The production players are the same: Fox, Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment, the Idol format; but this time I may actually have some interest in actually seeing the performers, who already have some cultural heft to throw around:
- Fox Broadcasting Co. and Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment are working on a variation on the "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" theme revolving around former pop stars and one-hit wonders looking to resuscitate their careers.
Dubbed "Second Chance," the show was dreamed up by Fox's alternative programming guru, Mike Darnell.
"When 'American Idol' was over (in September), I started thinking about whether there was a bigger evolution to this on another level on top of just doing another edition of 'Idol,' " Darnell said. "The music industry is a very tough business. The talent gets chewed up and spit out very quickly. Why not give them a second chance?"
But Fox won't formally commit to the show until it has lined up the appropriate talent. Darnell emphasized that no formal overtures have been made, but the show is likely to target faded stars along the lines of such 1980s teen phenoms as Tiffany and Debbie Gibson.
What I like about this - beside the fact that the performers will have at least a modicum of talent - is that due to their pasts, the performers won't be totally at the mercy of Simon and his minions, they'll be able to push back a little. Give 'em hell, Debbie.
Article comments
1 - lek schmozlo
So you look forward to seeing Debbie Gibson and Tiffany get a second chance because now at least you'll get to see some talent on a talent show, of which American Idol had none? I think I understand your point. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Both Debbie Gibson and Tiffany are fans of Kelly Clarkson. So, they both recognize that there was a least some talent on American Idol. I gathered from their quotes that they thought Kelly had a lot more than a "modicum" of talent.
"Kelly's voice is so natural and effortless, you are never afraid she is not going to hit her notes. You can sit back and relax and put yourself in her hands. That is an amazing quality to have for a performer...she has what it takes to be a pop star."
--Debbie Gibson
"I LOVE this girl. Her appearance is natural and understated and then.... she opens her mouth and that VOICE comes out. WOW!!! Where did that voice come from?!? It is an effortless sound she produces which allows the audience to sit back, relax, and be taken for a ride. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders."
--Debbie Gibson
"I love her soul, the texture of her voice. She can give you chills. My favorite."
--Tiffany (80's Popstar)
I'm confused about folks putting down American Idol. I started watching it for a joke, and noticed there was some talent on the show, namely Tamyra and Justin. But then this little girl from Texas just starting coming on and soon started rising above the competition.
I thought, "it's just me." But then I heard Aretha Franklin and Mariah Carey and Tiffany and Debbie Gibson and Reba Mcintire, etc. saying great things about this girl. Then I thought, "it's probably not just me."
Oh well, I probably am an idiot. Never mind.