Chapter 219: The Bustling Auditions

American Idol's first roadshow didn't get much attention initially, but as the competition went on, more and more people began to pay attention to the show.

"What on earth is this guy singing? How did he even get on TV?"

"Haha, buddy, the judges all pressed the buzzer, yet this guy just keeps on going."

"Can you believe it? There's even aerobics! I mean, which school's cheerleading team is this? That's pretty impressive!"

Even the bystanders and the ratings research agencies were dumbfounded. The head of Nielsen swore he'd never seen such an upward curve before.

First of all, what's playing now is all recorded footage. Technically, it's all just highlights with no commercials running, right?

But having five million viewers to start with, and just in three days jumping to twelve million viewers? That's just not logical!

...

"Sir, are you sure you're not selling advertising now?"

"Take it easy, Barry. There's no way those jerks are paying big bucks right now. Buying the naming rights for five million? Not happening. If it's not ten million, don't even bother talking. It'd just waste our time."

"Alright, sir, understood. What's your estimate for viewership?"

"Less than thirty million, come find me. That can go in the contract."

"Thirty million? Okay, I'll handle it."

Barry Diller felt reassured. If the boss says thirty million, there's nothing to worry about. Those jerks can't get a bargain now.

...

"What? Not even for five million? Are they crazy?"

"Sir, NBC hasn't made an offer. Judging by custom, there tends to be some disparity."

"Tsk, they're nuts?"

For Mercedes, five million wasn't a big deal. They were actively expanding in the North American market, holding considerable advertising funds.

But no matter how rich you are, you gotta be frugal!

"Wait and see, I need the report from Nielsen as soon as it's available."

"Got it, sir. I'll keep an eye on their progress. Anyway, it's still just the preliminaries, so the viewership shouldn't exceed 13 million, considering yesterday was just the weekend."

"Yeah, let's keep watching."

...

Well, there wasn't much to watch since it exceeded 15 million the next day. The most frustrating part was that the audience was predominantly young.

For this data that left everyone speechless, Nielsen had no advice to offer. It's really hard to figure out if this was just a flash in the pan or a viewership trend that's here to stay.

Either way, the main show was definitely going to surpass the preliminaries. A top 32 direct face-off sounds crazy, doesn't it?

Next stop, New York. If Los Angeles had a somewhat harmonious live scene, New York was on fire.

Yeah, and there was some swearing too. "You can't hold the first stop in LA just because the boss is there; that's not fair."

Keep swearing, and we're leaving! Houston's still arguing. For real, this was all decided by drawing lots.

...

"Barry, increase the team immediately. One in the South, one in the North. The New York team doesn't need to come back; we'll start from Houston."

"Haha, boss, I was about to report this."

"I don't care about the rest, but I'm a Texan. First or second, fine, but if there's no third, those cowboys will get mad."

"Rest assured, boss, it'll take at most three days to sort it out."

"Alright, let's do it."

As for lot drawing and stuff, anyone who believes that is a fool; it's all just a gimmick.

...

"George, it's William White."

"Ha, it's rare to get a call from you. What can I do for you?"

"Actually, there is something. My TV station has a talent show."

"Yeah, yeah, but buddy, those guys aren't even as good as you."

"Quit joking, this is just the preliminaries. The top 32 are no pushovers. Listen, I'd like the winner to perform a song at the New Year's Eve party."

"Tsk, that's a tough ask."

"Nonsense! Crowned under the witness of at least 30 million Americans, and you're telling me it's tough?"

"Alright, alright, I'll try to work something out. But there might be some conditions."

"Don't worry, just don't expect me to marry his daughter, anything else works."

"Haha, the first daughter, what more do you want?"

[T/N: Patti Davis, born Patricia Ann Reagan.]

"Come on, she's had a tubal ligation. I'd just be wasting my time."

"Whoa, you know about that?"

"It's not news, okay? Anyway, she's like a punk and I ain't interested."

Hearing gossip he hadn't known, Bush Jr. was quite pleased and planned to seek help from his dad.

Houston's year-end party wasn't that grand, really. Though it was filled with successful folks, as William White noted, with over 30 million viewers, it's hardly a small deal, right?

William White could go to this party every year; he just hasn't wanted to. Maybe this year's an exception.

Honestly, asking Bush Jr. to help negotiate was also a way to smooth things over. Due to some past unpleasantness, the Elephants had taken quite a few hits.

"Hehe, no biggie. I'll sort it out. What's this show? Are you sure it'll hit 30 million in viewership?"

"I checked with some pals. They say 30 million's a given. This is just the highlights, not even the main event, and it's already at 15 million."

...

NBC was having a blast with this, but the other networks weren't so thrilled. It's like, how can you sell this much just with blooper reels?

Is this a variety show?

Rumors had it that William White was unhappy with the current beauty contests, so he decided to start from scratch.

Look at the winner's prize: a record deal worth a million bucks.

Alright, even if it's not PolyGram or Warner, the record company belongs to William White. Knowing that's enough. He could turn a theater extra into a star, so what's stopping him from making another?

Not long after William White took over NBC, he rolled out various strategies, and the ratings kept soaring. If this trend continues, it's not long before he takes the top spot for sure.

Geez, yet another million bucks.

Oh well, even if it's not cash, this record contract seems as valuable as real bucks.

Yes, if you want to make it in showbiz, a million won't make you a star. But a record deal is different. Everyone's a capitalist. If they're laying down a million, they expect you to help them make five million in return.

"Sir, we don't get it. This messiness can't beat beauty pageants."

"I know it's a mess. Problem is, audiences dig it. You guys think about it; maybe whip up a variety show."

Conversations like this were often heard at various American networks. The small fry were out of ideas. They weren't even on the same level and frankly couldn't wrap their heads around it.

At least with Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, there was something to follow. But American Idol? It's just a headache. At this rate, they'd practically run a season in half a year's time.

It's like they're so confident, they're saying outright it's just the first season. If you missed signing up this year, don't worry. Come earlier next year.

*****

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