Simon Cowell Starts Online Singing Contest With YouTube
SAN BRUNO (CBS NEWS) - Haven't made it passed "American Idol" or "X Factor" auditions? Now there's another chance to hit it bib.
Simon Cowell has taken over television screens and radio airwaves around the world. Now he's taking aim at the Internet.
Cowell's Syco Entertainment empire and San Bruno-based YouTube announced Thursday that they are launching "You Generation," a global online talent contest that is seeking entries from people with "unconventional and original talents" -- from musicians and photographers to makeup artists, magicians and chefs.
Syco says the contest, which starts next month and is due to run for a year, will seek auditions in a different category of talent every two weeks.
Entrants can upload their pieces on a dedicated YouTube channel, to be viewed by the public and judged by professionals associated with Syco.
There will be prizes -- exactly what they are has yet be announced -- every fortnight and a grand prize at the end of the year.
Syco calls the initiative an experiment aimed at discovering new talent. It's the company's bid to tap the power of social media, which has launched millions of wannabe celebrities -- and some genuine stars, including Justin Bieber.
You Generation will be available in 15 languages and 26 countries around the world.
Meanwhile, Cowell's U.S. version of "The X Factor" continues to undergo changes. Britney Spears announced she was leaving, and reports say co-host Khloe Kardashian won't return for the new season.
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