunk. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Nobody convicted of a major violent crime will be allowed to participate. Only minor offenders, such as drug convictions, will be allowed." Sorry, Phil Spector -- no judging for you. No word, meanwhile, on what the prizes will be -- a year-long studio contract, a carton of cigarettes and/or or a chance to finish his/her sentence in rehab. Developing...

· Prison Idol? Discovery plans jailhouse talent shows [Live Feed]