Thursday, October 3, 2024

“American Idol” Auditions Head to Baton Rouge for More Fake Fireworks

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“American Idol” auditions head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana now, with more fake fireworks planned among the judges. As everyone knows by now, in Charlotte, North Carolina Nicki Minaj picked a fight with Mariah Carey. The news mushroomed into World War III and cast a big spotlight on “Idol” sure to build ratings when the show returns in January.

All of this is planned, dear friends. Back in the day, it was Simon vs. Paula. And whether Simon would leave the show. Or Paula. This is what Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe were so good at: creating huge amounts of contentious publicity designed to attract viewers. You need it in the first few weeks before viewers have favorite singers to root for.

I was discussing this with a Fox TV exec, reminiscing about the PT Barnum days of fake “Idol” publicity. And now, it’s back! Nicki Minaj has been assigned the role of instigator. Mariah Carey is the victim. Who knows what they have planned for Keith Urban? Something wicked this way comes.

Baton Rouge may not be ready for this gumbo.

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

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