American Idol Producers Announce “Band Idol”
Not that this hasn’t been done, but it hasn’t been done with the juggernaut of American Idol behind it…
The producers of “American Idol” have inked a deal with Fox for “The Search for the Next American Band.”
The new show will follow the Idol format, starting with an audition phase in which producers will look for musical groups of all ages and genres. Judges will then narrow the contestants down to 10 semifinalists, each of which will get to perform in front of a live audience. Viewers will determine who moves on to the next round, with three bands facing off in the finale.
Weekly competition will test the bands by making them play in various styles and themes. The show will also dip into the Reality format by exploring how the competition affects the personal interactions of the band members. Simon Fuller created “Band” and will spearhead the endeavor along with Nigel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick and Cecile Frot-Coutaz. FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment will produce. Project was announced during the Wednesday edition of “Idol.”
There’s no word yet on an airdate, but Frot-Coutaz said the goal is to have the show land in the early fall. Unlike “Idol,” she said, the new show is expected to air just once a week.
