Looks like Fox has been busy, busy, busy trying to line up all their ducks in a row after basically firing everyone except host, Ryan Seacrest. Not sure what is going on with Jimmy Iovine.
With the departure of Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick, the big question has been: “Who is going to step up to the plate and save this show? Who?
Well, Per Blankens that’s who!
Here is the lowdown as provided by The Hollywood Reporter:
“Swedish television executive Per Blankens steps in for Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick, who recently confirmed their exits from the Fox show.
FremantleMedia, one of three Idol production partners (including Fox and 19 Entertainment) today announced that Swede Per Blankens has been named executive producer of Idol for season 13.
The news comes on the heels of Nigel Lythgoe’s firing, which was officially confirmed over the weekend.
Blankens comes from the Swedish version of Idol, where he also served as executive producer.
Says FremantleMedia North America executive Trish Kinane: “Per is a creative and experienced executive who has been the showrunner on the blockbuster Swedish Idol for more than five season. He is extremely passionate about Idol and I’m very excited about his ideas and vision for keeping Idol creatively vibrant. He brings the talent and energy needed to keep American Idol strong.”
He sounds like a dynamite guy, but I am quite saddened that they couldn’t find someone with the same level of vision and passion right in the USA. I mean, come on! There are a ton of talented people out there, unless, of course, those Americans who were approached didn’t want to take on the show.
The upside is that Per Blankens is obviously invested in the Idol Franchise and perfectly understands the Idol machine.
Now, on to the selection of judges. What do you think of this new development? Comment away!
I’m open-minded about this, but Swedish Idol only lasted eight seasons. I’m not sure why or if Blankens had anything to do with it, but hopefully if there were mistakes made that he’s learned from them. And Swedish Idol was supposedly great in its early days, so we’ll see.
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