What sometimes seems to have a plural force but nevertheless requires a singular verb. Clearly we would say What is needed is a spotlight, but what if spotlights - the plural form - is used.instead.
The options are these:
What is needed here is spotlights.
? What are needed are spotlights.
X What is needed are spotlights.
The first construction, with both verbs in the singular, is the best by far.
(The Right Word at the Right Time)