More role models on television

Hey ... I heard that a person of Pacific Islander descent is part of the competition on the FOX reality TV show, "The Next Great American Band". Apparently, the lead guitarist in the band "DOT DOT DOT" is a CHamoru. This would make up for the embarassing female hula dance performance by Sanjay Malakar on American Idol. This author does not believe that Sanjay did the dance out of disrespect ... it was done out of shear ignorance to the culture. I am happy that a person of Pacific Islander descent is represented in a nationally broadcasted competition and event. Pacific islanders have broken the sports barrier and are now represented in the NFL. Islanders have been involved in "sports entertainment" television a.k.a. "wrestling" for years. We need more role models of Pacific islander descent that will bring national attention to this region. It will give young Pacific islanders people to admire and look up to - people they can relate to. Let us wish "DOT DOT DOT" luck.

Producers of the mega-hit "American Idol" are looking for the best bands in the U.S. and are scouring the nation for musical groups of all ages, styles, and genres. Sorensen Media Group and Lotus Media Services Managing Director Evan M. Cohen said, "American Idol, just like the U.S. mainland, is part of our daily conversation and a television phenomenon on island." Sorensen Media Group CEO Rex Sorensen said, “Given the success of American Idol I am happy to announce that Guam's FOX 6 will premiere what is shaping up to be the next reality smash hit ... The Next Great American Band. The show will air on Saturday but it is already generating a lot of buzz across the nation.”
The Next Great American Band airs on Guam's FOX 6 on Saturday October 20, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. The winning band could win a record contract possibly worth millions. The Next Great American Band will narrow contestants down to 10 semifinalist bands. The bands will perform weekly before a live studio audience. The bands are tasked with playing both original music and various covers in a range of styles and genres. The show plans to push contestants’ comfort levels and limits, hoping for band squabbles and personality problems.
John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, percussionist and Prince collaborator Sheila E, and Ian “Dicko” Dickson of Australian Idol are judges of the show. Dominic Bowden of New Zealand Idol will host the new show. Cohen adds, "The fact that we had our own Guam Idol who won the right to audition before the producers of American Idol in Philadelphia only made the show even popular. The Next Great American Band is the next big reality show on television. Guam has real reason to tune in ... there's a real island connection that will excite everybody."
American Idol producers FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment are behind this new competition. People interested in following the show can also log on to www.myspace.com/americanband.