American Idol 2013 Season 13: Top 5 Things to Know about ‘Idol’ New Exec Producer Per Blankens
FremantleMedia North America announced on Monday that a new executive producer has been named to oversee the production and implement changes on American Idol. The announcement was made after confirmation that the show’s top honchos had already been sacked, following their failure to pump up the show’s ratings in the last few years.
Hopes are kept high for America’s most popular and highly endeared reality singing contest on television under its new leadership, with Swedish new Idol producer Per Blankens at the helm. But what do we know about Blankens? How can he turn around the show that has been suffering from low ratings in the last few years.
Here are the top five (5) things to know about American Idol new producer Per Blankens:
1. He will replace Nigel Lythgoe.
American Idol top officials confirmed over the weekend that long-time executive producer Nigel Lythgoe had been fired and the new EP is to replace him. Going with Lythgoe is his partner on the show, Ken Warwick. They were sacked following their failure to drum up the Idol ratings which continue to decline until the end of Season 12.
Lythgoe said, according to The LA Times, that he was not at all happy to leave the show, but clarified that he welcomes being replaced in the hopes for better show. Taking to Twitter last Saturday, Lythgoe said that “[he is] truly saddened to be leaving a great team of friends and colleagues.”
He noted, “However, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to maintain this incredible platform for America’s young talent. This will only happen with the success of the program.”
2. Idol Showrunner for Swedish version
As if assuring its millions of devoted viewers, FremantleMedia said in its statement that Blankens has made a name for himself after handling the Swedish version of American Idol and his creativity and leadership have been impressive.
"He is extremely passionate about 'Idol' and I'm very excited about his ideas and vision for keeping 'Idol' creatively vibrant," the executive producer for Fremantle, Trish Kinane, said in a statement, according to Fox News.
He managed Idol Swedish edition from 2007 to 2011.
3. Handled Swedish ‘Idol’ edition for five years
Blankens has been on top of the chaos and has consistently shown his ability to put together show-stopping performances from guests and contestants as EP for the Swedish edition for five years. The question is, “is the experience enough to replace long-time producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick?”
"He brings the talent and energy needed to keep 'American Idol' strong," Fremantle said in a statement.
4. Has overseen other reality TV competition shows.
‘Idol’ is not the only one Blankens has handled through the years. His creativity and great ideas on running a reality TV competition show have been utilised and maximised on other television programs. These include the Scandinavian iterations of “Master Chef” and “The Biggest Loser.” Blankens also served as managing director for Friday TV, which according to Variety is part of the Shine group.
5. He is up to the task as the show's new executive producer.
Blankens is seemingly fearless to try the road less traveled - - to regain its prestige and make American Idol No. 1 reality TV in the U.S once again.
“The Idol franchise is a worldwide phenomenon and I’m honored to be a part of the most popular of the franchises, ‘American Idol,’” Blankens was quoted as saying in a statement by Variety. “I can’t wait to get started as auditions for the new season are just a few weeks away.”
Do you think Blankens is the right man for the job? Does the show indeed need new leadership to have its ratings soar once again? Tell us what you think.
Online auditions for Season 13 began in May, the day after the final show for Season 12 on May 16, 2013. Auditions is scheduled to begin in July for the live show in January 2014. Judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj had also been confirmed as not asked to come back for next season. Veteran and head judge Randy Jackson bids adieu after last season and the show’s official hasn’t decided on Keith Urban’s future roles on Idol. Jennifer Hudson has also been confirmed new judge, but discussion on salaries has hampered final decision of her participation on the show.
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