Celebrity Idol is Coming
Source: Variety
June 23, 2005
Fox is closing in on a deal for a celebrity spinoff of American Idol, reports Variety. "Idol" producers FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment are behind the project, which Fox reality guru Mike Darnell said would be broadcast as a 10-episode "event" over the course of two or three weeks. The series - dubbed Celebrity Idol - will feature 10 well-known faces competing for charity, with the winner getting $1 million for his or her pet cause.
While there's no official airdate yet, Darnell said the series could air "sooner rather than later," and an early fall or November sweeps premiere seems logical.
When asked about the participation of judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, as well as host Ryan Seacrest, Darnell said it's "our hope that the judges and Ryan will do the show."
"We're going to go for the biggest talent possible," Darnell added, promising a very "open policy" toward casting. "We're looking for people who can sing but aren't known for singing."
There will be no celebrity auditions or weekly results show; likewise, the judges will have no say in who goes forward. Viewers will still vote by phone, but results will be given on the next performance episode, with one celebrity leaving each night.
Darnell added that they hope this will become an annual event.
Source: Variety
June 23, 2005
Fox is closing in on a deal for a celebrity spinoff of American Idol, reports Variety. "Idol" producers FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment are behind the project, which Fox reality guru Mike Darnell said would be broadcast as a 10-episode "event" over the course of two or three weeks. The series - dubbed Celebrity Idol - will feature 10 well-known faces competing for charity, with the winner getting $1 million for his or her pet cause.
While there's no official airdate yet, Darnell said the series could air "sooner rather than later," and an early fall or November sweeps premiere seems logical.
When asked about the participation of judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, as well as host Ryan Seacrest, Darnell said it's "our hope that the judges and Ryan will do the show."
"We're going to go for the biggest talent possible," Darnell added, promising a very "open policy" toward casting. "We're looking for people who can sing but aren't known for singing."
There will be no celebrity auditions or weekly results show; likewise, the judges will have no say in who goes forward. Viewers will still vote by phone, but results will be given on the next performance episode, with one celebrity leaving each night.
Darnell added that they hope this will become an annual event.
