Global Idol?

[MrRant 0]

Foreign policy pipe dream or international disaster in the making?

 

American Idol's producers are reportedly plotting a global Idol contest that would pit the first winners of American Idol, England's Pop Idol and similar competitions in a dozen countries against each other.

 

According to USA Today, Kelly Clarkson would face off against Idol champs from around the world in a two-hour special during the Christmas season on the same day in several countries.

 

Taping would take place in London and the winner would be announced on a show a week later.

 

There's even a twist to level the playing field against highly populated countries like China where a billion voters could signify a shoo-in: Viewers reportedly won't be able to vote for their own countrymen--no mention of how producers will regulate this global poll.

 

On Thursday, a spokesman for 19 Management confirmed to E! News Live that World Idol was an idea that had been percolating in executive producer Simon Fuller's high-concept cranium for a while.

 

Production is in preliminary stages said the spokesman but the show will hopefully air in December. And while there's no American network associated yet, the producers are hoping to get Fox on board.

 

Heads up, 19 Management--someone better call Clarkson's reps.

 

When contacted, Kelly's label RCA told E! this was the first they've heard of the global showdown and denied that Kelly was involved in any way.

 

They may want to reconsider. Clarkson, who left MTV's Video Music Awards empty-handed Thursday night despite three nominations, has spent the last month performing among prized heifers and pie-tossing booths at state fairs.

 

Meanwhile, in a blow to the franchise, Fox has dropped American Juniors from its fall schedule. The official word is that producers are working on the next season of A.I. plus the World Idol special so there isn't enough time for them to put together another A.J. for the fall schedule.

 

But disappointing ratings are more likely behind the decision not to reup the pint-sized talent show. American Juniors averaged just 7.8 million viewers on its Tuesday outings and only 6.7 million on Wednesdays, that's nearly half American Idol's 13.5 million (Tuesdays) and 13.3 million (Wednesdays).

 

Still, Jive Records is planning on releasing Kids in America, a compilation CD featuring performances from Juniors' 10 finalists, on Septeber 9. The debut disc from the five finalists--Taylor and Tori Thompson, Chauncey Matthews, Lucy Hale and Danielle White--is slated to be released by year's end.

[Ravenbomb 0]

I wanna see someone get one of those voice boxes like Kane used to have and go on American Idol

[Red Baron 0]

does anyone care anymore?

[starvenger 0]

Hey, if they can have the International Gladiators show, why not a World Idol?

[DrVenkman PhD 0]

does anyone care anymore?

While I would imagine a very, VERY low number of people here care (if anyone at all), the sad fact is the folks with the neilsen boxes probably do.

[Mole 0]

does anyone care anymore?

While I would imagine a very, VERY low number of people here care (if anyone at all), the sad fact is the folks with the neilsen boxes probably do.

Well, I am sure about 90%of the 13.5 million people care. Maybe even more.

[rising up out of the back seat-nuh 0]

I'd only watch if Darius was on it.

 

It's a British thing...

[Guest The Grand Pubah of 1620]

As long as Kelly wears one of Britany's skimpy outfits I'll watch.