David
11-14-2003, 08:13 PM
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/eo/20031114/en_tv_eo/12918&e=1
Kelly Clarkson is out to claim the global title in an international Idol showdown.
Fox announced Friday it would broadcast a two-part World Idol special on December 25 and January 1 featuring Clarkson and first-season Idol winners from 10 other countries competing in London for the chance to be crowned the ultimate pop superstar.
Belting out the hits alongside Miss "Independent" will be contenders from the U.K., South Africa, Poland, Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Lebanon, Belgium, Canada and Australia.
An international panel of judges, one from each country represented, will weigh in on the multicultural music mix after the Christmas Day performance. No word if Simon Cowell's snarky comments would fall under authority of the Union Jack or the Stars and Stripes.
Viewers from around the globe will then get a chance to vote on their favorite performers--though producers have yet to release how they'll balance the odds of, say, Belgium (population 10 million) against the U.S. (population 291 million).
And while winners have scored record contracts from their wins, this new contest is solely about bragging rights and kicking butt on a global scale for the World Idol title.
Based on the original British series Pop Idol, the songbird drama is now played out in more than 20 countries, which pleases mastermind Simon Fuller. "When I dreamed up the idea of Pop Idol, I always saw it as a global concept, and so I'm delighted to see World Idol being made in London," he said in a statement.
Fans who just can't wait for the return of their red, white and blue Idol--the third season premiere has yet to be announced--can tune in to American Idol: Christmas Songs on November 25 for a dose of yuletide spirit Fox style.
The TV special will feature past Idol champs Clarkson and Ruben Studdard, along with runners-up Justin Guarini and Clay Aiken and other favorite contestants performing classic holiday tunes.
Kelly Clarkson is out to claim the global title in an international Idol showdown.
Fox announced Friday it would broadcast a two-part World Idol special on December 25 and January 1 featuring Clarkson and first-season Idol winners from 10 other countries competing in London for the chance to be crowned the ultimate pop superstar.
Belting out the hits alongside Miss "Independent" will be contenders from the U.K., South Africa, Poland, Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Lebanon, Belgium, Canada and Australia.
An international panel of judges, one from each country represented, will weigh in on the multicultural music mix after the Christmas Day performance. No word if Simon Cowell's snarky comments would fall under authority of the Union Jack or the Stars and Stripes.
Viewers from around the globe will then get a chance to vote on their favorite performers--though producers have yet to release how they'll balance the odds of, say, Belgium (population 10 million) against the U.S. (population 291 million).
And while winners have scored record contracts from their wins, this new contest is solely about bragging rights and kicking butt on a global scale for the World Idol title.
Based on the original British series Pop Idol, the songbird drama is now played out in more than 20 countries, which pleases mastermind Simon Fuller. "When I dreamed up the idea of Pop Idol, I always saw it as a global concept, and so I'm delighted to see World Idol being made in London," he said in a statement.
Fans who just can't wait for the return of their red, white and blue Idol--the third season premiere has yet to be announced--can tune in to American Idol: Christmas Songs on November 25 for a dose of yuletide spirit Fox style.
The TV special will feature past Idol champs Clarkson and Ruben Studdard, along with runners-up Justin Guarini and Clay Aiken and other favorite contestants performing classic holiday tunes.