US to Clone Eurovision song contest
A US music competition based on the Eurovision Song Contest is being developed by American network NBC.
The programme is intended to challenge American Idol, a ratings winner which is screened on rival network Fox.
A grand final with a singing representative from each US state and public voting is planned.
“Eurovision is the granddaddy of all talent shows and the Super Bowl of singing,” said Ben Silverman, chairman of series producers Reveille.
The Eurovision Contest has been running for 50 years and helped to launch the careers of Swedish pop group Abba and Canadian singer Celine Dion, both of whom were winners.
At last year’s contest in Kiev, a record 39 countries from across Europe participated, with Helena Paparizou capturing a first win for Greece.
The annual event, which is watched by millions around the world, is renowned for its wide-ranging performances and voting procedure.
Each country taking part gives votes for its favourite entries, most of which are determined by television viewers, while voting for your own country is forbidden.
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