Yahoo picks up Simon Cowell’s DJ competition show, will premiere via Yahoo ScreenSimon Cowell Factor

Yahoo picks up Simon Cowell’s DJ competition show, will premiere via Yahoo Screen

In January 2012, former American Idol judge Simon Cowell announced his plans for a new reality tv show: an “X-Factor for DJs,” of sorts. Later that year, the project was scrapped because Cowell and his production company, Syco, fell into disagreement with then-partner Overbrook Entertainment regarding top billing on the show’s credits. Sony Pictures Entertainment, a second collaborator on the show, also dropped the assignment in failing to find a common ground with Cowell.

Just over two years later, Simon found perhaps an even stronger partner to bring his vision to life: SFX Entertainment. In capitalizing on the explosive nature of dance music, the two are readying themselves to premiere what is tentatively titled “Ultimate DJ,” — an American idol-styled show in which contestants will compete to be voted number one. The series will combine pre-recorded and live segments.

Yahoo will officially serve as the show’s distributor, and will air weekly once it premieres on Yahoo Screen. The platform hopes that by moving toward the music world, it will help capture greater audiences and keep a firm grasp on advertisers. While it is unknown how much Yahoo paid for the forthcoming series, the company may have a chance at profiting from Cowell’s work due to reality shows’ lower production costs.

Despite being condemned by Fatboy Slim and Gorgon City, it seems a bit too soon to predict the series’ success or failure. At its best it will inspire a new age of talent and foster a greater understanding of dance music culture, and at its worst it may fuel the money-hungry, superstar-seeking youth looking to become household names.

Via: Ad Age

Read More:

Fatboy Slim disapproves of Simon Cowell’s developing Ultimate DJ competition

Simon Cowell and SFX partner for ‘Ultimate DJ,’ television’s electronic music competition

Fatboy Slim turned down offer to judge Simon Cowell’s DJ contest, encouraged the show’s cancellation

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