Criss Angel Talks About Phenomenon

Criss Angel describes Phenomenon as "explosive," an aspect of the new NBC reality competition series that attracted the Mindfreak illusionist to work on the project.

"I think it's going to prove to be a very provocative and engaging show that will give talent throughout the world an opportunity to showcase their abilities," Angel said.

"I just thought a show like this would give people a legitimate opportunity. And to participate in it live is really a selling point for me because I'm going to experience as you and all the home viewers are for the very first time when they're performing it."

Angel and mentalist Uri Gellar will assist the 10 contestants, as well as provide their insight on the new reality show. However, it will be the home viewers who vote to determine which act eventually claims the series' $250,000 grand prize following the show's five-week broadcast run.

"I think many, many people are fascinated with the unknown, with the ability to do something that is unexplainable. I think that this show will showcase the best and the worst and the people that claim they potentially [have] this ability because of supernatural reasons, not because it's something that's a trick," said Angel.

"I think all of that stuff is potentially the ingredients for explosive television. I'm going to be there as the voice of the people. And the minute somebody claims - if they claim - if anybody claims that they have this ability outside of trickery I will expose them."

Phenomenon is premieres Wednesday, October 24.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.