This Meeting Created The GLOBAL ‘Idol’ Franchise That Made Simon Cowell Famous
FOX Reading Time: 3 minutes
Ever wondered how hit show ‘Idol’ made it’s way to our screens? Well, it’s quite the story and it revolutionised TV talent shows for decades to come. Here’s how one meeting in a London office birthed the career of TV judge, Simon Cowell and created global popstars such as Kelly Clarkson.
The beginning of ‘American Idol’
The day that Simon Cowell and Simon Fuller met TV boss, Alan Boyd in his London office, revolutionised TV talent shows for decades to come. The meeting was focused on one thing, and one thing only and that was the creation of ‘Idol’. The show would follow a simple premise… the search for the next biggest pop star.
After much negotiation, the meeting was a success and both men had landed themselves a TV deal.
Finally, Simon Fuller had found himself a network to produce his show. Notes written by Alan Boyd saw Simon Cowell as the judge and a winner’s prize of 1 million dollars. Sound familiar?
The global success of ‘Idol’
So, how did Idol become so big? Good question – here’s how the geniuses behind the show made it GLOBAL. After huge success in the UK, with Pop Idol, the show was pitched to many US networks but was met with a bad response until Fox gave it a try.
Daughter of mogul, Rupert Murdoch, Elisabeth Murdoch, persuaded her father to give the show a try. So with that, Idol was given the all clear to air in the States. The TV Series, ‘American Idol’ debued on FOX on the 11th June 2002 with Kelly Clarkson taking the first ever winner’s title. Yes, you heard it, the very first season of American Idol created megastar and now talk show host, Kelly Clarkson!
It’s fair to say, the show was an absolute hit. Judge, Simon Cowell was a particular favourite among audiences for his brutal but honest words during the show. Not a lot has changed, has it Cowell?
‘American Idol’ vs ‘X Factor’ feud
After Cowell left Idol, Fuller sued Fox and new show X Factor, created by Cowell. This came about after Simon Fuller accused Cowell of stealing Idol’s show premise for the US version of X Factor. However, the case was settled under the conditions that X Factor would not air until 2011 on US TV. And, if the show did go ahead, Fuller would receive an executive producer role on the show. It was also later confirmed that under the agreement, Cowell would continue on the Idol panel for another 5 years.
X Factor left the USA in 2013 whilst the UK version continued to air on ITV.
Both Fuller and Cowell have now taken separate paths. Cowell is currently featuring on ‘The Band’, his new spin off show, which is currently airing on ITV and HULU.
American Idol returns to our screens early 2020 on FOX.
