American Idol is taking over the world one piece at a time.
First, the company behind the show, FremantleMedia, is creating a summer camp for kids based on the series. Idol Camp, which is only for kids ages 12 and 15, is described as “fun-filled and [a] non-competitive training ground,” which means acerbic Brits probably won’t scream at the kids, nor will sober former pop idols not hit on them.
Instead, the camp “will include master classes from surprise celebrity guest performing artists, favorite former American Idol contestants and other top industry professionals,” according to a press release. “Daily instruction will also be provided in a variety of classes from singing, dancing and acting to song writing and audition techniques as well as traditional camp activities such as swimming and field sports.”
The camp is in Northfield, Mass., and Fremantle says there will be “limited enrollment and applicants demonstrating enthusiasm, dedication, a desire to perform and a passion for the arts,” with some students receiving “fully paid scholarships based on financial need.”
Meanwhile, American Idol‘s executive producers have been hired to executive produce the Emmy Awards show in the fall, Variety reports. “Nigel [Lythgoe] and Ken [Warwick] have consistently raised the creative bar with their innovative work on ‘American Idol’ and we believe they will continue to do so during their first Emmy telecast,” said FOX’s Peter Liguori, whose network will air the show this year.
There are no details yet on changes they plan to make, but Lythgoe said, “While appreciating the traditional and maintaining the high standards of past Emmy Award ceremonies, we will also be recognizing the ever-changing landscape of today’s successful television. It is a great honor and a wonderful challenge.”
American Idol Performing Art Summer Camp Launches [FremantleMedia press release]
Emmy telecast’s in ‘Idol’ hands [Variety]