Spanish TV plans 'Idol' music contest for immigrants

Madrid, Dec 12 - Spain's TVE television will telecast a music competition in the 'Idol' category next year for immigrants who make up 10 percent of the country's 45 million people, Spanish news agency EFE reported Wednesday.

TVE officials Tuesday announced their programme 'Hijos de Babel' (Children of Babel), which will feature artistes from different countries and musical tradition.

'The idea is to provide an opportunity for musicians who are living among us in bigger numbers,' said Carlos Fernandez, TVE's content director, adding that he hopes 'it becomes a primetime programme'.

Casting has already begun and the competition is open to immigrants, children of Spanish expatriates and individuals of mixed nationalities.

Once they are selected, the contestants will be trained in an academy by three music producers before they join the competition.

The programme will also provide reports on the daily lives of the contestants and will show how these artistes have integrated into Spanish society.

A jury of music professionals will evaluate the participants' performances. The public will vote for their favourite artistes on the show through phone and text messages.

The three finalists will donate a portion of the money raised through calls and messages for humanitarian projects, while the winner will sign a recording contract for an album.

(c) Indo-Asian News Service

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