FOX's New Shows for the 2007-08 Season

The Next Great American Band

Premieres: Friday, Oct. 19
Airs: Fridays at 8 p.m.

The Pitch: It's "American Idol" only for bands

You don't believe the pitch? The producers of "American Idol" tailor their well-established format so that a variety of musical ensembles will go head-to-head in a variety of genres, counting on the American people to both watch and vote for their favorites. As if that isn't enough, producers have borrowed a host (Dominic Bowden) from "New Zealand Idol" and a judge (Ian "Dicko" Dickson) from "Australian Idol."

What They Got Right: Joining "Dicko" on the judging panel are Goo Goo Doll John Rzeznik and the always entertaining Shelia E, so we're at least initially amused. In addition, the show promises to let the musicians perform their own original compositions, with could either be awesomely good or awesomely bad.

What's Oh, So Wrong: Do you remember "American Juniors"? We didn't think so. While the "Idol" format was repurposed well on "So You Think You Can Dance," it hasn't always been solid gold.

Recommended If ...: You're jonesing for "American Idol" so bad that you'll even take your televisual methadone on a Friday night.

'The Next Great American Band' Video Preview

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