‘Idol’ team to search for next big American band

Music groups of all ages, styles to compete in familiar TV format

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updated 3:10 p.m. ET May 10, 2007

LOS ANGELES - Reality shows can have spinoffs, too. The producers of “American Idol” are launching “The Search for the Next Great American Band,” a new talent series.

That’s a working title for the Fox show, which will “scour the country, seeking musical groups of all ages, styles and genres,” producers 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia North America said Thursday.

An air date for the show was not announced.

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For Fox, the spinoff means it’s expanding its dependence on the “American Idol” brand. The show is the linchpin of the network’s ratings success.

The format as described by the production company parallels Fox’s hit singing contest. The band competition will start with nationwide auditions, with judges then narrowing down the entries to 10 semifinalists.

Viewers will decide on who stays and who goes, with the three finalists to compete in a “showdown” for a record contract.

“If you thought ‘American Idol’ was intense, wait until you see what a band must go through for its shot at fame,” the producers said. Contest details were available online at www.americanidol.com.