It was just days ago that news hit the wire that ‘American Idol’ was being readied for a reboot.
Well, as is the case in showbiz, things change – and fast.
Because, according to a new report, politics behind the scenes means the show may very well lay to rest longterm.
Full story below…
According to TMZ, the drama isn’t directly to do with the two networks vying for the prize (FOX and NBC). But is at the same time.
Confusing, we know.
It’s the production companies involved.
See, ‘Idol is jointly owned by Freemantle Media and Core. And while that may not mean much on the surface, follows us.
FOX, who originally aired the show for 15 seasons, naturally wanted back in; after all they only ever put ‘Idol out to pasture due to the extravagant costs attached to its judging panel. For the new reincarnation, the plan was to not end up in such predicament. Put simply, no more outlandish spending.
For NBC, the appeal would be that ‘Idol would instantly solve the over-saturating issue of having two cycles of ‘The Voice’ airing yearly. There was also to be some kind synchronisation with the network’s other flagship series ‘America’s Got Talent.’
Yet, the latter is where the issue allegedly came in.
Freemantle also owns ‘America’s Got Talent’ and were, per the report, putting pressure on Core to go with NBC’s offer because of that.
On Core’s end, they allegedly felt – beyond there being a conflict of interest – the plan in place was designed to ultimately prop up AGT as the centre-piece of the talent-show field. A move that risked diminishing the historic value of ‘Idol comparatively.
The end result? A freeze; one which makes the likelihood of an ‘American Idol’ return…well…unlikely.
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Narratives like this really drive home the “business” side of “show business.”
Interestingly, this whole episode has played out during the same week ABC revealed they are tossing their wig back into the singing show arena. Their new series ‘Boy Band’ arrives this summer.