Fame - The Next Big Thing?

With the phenomenal success of American Idol on Fox, it is no surprise that other networks are scrambling to get a piece of the ratings action. This week, NBC will debut its entry into the wacky world of reality/talent shows with Fame, a joint production of MGM Television Entertainment and Stone Stanley Entertainment. Debbie Allen, noted choreographer and star of both the 1980 movie version and television series of the same name, will serve as producer for the show. Joey Fatone of 'NSync notoriety will serve as host for the show, which premieres on Wednesday from 8-10 p.m ET.

While the timing of this premiere is certainly no coincidence, coming only one week after the finale of American Idol 2, this show is taking it to the next level and looking for undiscovered talent who can both sing and dance. "The enormous success of the movie 'Chicago,' as well as talents like J-Lo, Usher and Justin Timberlake have rekindled the country's appetite for performers who sing, dance and have that bigger-than-life presentation that have helped them achieve fame," said Debbie Allen in an interview for NBC Media Village. "I am looking forward to finding the best of the best!" And judging from the list of approved audition pieces that includes tunes by Ja Rule, J'Lo and Snoop Dog, this show promises to be a bit edgier than the more middle of the road fare typically heard on Idol and Star Search.

Open auditions were held in Miami, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Those chosen as finalists will be put through a rigorous "boot camp," run by Allen, where they will rehearse and perform in front of a panel of still unidentified "celebrity judges." And, surprise, surprise, the viewers will determine who goes home and ultimately who will be the winner. According to the official NBC website for the show, the winner will receive "an 'instant resume' - recording and management contracts, agent representation and a year at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, among other opportunities and prizes."

NBC is gambling that the pool of potential viewers has not yet overdosed on this genre and will put aside their Idol-mania long enough to get hooked on this show. Certainly many will tune in initially in an attempt to fill the void left by the end of American Idol. Whether they will make the same kind of commitment to this show remains to be seen. Many Idol fans have still not recovered from the emotional season finale and the controversy that continues to swirl around the show. But if NBC can make the viewers care enough about these contestants from the outset, they may well have a hit on their hands.

As always, RealityNewsOnline will offer complete, blow-by-blow recaps of this show as well as additional commentary. Here we go again!

Donna Reynolds is a freelance writer and technical writer from Syracuse, NY. You can e-mail her at dlrturtle@earthlink.net.

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