Fox preparing 'Idol' for kids
HOLLYWOOD, California (Variety) -- Get ready for a pint-sized take on "American Idol."
Fox has pacted with the producers of the reality hit to mount a series some are dubbing "American Idol Jr.," though no official title has been set. Set to launch this summer, the new entry will be a sort of "Idol" spinoff that will focus on kiddie crooners aged 6-12.
"A lot of young fans (of 'American Idol') have dreams of being discovered," said a Fox spokesman. "This show will allow them to compete for that chance."
Still unclear is exactly how the show will work. However, producer Simon Fuller has talked about using a talent competition format to launch a kiddie band dubbed "The AJs" (American Juniors), and industry insiders said it's very likely the new Fox project will follow that pattern.
In an interview in Time's European edition, Fuller said the band might then star in its own feature film or in its own TV show, a la Fuller's S Club 7 format. Fuller is putting the finishing touches on a feature picture featuring the two finalists from the first U.S. "Idol"; it bows this spring.
It's unclear whether the new show will actually use the "Idol" name or have its own distinct identity. With Fuller and Fox focused on the current season of "Idol," as well as other projects, the parties involved haven't had time to finalize details.
The deal for the new Fuller show has been in the works for weeks, though Fox execs have been reluctant to talk about it because of the lack of details.
"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest essentially announced the new project on Wednesday's edition of "Idol," telling viewers that a new kiddie take on the show would be coming soon.
That prompted what a Fox spokesman said was an "overwhelming email response" from viewers seeking information about the new show. "There's obviously tremendous interest," he said.
ABC premieres Fuller's "All-American Girl" next week, while Fuller has teamed with "Idol" meanie Simon Cowell for the CBS relationship series "Cupid." He also has new projects in the works at ABC and NBC, including "My Special Guests" and an Olympic-themed competition.
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