Cable channel Bravo said on Tuesday that "Going
Platinum" would premiere next year, with DioGuardi as head judge, and
country singer Jewel hosting the program. DioGuardi's departure from
"American Idol" after just two years was announced in September in a
major shake-up of the top-rated TV singing contest on the Fox network.
DioGuardi, 39, is an award-winning songwriter who has written for the likes of
Christian Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Celine Dion and Britney
Spears. "Hit songs are the backbone of the music industry, and as a
publisher, nothing excites me more than finding new songwriting talent,"
DioGuardi said in a statement.
"I am happy to be a part of a show that helps
up and coming songwriters pursue their dreams, while giving the public a look
into the creative process," she added. "Going Platinum" will
follow 12 contestants through songwriting challenges in genres ranging from
love ballads to dance tracks. The show will also highlight the personal lives
of the contestants. The winner will receive a $100,000 cash prize and a
publishing and recording contract.
