Emmys 2013: Jeff Probst, Carson Daly on taking on ‘American Idol’

Reality TV contestants have a reputation for being highly competitive, unabashedly outspoken and sometimes downright catty. The same isn’t usually true of the shows’ mild-mannered hosts — not without a bit of prodding, at least.

During a conversation at the Envelope Emmy Round Table about the challenges of gauging a show’s success, “The Voice� host Carson Daly alluded to another popular TV singing competition but didn’t name names.

“You look at shows that might put out an artist that infiltrates pop culture and becomes a top-10 [artist],� he said, “but meanwhile the ratings of their show are declining.�

WATCH: The Envelope Emmy Roundtable | Reality

Fellow panelists Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance�) and Jeff Probst (“Survivor�) then pressed him: “Who are you talking about?�

“I didn’t mention any shows, and I’m not going to,� Daly replied.

“I’m going to challenge you,� Probst said. “It’s OK to say ‘American Idol’ because ‘American Idol’ has been the Death Star for a decade. It’s wiped out more dreams because of its own power — it is inevitable it will begin to lose [momentum]. ‘Survivor’ is gaining on it, and we’ve been on for 13 years.�

Daly then spoke about what he thinks differentiates “The Voice� from other singing competitions.

“We thought, let’s help people,� Daly said. “Let’s not tell them, ‘You suck, you’re good, you’re terrible.’ Let’s not make it about the coaches and whatnot.�

For more from the panel, watch the video.

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