Member Since: 11/8/2011
Posts: 3,529
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The Voice Producer shades Idol, Mariah and Britney!
Quote:
THR: The Voice producer Mark Burnett has said the current coaches will not necessarily be back for the spring iteration. Where are you in the process of securing talent for that edition?
Telegdy: What we have always said is that a chair on the panel is not a job for life, nor should it be. Blake [Shelton] has said things like: "I miss the smell of the beer and the sawdust. I've got to be out on the road." I think the authenticity, relevance and credibility are all wrapped up in what they do and how they define themselves, which is as active, relevant touring musicians. That may mean a seat on the panel becomes available.
THR: How does Mariah Carey's reported $18 million fee from American Idol affect your ability to recruit talent?
Telegdy: It's not true, to be honest. In whose interest is it to claim a paycheck of that size? "Let me send a massive flare cannon up to the IRS because I want everyone to know exactly what I earn?" I hear these numbers bandied around, and the truth is very different in terms of what exclusivities you are getting, how many options you get, what kind of merchandising rights you have. Each deal is now as different as the next in terms of what you get for it.
THR: But does a number like that, true or not, hurt you as you're trying to sign other people?
Telegdy: As talent, there are times you're worth more and times when you're worth less. Mariah Carey was in the right place at the right time when Idol had lost Jennifer Lopez. I don't work for Fox, and I don't know what's going on over there, but I know they needed someone so bad that they probably would've put another $5 million on that contract if that person had dug their heels in harder because they have an asset to protect. You hear stories of cutting costs, and that's absolute nonsense. They will spend their way out of trouble, as they have to.
THR: Had you tried to get Mariah on NBC?
Telegdy: We made no secret of the fact that we think Mariah is an extraordinary singer, and her husband [Nick Cannon] is the host of AGT, but there are no hard feelings with Mariah for doing Idol. She's a great person, wonderful company, really fun and an exceptional talent. They should be humbled, delighted and grateful that she's doing the show.
THR: Would you shower similar praise on The X Factor's Britney Spears?
Telegdy: I think people's curiosity around Britney will always be there. Will it be around her as a panelist on one of these TV shows? That depends on whether she's good at it. She would never have been on a list of people to participate on The Voice, but that doesn't mean she's not a valid choice for another show. So this is not a "Telegdy Says Britney Couldn't Do The Voice" headline. I just think Britney is a different booking, not a singing booking.
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This is the true art of shade and how to throw it. Classy and elegantly. Learn Mr. Cowell, learn.
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