Jan 21 AMERICAN IDOL AROUND THE WORLD

Jan 21
AMERICAN IDOL AROUND THE WORLD

It’s January. Once again, I find myself breaking another New Year’s Resolution: NO AMERICAN IDOL. But I can’t help it! I tune in and say:“Hey, I’ll only watch a half hour or so.” But…before I know it…the whole family has gathered, glued to the TV. Soon everyone is screaming, gleaming, discussing: ‘No, he can’t sing.’ ‘What are you talking about? She’s great!’ ‘OHMYGOD That was gross!’ Let’s face it, American Idol provides everything: Comedy, Debate, Tragedy, Anguish, Elation. You simply just can’t turn away.

But don’t take my opinion, the stats back it up: It recently passed up ALL IN THE FAMILY as the only show to be #1 in Neilson ratings for six years straight. But what separates AMERICAN IDOL from other TV shows is its appeal AROUND THE WORLD. People in Singapore or South Africa would never love Archie Bunker. But they ADORE Idol! Credit Simon Fuller’s amazing format: Auditions, competitions, disgruntled Judges and a final vote from the people themselves. It captivates and makes one feel part of the show.

My son asked me during one of the long commercial breaks (An hour ofAmerican Idol is 40% commercials) about other shows in different countries. He wanted to know which countries had Idol shows as well. SoI did research and came up with some amazing results. ‘Idol’ shows have reached six continents. From ‘Canadian Idol’ to ‘Slovenian Idol’ there’s one to be found almost anywhere on earth. So I thought it would be fun to try a game. I’ve selected twenty countries from around the world. First, you have to guess if that country has a ‘Simon Fuller’ version of Idol. (There are plenty of knock-offs and plenty of lawsuits!). Then, you can get ‘bonus points’ if you know the name of the show in that nation. Good luck.

NATION IDOL SHOW? NAME

USA Yes American Idol
AUSTRALIA Yes Australian Idol
UK Yes Pop Idol*
INDONESIA Yes Indonesian Idol
SPAIN No --
GREECE Yes Greek Idol
JAPAN No --
TURKEY Yes Turk Star
CHINA No --
VIETNAM Yes Vietnam Idol
FRANCE Yes Nouvelle Star**
ESTONIA Yes Eesti ostib superstari***
CUBA No --
IRAN No --
BRAZIL Yes Idolos Brazil
KENYA Yes ‘Idols East Africa’****
MADAGASCAR No --
GERMANY Yes Deutchland Superstar
SLOVENIA Yes Cesko Slovenska Superstar
IRAQ Yes ‘Super Star: Middle East’

*The original idol
** The first rip-off
*** Winner was youngest ever
**** Part of larger idols show