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We caught this mid-season replacement while we were looking for something, and figured we'd watch. All in all it wasn't bad, but talk about your ripoffs. Three judges sit behind a table and watch as "talent" (and I use that word loosely) streams by them in search of their fifteen minutes of fame. Sound familiar? No, it's not American Idol. That starts next week. This is instead the public casting call for a new Broadway production of Grease. What an idiotic idea.

Read "Shows: Grease: You're the One That I Want" »

There have been a number of shows to come since American Idol first hit the scene a few years ago, all hoping to capitalize on the same sort of interest - getting the audience involved to a degree so that they simply cannot let go. This time around it's taken to an entirely new level.

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and if that's the case, this must be about as sincere as it gets, because this show is about as blatant a ripoff as you'll be likely to find. Three judges (David Ian, Jim Jacobs and Kathleen Marshall), one male host (Billy Bush) and a bevy of people who can't sing but think that they can.

Sure, there are a few changes, like a female host who shows up now and again (Denise Van Outen), a lot fewer aspiring stars, and an end result that will be different - the promise that whoever viewers choose will end up starring in a Broadway production. But all in all, it's the same show.

Read "Grease: You're the One That I Want Recap: Return to Riddell High" »