Image Credit: Michael Becker/FoxA little less than two weeks after taking his bow on American Idol, I fear Simon Cowell has lost memory of a little thing called World Idol. Cowell’s rep confirmed today that the former Idol judge is in talks to put together a World’s Got Talent next year that would bring together 20 winners from across the globe for a mega-competition that all the other televised talent-based competitions will surely be jealous and afraid of.
But as you probably recall, the last time an international competition de force was attempted (2003-2004′s World Idol), it seemed less TV powerhouse than reality competition flatulence, with some judge opinions being the most odious thing of all — one even told a stunned Kelly Clarkson her performance was “not all that.” I called BS, as did Simon after the show, saying the show’s flawed format turned winners into losers. And he was right.
Of course, this show wouldn’t be purely a singing competition, and Cowell — who owns the Got Talent franchise — would likely be able to bend the format to his liking. Admittedly, it would be neat to see Poland’s winning acrobatic duet up against Portugal’s breakdancing champs Abstractin’. (Note: Clown warning! — I appreciate those and hope you do, too.) But what happens when it comes time to pit those acts against lost-in-translation acts like Hungary’s adorable young comic? Okay, they probably wouldn’t choose that kind of act for the show, but my point is, why set out to devalue another country’s talent?
Cowell’s rep told EW, “There have been discussions…nothing has been decided.” So let’s help them decide, PopWatchers. Yay or nay to World’s Got Talent? — Additional reporting by Jennifer Armstrong
Related:
We are the ‘World’
Simon Cowell confirms his departure from ‘American Idol’ this season
‘American Idol’: On the scene for Simon Cowell’s last night in the Idoldome (and, oh yeah, the results)
NAY
People in the U.S. just aren’t as enthralled with this franchise as the rest of the world. We don’t want to sit through dogs jumping through hoops to get to Susan Boyle.
So instead, we’ll let the Brits sit through all that junk and then just enjoy the winners.
Agreed. We love(d) Idol, and thats about it, the other shows never caught onto the States, which makes the X Factor such a gamble.
It will work on a world-wide basis, but the U.S. has too many dance and talent and singing shows….I think he’s run out of ideas.
NAY. This is a really stupid idea.
Simon Cowell always wants to make something into some kind of Miss Universe pageant.
Yay! If the idea is to have 20 winners for categories then that’s a splendid idea and Simon should go for it! If there are no judges, will winners be determined by public votes?
If American talent goes on the show, and I’m sure people will want to… Simon Cowell may not care if the US doesn’t watch but the rest of the world does.
Yuck World Idol was a disaster. I believe it was the Canadian judge who for some insane reason, didn’t enjoy Kelly Clarkson’s performance, while the rest of the judges RAVED about it (Simon going off on the guy was HILARIOUS). And some posters above me are correct. The people in the U.S. didn’t care about that show, hence Kelly didn’t win and some random guy with funny teeth did. Nothing “world” themed will work here. It could be an overseas success, but if Simon’s targeting U.S. success, this show would be a terrible idea.
I won’t read the aforementioned commentary –
Ahem !!!
“NEXT”!!!!!!!!!
I won’t read the aforementioned commentary –
Ahim !!!!!!!
“NEXT”. !!!!!!!
it would be nice if we could join the rest of the world in enjoying their talents,just as they watch ours. that we are so insular to think that only we are talented is insulting—understanding others and more than that -appreciating others is what makes for “peace and tolerance”.when satelitte cable came out i was hoping that that would mean that i would get other”s views.europe and asia have talent……….they watch ours-why shouldn’t we watch theirs.—i for one would like to see other countries versions of both idol AND talent. it makes for better entertainment than beavvis and butthead or the jersey shore or even the bachelor and bachelorette…………..jmo
No offense – but this article is really shoddy – too many flaws to mention — but the main problem is – unless you were a regular fan — well — it’s all over the place — disjointed – poor topic sentence and cohesion – and far too opinionated –
in any event:
the old adage can apply across the board here ( pop article and the new Simon venture)
that is:”
if at first you don’t suceed try, try again”
— Or: “next time – better”
sorry about being blunt — but, you’ll thank me one day !
May God Bless You Richly !
“if at fie