9/20/03 Chicago, IL – Capitalizing on the success of its American Idol and American Junior series, Fox Television announced today that it will launch a new series featuring twelve senior citizens competing in a singing competition. The winner will receive a cash prize and a recording contract. TV’s Wil Wheaton, fashion designer Isaac Misrahi, and singer/songwriter Lil’ Bow Wow will judge the competition; television personality “Charo” will host.
Today’s announcement coincided with the beginning of “open call” auditions in Chicago, where 9 seniors greeted producers this morning outside the Wistell Center for the Performing Arts. First in line was 87-year-old Crystal Wilson, who traveled all the way from Philadelphia, PA, and waited in line for 46 hours for the chance to audition. “I have a feeling deep down inside that I’m gonna make it all the way,” Ms. Wilson said gleefully, referring to the flight of twenty steps into the theater. “There ought to be a ramp, but then again, this is Philadelphia.”
Rumors of the series’ development have been circulating for months, and many industry insiders have expressed doubt that the show will be able to attract an adequate portion of its target audience, namely viewers aged 14 to 36. But Ed Meeker, Senior Vice-President of Programming for Fox, is optimistic. “Charo is fun, fun, fun,” he said after the announcement. “Her sexy charm and hip outfits will show America that growing old can be hip and dangerous.” Charo, on vacation in Florida, could not be reached for comment.
What about the people in between the ages of 25 and 50? Are we concidered seniors too?
Posted by: Annette | September 03, 2003 at 05:10 PM
Will there be an audition for seniors (over 60 years old) in the San Francisco bay area in the near future?
Posted by: norm gilbert | November 28, 2003 at 02:19 PM
Will there be a contest in Florida? I am over 60 and play piano. I CAN WIN
Posted by: Tommy Johnson | December 29, 2003 at 06:02 PM
Will there be a contest in Florida? I am over 60 and play piano. I CAN WIN
Posted by: Tommy Johnson | December 29, 2003 at 06:04 PM
Extremely interested.
When/Where do auditions start?
Posted by: Al Buettner | January 02, 2004 at 04:22 PM
Will there be any try outs in Alabama?
Posted by: J. R. | January 02, 2004 at 05:03 PM
I would be very interested in an Idol program for someone my age....45..
Posted by: John | January 07, 2004 at 11:26 AM
Will there be tryouts in Las Vegas????
Posted by: F.E. | January 22, 2004 at 06:23 PM
When is a tryout and where? Age 58.
Posted by: Terrell Stanley | January 22, 2004 at 08:59 PM
when is the next senior american idol i am 47 yrs. old and would like to sing songe the i have wrote produced and arranged
Posted by: andre wilkes | February 05, 2004 at 11:50 PM
its about time that you had a senior idol.i am very interested in trying out. i live in ar. will there be any auditions close to that area?
Posted by: linda coleman | March 16, 2004 at 10:58 PM
I would like info on auditions Please reply to [email protected]
Posted by: Tommy Johnson | April 27, 2004 at 12:06 AM
I AM 45 AND LOOKING FOR THIS EVENT TO HAPPEN BECAUSE I LIKE TO SING
Posted by: MIKE MIKKAWY | April 27, 2004 at 12:21 AM
I am a 57 yr. old singer who performs regularly. I would like to audition for a "seniors" Idol, also. There should be a group for talent 35-60. How about it??
Posted by: Ginger | April 28, 2004 at 09:22 AM
Will there be an audition in New York? If so I would like information on how to register for an audition. Thanks Tommy
Posted by: Tommy McGrath Jr. | April 28, 2004 at 01:00 PM
I'm glad fox is doing a show for us seniors, but I only heard of this Tuesday morning on Fox News.
I suppose the adutions are already a done deal.
Does anyone Know the schedule??? Thank you for any information. Musically yours Wyatt
Posted by: Wyatt Hardin | April 29, 2004 at 12:09 PM
It's about time for showcase in senior talent!!
Please let me know when your next audition is, I live in Florida. I have been singing for years and have a very broad singing range. I can sing Sarah Brightman, Barbara Steisand, Celine,Jeanette Mcdonald,etc., etc.
Thank You,
Jacinta
Posted by: Jacinta Donnelly | October 29, 2004 at 09:39 PM
Yeah, what about us 30-somethings?
Posted by: Benny S. | December 22, 2004 at 02:00 AM
I AM 31! WHAT ABOUT THE AGE GROUP 29 AND OLDER. I HAVE SUCH A PASSION FOR SINGING BUT THERE ARE NO OPPORTUNITIES FOR MY AGE. YES I AM A WIFE AND MOTHER BUT I CAN SING ROCK AND BLUES MORE FROM THE HEART THAN ANYONELSE I KNOW. I CAN DANCE AND HAVE THE RYTHYM FROM MY LATIN HERITAGE BUT I CAN WAIL JUST LIKE JANIS JOPLIN. I JUST WANT A CHANCE. LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO IN FLORIDA. HEIDI
Posted by: HEIDI LOVEJOY | January 24, 2005 at 10:45 PM
I'm 54 and I'm excitedly waiting for news for auditions for seniors 40 and over!! After all we know REAL music.
Posted by: Marilyn R. | February 08, 2005 at 11:28 AM
I'm 53 and I'm excitedly waiting for the news of American Idol Auditions for seniors 40 and over. Hurry Hurry I want the good life too!! After all We know REAL MUSIC!
Posted by: Marilyn R. | February 08, 2005 at 11:32 AM
I am 55 female that has a patsy cline voice and have performed locally with bands and would like to see a senior american idol. I love to compete
Posted by: Kathy Wagner | February 08, 2005 at 05:03 PM
I am 45 yrs old. I believe if your talented age is never a factor!Where?When?
Posted by: Neil L. | February 17, 2005 at 09:51 AM
YOU NEED TO READ CORRECTLY. YOU HAVE ME POSTED AS 54 YEAR OLD WOMAN WHEN ACTUALLY THAT DESCRIPTION IS THE PERSON POSTED UNDERNEATH MY NAME. I AM ONLY 31 SO RE READ YOUR POSTED INFO CORRECTLY AND I WOULD APPRECIATE THE CORRECT INFO COMING UP ON THE WEBSITE
Posted by: Heidi Lovejoy | August 22, 2005 at 10:35 PM
I am very interested. I was in the 7th Army Chorus in the 60's. Where are the auditions
Posted by: Charles D. McDaniel | May 14, 2006 at 09:37 PM