American Idol to be Inducted Into Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame

NEW YORK, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Idol, the groundbreaking, Emmy Award-winning and top-rated FOX primetime series created by Simon Fuller and from producers FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment (a division of CKX), will be inducted into Broadcasting & Cable's Hall of Fame. The 21st annual awards dinner, honoring the broadcast industry's best, is set for Wednesday, October 26, at the famed Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

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"American Idol has been a broadcasting phenomenon from the moment it debuted, and it just keeps getting stronger," said Bill McGorry, Chairman of the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. "This honor is richly deserved for a show that has had such an unprecedented impact on the entire industry."

"It's always special when American Idol gets honored, and even more so when it is by a distinguished organization such as the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame," said Simon Fuller, creator of American Idol. "This show has entertained hundreds of millions of TV viewers and music fans around the world over the last 10 seasons, and I'd like to dedicate this award to everyone who has helped us stay true to our pure ideal of discovering and showcasing the very best new singing talent in America."

"This is an exceptional honor for all of us," said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia North America and executive producer of American Idol. "It is quite extraordinary and rare for a television show to receive such recognition for its achievements alongside some of the most accomplished individuals in the broadcast industry, and for that we are truly grateful."

"We feel incredibly privileged to be recognized in the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame," said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "Our entire American Idol team is honored to be a part of such a groundbreaking show, and we're very thankful to everyone who has supported the series for the past 10 seasons."

"The star power of American Idol takes what is already the industry's premier awards event and elevates it to yet another level," added Louis Hillelson, VP/Group Publisher, Broadcasting & Cable. "We are thrilled to welcome Idol into the Hall of Fame, and we look forward to what will be a truly unforgettable evening."

American Idol is an undisputed ratings juggernaut, has ranked as the No. 1 show for eight consecutive seasons and has shattered a series of long-standing television records. A bona fide cultural phenomenon, Idol resonates far beyond the scope of television. The show broke out from the unscripted genre by offering the viewing public a first: the chance for America to choose the next music star through telephone, text, and more recently, online voting. In 2011, the series finale garnered an astonishing and record-breaking 122 million votes, which was the highest number of votes in the show's history.

American Idol set out to prove that one audition can change the rest of someone's life. And it did just that by producing some of the biggest names in the music business, and the show's talent roster reads like a Who's Who of the entertainment industry including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry, Adam Lambert and David Cook. Idol finalists have also been awarded a long list of accolades, including nine Grammy wins.

Over the years, some of the faces have changed, but the goal of the show remains the same: empowering viewers to decide who will be America's next singing superstar. Emmy-nominated host Ryan Seacrest has been with the show since day one and continues to keep viewers engaged throughout each broadcast. Last year, Idol welcomed two new judges to sit alongside Grammy Award-winning producer and 20 year music industry veteran Randy Jackson on the panel for Season 10: Golden Globe-nominated actress, platinum-selling recording artist, movie producer and entrepreneur Jennifer Lopez; and multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, frontman of Aerosmith and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steven Tyler.

In addition to winning multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Kid's Choice Awards and People's Choice Awards, the show was honored with the prestigious Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Governors Award in 2007 for Idol Gives Back, which has raised nearly $185 million for U.S. and global charities. Most recently, series creator and executive producer Simon Fuller was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The upcoming 11th season promises to have some incredible moments, and as always, will feature plenty of not-to-be-missed surprises.

The 2011 class takes its place alongside the over 300 luminaries who have been recognized previously by Broadcasting & Cable Magazine.  Additional 2011 honorees will be announced shortly.

SOURCE Broadcasting & Cable