FOX announced today that after completing his second run as host of FOX's wildly successful "American Idol," Ryan Seacrest will once again serve in the same capacity for the network's newest variety series, "American Juniors."
As previously reported, "American Juniors" will launch its summer season with a special two-part premiere, beginning with a one-hour audition episode Tuesday, June 3 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), followed by a second hour-long audition episode Tuesday, June 10 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The series' weekly performance episodes, marking the first time America can vote for their favorite performers, will then begin Tuesday, June 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Each Wednesday, the results of the previous night's vote will be revealed beginning Wednesday, June 18 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).
As he did on "American Idol," Seacrest will interact with the talent and judges, as well as guide viewers through the weekly selection process that will ultimately form a five-member pop group. "Ryan Seacrest has proven time and again that he is one of the premiere hosts in variety television," said Gail Berman, President, Entertainment for the FOX Broadcasting Company. "As an important member of the FOX family, and the face of 'American Idol,' he is obviously the best choice for the job and we are thrilled to have him join 'American Juniors.'"
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Seacrest is currently the host and executive producer of the No. 1-rated weekday afternoon talk show, "Ryan Seacrest for the Ride Home," on Los Angeles radio station Star 98.7 FM. In addition to his duties as the host of "American Idol" and "American Juniors," he is also set to star in and executive produce a weekly syndicated strip produced by Twentieth Television beginning in January, 2004.
Talent searches for "American Juniors" took place in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Chattanooga. During auditions, producers evaluated each contestant's singing and dancing abilities and, as part of the show's production, winnowed the group of thousands to 20 semi-finalists, ten from the 6-9 age group and ten from the 10-13 age group. Now America will take over and vote in ten finalists (five from each age group) from this group of twenty.
Each of the contestants will perform individually in Tuesday night's performance episodes and will be graded by a panel of judges. The home audience will then vote weekly for their favorite contestant. Results of the vote will be revealed during Wednesday night's show. Each week, the performer with the largest number of votes will advance into the final group of five. This final five, as selected by America, will become a new performing sensation.
"American Juniors" is executive produced by Simon Fuller, 19 Television and Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Chief Operating Officer, Production, FremantleMedia North America Inc. Nigel Lythgoe, Chief Executive, 19 Television and Ken Warwick of FremantleMedia serve as co-executive producers.
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